2007 Black Tie Blog

Rural/Remote Manager of the Year

Now it's time for the first award of the evening... the Rural/Remote Manager of the Year, sponsored by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

Introduced in 2003, Rural/Remote Manager of the Year is for managers who live and work at least 75 kilometres outside their nearest AIM network or provincial city.

The Institute defines Rural/Remote Managers as those who manage extensive properties, lead within the primary industries sector or operate a leading business remotely.

Presenting the Award this evening is Tony Rayner, Acting Assistant Director General - Regional Delivery, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries.

The 2007 State Finalists for the Rural/Remote Manager of the Year are:

Lisa Cooper
Manager, Tableland Community Link Association Inc
representing Cairns

As the Manager of Tableland Community Link Association Inc, Lisa has been proactive in shifting the mindset of working within the organization - from one of fear and oppression, to motivation and openness. Inspired by the innovation and individuality shown by how rural communities approach local issues, Lisa adapts this way of thinking to her management in the workplace. The judges believe Lisa is an inspirational leader and is developing innovative ways to deal with issues in what is a traditionally challenging sector.

Jill Loane
Programme Coordinator, Community Resource Centre, Banana Shire Council
representing Gladstone

Throughout her time as Program Coordinator at Biloela Community Resource Centre, Jill has developed unique services, systems, polices and procedures that are designed to continue beyond her time at the Centre. As team leader, Jill takes pride in having an intimate knowledge of all areas of the CRC, enabling her to be involved in all staff and work decisions, and encouraging and motivating her team. She believes that the corporate values that she has embedded into the workplace serve as keys to the foundation of managers that follow her. 

Debra Newbold
Factory Manager, Thai Epicurean Products t/a Spirit House
representing the Sunshine Coast

As the factory manager of Thai Epicurean Products P/L, Debra’s determination has seen her upgrade the level of skill in her staff. By forming a skilled research and development team, she has increased the flow of new business. Furthermore, her vision to redesign the plant and equipment has improved workflow and seen an increase in productivity. These changes, teamed with fostering a group focused management style have lead to Debra’s success in taking her staff from strength to strength. The judges believe that Debra shows a genuine concern for developing and empowering staff to bring out the best in them, and has great passion, enthusiasm and pride in the company.

Craig White AIMM
Senior Sergeant in Charge, Gladstone (formerly Sergeant Officer in Charge, Anakie), Queensland Police Service
representing Rockhampton

Since increasing crime detection rates in his division in Anakie by 200%, it is evident that Craig’s determination and specific focus on strategic planning have been effective.  Coupled with providing direction and support, he believes that a reputation developed through consistent, ethical decision making is fundamental to managing a group of people.  Craig’s commitment to successful management is one which is aimed at benefiting the safety and welfare of the wider community.  The judges have chosen Craig for his ability to manage in a complex and changing environment and ensuring milestones are met in a timely manner. Craig has now been promoted to the position of Senior Sergeant in Charge – Gladstone.

Robert Ries
Campus Manager, Chinchilla, Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE
representing Toowoomba

Robert has been in management collectively for over 20 years. Since being at the Southern Queensland Institute from 1999 Robert has taken on a multifaceted role of managing all aspects of administrative and educational areas of the campus.  Robert is motivated, focused and often seen as a visionary. As a person who doesn’t accept failure, Robert is outcome driven, and believes that adaptability is the key to surviving in the changing global market.

Margaret Cumes
Director of Nursing/Acting Day Respite Co-ordinator, Blue Care - Burdekin
representing Townsville

Recognising the pending shortage of appropriately qualified workers, Margaret took the initiative to develop a multidisciplinary team at Blue Care. In doing so, she increased staff stability, professionalism and commitment. As a flexible and loyal manager, Margaret sees the importance of kindness and positivity at work. She has successfully developed a family oriented workplace, and aims to make all members feel valued for their contribution to the team. She demonstrates the ability to move seamlessly between roles, willingness to take on additional duties to get the job done, commitment to consultation and change management.

And the winner is...

Keynote address

This year we are joined by international comedian Scott Williams.

The Australian public has been quick to recognise Scott's talents - not only as a comedian but as a presenter. He delivers a natural blend of sharp observation and dazzling improvisation... and tonight is no exception. Many laughs are being had!

