Mr. Ashley Cox program Manager at RDA – Hunter said that the award provides important recognition of the organisation’s work to engage young people in mathematics and science and that our regions workforce will have a dynamic, skilled and passionate employee base giving us the ability to compete in a global market.

Mr. Williams said “The ME Programs ability to work with our regions schools and industry partners to achieve an increase in the uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in the HSC is a vital aspect of ensuring that the Hunter thrives in the future.

There is an increasing requirement for companies to keep up with advancements in technology and to do this we need a workforce with Maths and Science capabilities to give our region the edge in terms of innovation.”

Now it its eighth year, The Australian Business Awards is a highly regarded national program with an established set of business and product award categories assessing the core values of business excellence, product excellence, sustainability and responsibility.

The program engages with leading corporate, government and non-government organisations across key industry segments, including financial, manufacturing, professional services, energy, telecommunications, construction, transport, healthcare, education, food services and retail. Winners of the program are publicly honoured for their industry-leading initiatives and products.

Since the ME Program was launched in 2010, RDA-Hunter in partnership with Government and Catholic Education departments, TAFE, HunterNet, Newcastle University and over 25 industry partners has increased the uptake of key STEM subjects in the HSC many of which are in decline across Australia and the world.

Ms Tara Johnston, Program Director, The Australian Business Awards said, “Regional Development Australia – Hunter is a worthy recipient and has demonstrated a commitment to excellence that stands out amongst a dynamic field of Australia’s elite.

“The Australian Business Awards recognise our most innovative organisations, their outstanding achievements and contribution to the Australian economy. The awards raise the bar across all aspects of quality management and provide organisations with ways to review their business and product performance as well as identify their core strengths,” Ms Johnston adds.

“An Australian Business Award solidifies RDA-Hunter’s place as a leader alongside our best in business. As well as achieving outstanding outcomes, the honourees have enhanced the reputation of their professions and have demonstrated their best endeavours across business, industry and the community. Australia’s modernised economy is providing a stable platform for a wide spectrum of sectors to increase their competitiveness through concerted ICT development, manufacturing innovation, a dynamic services sector, a growing knowledge economy and a world class primary sector.

The Australian Business Awards 2013 saw one hundred winners (ABA100) announced across twenty business and product award categories. The business entries were assessed using key criteria covering planning, research and development, execution and implementation, impact and outcomes, performance management and industry contributions. The product entries were assessed using key criteria covering product features, benefits, performance and sustainability.

For more information contact Ashley Cox – ME Program Manager 0422 173 010