Comments from the floor...

Attendees at the Gala Dinner are invited to send their comments to the blog via SMS...

- Absolutely fantastic night!

- Attitude determines your altitude!

- Great night

- Congrats all finalists.Best wishes the Lightfoots, table 52

- Give me a C, Give me an A, Give me an R, Give me an M, Give me an E, Give me an L, Give me an A. What does it spell? CARMELA! U GO GIRL!!!

- Love Heather and her dress who is the designer and also if you are good looking log onto www.ployme.com.au

- Hi to Francis table 50

Interlude

There will be a short pause in proceedings while the folks here enjoy their main course... hope yours at home is just as delicious!

Congratulations to Dr Maha Sinnathamby

AIM would like to congratulate the recipient of the 2007 Fisher & Paykel Medal for Management Innovation:

Dr Maha Sinnathamby
Chairman, Springfield Land Corporation

Watch Maha's acceptance speech:

Fisher & Paykel Medal for Management Innovation

The first presentation of the evening is the AIM Board-conferred Fisher & Paykel Medal for Management Innovation.

This year's Medal is presented by Marion Barron from Fisher & Paykel.

This Invitational Medal was introduced by the AIM Board in 2002 in order to recognise the significance of innovation to the ongoing prosperity of this state and nation. The philosophy behind the Medal is to celebrate those leaders who have explored, embraced and modeled innovation.

It honours a Queenslander who has developed a concept or practice that has significantly improved or changed the industry or sector in which they work.

If there is one common driver shared by both Fisher & Paykel and the Australian Institute of Management, it's our joint commitment to innovative living.

Fisher and Paykel are delighted to once again sponsor the Medal for Management Innovation. Innovation is our heart. We aim to innovate in all we do, from the big ideas through to the detail. And that’s the determined approach we have observed in previous medal winners.

AIM has always believed in the importance of innovation and is clear about its meaning. For AIM, innovation a process of leveraging creativity to capture, develop and implement new ideas to create value through new products, processes, business and management concepts. At its heart innovation is about change that adds value.

The AIM definition of Management Innovation is the determined, rather than serendipitous, creation of a culture where new ideas are generated, valued, rigorously evaluated, supported and implemented.

It is about institutionalising innovation so that innovation becomes a hallmark of the organisation itself and the how the organisation brings its goods and services to market.

In previous years this Medal has been awarded to Queensland innovators – Brett Godfrey from Virgin Airlines, Graeme Wood from Wotif.com, John Stainton, manager and producer of the late and much loved Steve Irwin, Mark Henry, founder and design engineer of Furitechnics, a worldwide knife phenomenon and in 2007 Deborah Fleming, Executive Producer of the ABC’s Australian Story.

It gives me great pleasure to announce that the recipient of the 2007 Fisher & Paykel Medal for Management Innovation is Dr Maha Sinnathamby, Chairman of the Springfield Land Corporation.

Welcome from the MEA Chair

Helen Brodie FAIM, Chair of the Management Excellence Awards, welcomes guests...

Transcript:

Good evening ladies & gentlemen. I have the privilege of being your AIM host for this prestigious Awards ceremony.

In March this year we launched the 2007 Management Excellence Awards at AIM’s Club 50 Chairman’s Luncheon and here we are already – soon to announce our Award recipients.

A little earlier our MC gave us a snapshot of the Awards program. I would like to add that in 2007 the Awards received record nominations.

This year there was a 30% increase in nominations across the state... that’s unheard of in Awards programs in this country. I believe this is attributed to the continued relevance not only of the Management Excellence Awards, but the desire to recognise outstanding individual management talent.

To be part of these Awards provides a wonderful opportunity... Participants benchmark their management skills against other successful managers and leaders across Queensland, the opportunity to expand networks or business contacts is unmatched, there is invaluable time for career reflection and personal growth and you can be recognised for your influence on the careers and lives of others…and of course the quality professional development and feedback from industry leaders is rare and insightful.

The Australian Institute of Management is “in the business of enhancing careers”. This gives us scope to help managers at all levels enhance their skills, plan their careers and climb as high as they choose in the world of work. 

Every year tens of thousands of people in this state, and hundreds of thousands of people Australia wide, make use of AIM network services. Few realise the depth and breadth of AIM’s operations and our fierce commercial resolve, which in turn underpins investment in a range of innovative programs and services... from executive coaching to online learning… from Australia wide publishing to certification in business and management.

Tonight you will meet a range of candidates from cities throughout Queensland. We have 29 finalists here from 8 regions. These finalists share that the MEAs have provided a unique experience which includes the opportunity for self reflection, affirmation or a change in direction.

The Management Excellence Awards are in their fourteenth year here in Queensland. Over that period of time we’ve had nearly ten thousand nominations, resulting in over 2500 applications, 300 finalists and winners from all corners of the State.

56 per cent of State level winners have come from Queensland’s regional areas and 44 per cent from metropolitan Brisbane. Think about the cumulative impact of these Awards on city spirit, business, morale, innovation and personal growth... just amazing.

Over the years we have heard stories of how being a finalist or winner has changed peoples’ lives... brilliant new job offers, new investors, recognition from unexpected places and increased profile.

These Awards ensure that we create better managers and leaders for a better society. I have taken a special interest in the judging framework for these Awards so I can assure you of the rigour and transparency of the process.

Over the years many people have asked, “Do I have to be a member of AIM to participate in the MEAs?” The answer is, absolutely not. The Institute exists for all managers and leaders as does this Awards program... can you tell we’re really proud of it?

Our sponsors partner with us because our reputation in the management, leadership and innovation space is renowned.

We partner with you as leaders in your respective industries because you reflect the values and behaviours that we admire. I would like to acknowledge our sponsors one by one. Without our sponsors we could not bring you an Awards program on a fabulous night like tonight.

And last but certainly not least some thank yous firstly to  our judges, who are themselves industry leaders and successful business people. Each year, as much effort goes into choosing the judges as it does into seeking high calibre nominations. Many of our judges are here with us tonight... the Institute acknowledges the time and energy you have expended... keep spreading the good word.

I would also like to thank our Regional Committees for the groundwork they do in getting nominations and creating the regional awards. We also have a State Committee of representatives from the business community as well as members of the Management Team. I thank each of them for their input, their ideas and for their dedication in creating the journey to get us to this event.

A special thank you to Cheryl Andersen our Awards Coach and David Hoey and his team for all the behind the scenes work. Our own CEO, Carolyn Barker mentors all the AIM people to ensure the best experience is had by all. As Chair of the Management Excllence Awards it has been a delight to work with all these passionate people.

Tonight our finalists will contest for Professional Manager of the Year, Owner Manager of the Year, Young Manager of the Year and Rural/Remote Manager of the Year... good luck!

Thank you to our sponsors

Every year the Management Excellence Awards is supported by exceptional businesses.

We would like to say thank you to our 2007 sponsors:

Award category sponsors:

Commomwealth Bank of Australia - Professional Manager of the Year

Australia Post - Owner Manager of the Year

Griffith University - Young Manager of the Year

Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries - Rural/Remote Manager of the Year

Medal for Management Innovation sponsor: Fisher & Paykel

Major Media sponsor: WIN TV

Print sponsor: CPX Printing and Logistics

Wine sponsor: Witches Falls Winery

Thank you all for your continued support of the Management Excellence Awards.

Opening entertainment

The ballroom goes to black and then a lone voice is heard. But this is no ordinary voice, it's none other than our original Australian Idol, Mr Guy Sebastian!

Guy starts with his rendition of Prince's When Doves Cry and a fantastic melody of other crowd favourites. Awesome.

Then, as a special treat for AIM's CEO Carolyn Barker, he follows this with a rousing rendition of Climb Ev'ry Mountain. It's just as memorable as Guy's Final 3 performance back in 2003, and one that the audience will long remember.

3...2...1... Lift off!

Welcome one and all to the 2007 Queensland Management Excellence Awards, presented by the Australian Institute of Management.

Once again we are blogging this spectacular event live so those who are unable to join us here at the Sofitel Brisbane can still "tune in" to all the action.

On this year's Black Tie Blog, not only can you follow along by hitting refresh on your browser and see the winners announced in real time, you can also watch selected footage from the evening including the winners' acceptance speeches.

Before we get to the Awards we will be enjoying fabulous food, wine and entertainment... we'll be posting more shortly so keep refreshing that browser!

Don't forget to send in your comments!