$5000 Cash Prize for 2021
From adversity and challenge, new opportunities emerge and that is certainly the case for any business entering the 2021 Gippsland Food and Fibre Awards.
There is now a $5,000 cash prize on offer for the winner of the Gippsland Agribusiness of the Year, and every business entering any category is in contention to win.
With ongoing COVID-19 restrictions putting an indefinite hold on international travel, one of the founding program partners and Gippsland Agribusiness of the Year sponsor KPMG has collaborated with the Food & Fibre Gippsland team to re-create a 2021 friendly version of the prize for this prestigious title.
Funds ordinarily required for the international airfare and accommodation associated with a global agrifood insights study trip will now stay in the region and allow a business owner to re-invest their $5,000 cash prize in themselves or their business.
The winner will also connect with the KPMG Agrifood Tech Team to create a specific winner’s “package” that may include access to KPMG thought leaders and events to support their business in its next stage of growth and innovation.
KPMG’s Head of Agrifood Tech, Ben van Delden is delighted to continue their association with the FFG awards program, adapting to the current conditions in a way that will still generate significant benefit for the individual business and the region as a whole.
“Gippsland plays such an important role in Australia’s food and fibre production, so by pivoting this year to offer the Gippsland Agribusiness of the Year access to KPMG’s resources, insights and thought leaders, we’re looking forward to working closely with the winning business in a way that is bespoke to their needs at the time “.
Food & Fibre Gippsland CEO Nicola Pero is encouraging businesses of all sizes to get their entries together and submitted by September 19.
“Rather than hold onto this $5k until international travel might be possible, together with KPMG, we decided to let it have some positive impact right now – when there are many businesses needing a spirit lifter at the end of what has been another extraordinary year of circumstances and events”
“We’re really looking forward to seeing the entries, celebrating the achievements of the people behind the scenes, and rewarding their success across the premier and category awards. “
Alongside the Gippsland Agribusiness of the Year sit two other highly regarded accolades ; the Young Agribusiness Leader of the Year, supported the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Female Agribusiness Leader of the Year, supported by Leadership Victoria.
Winners of these awards secure themselves a place in the TRAIL Emerging Leaders Leadership Program and the Women’s Leadership Program, supporting them to grow their leadership capacity and help their businesses thrive.
After managing the Awards program for the last two years, Kate Foster has moved on to the role of Manager, Economic Development at Wellington Shire Council. In her place is the Efficiency Coach Liz Fleming and Liz is available to guide businesses through the entry process, helping them bring together the best information for their entry and category.
It’s easy to connect with Liz to get your entry done – just email awards@foodandfibregippsland.com.au or call 0405 541 460 during business hours.
An awards program like this is simply not possible without a dedicated cohort of corporate, government and industry organisations whose support has not wavered since the program’s launch in 2019.
This includes gold partners NAB, Southern Rural Water and TAFE Gippsland as well as silver partners Commonwealth Bank, Dyers Transport and Federation University. Local Government support comes from every LGA in the region; Bass Coast Shire Council, Latrobe City Council, Baw Baw Shire Council, Wellington Shire Council, South Gippsland Shire Council and East Gippsland Shire Council.
This dedicated partner group has expanded this year to include a new gold partner in Gipps Dairy, new silver partners Bega Cheese, Telstra, and Vic Forests, whilst Regional Development Australia joins Food Innovation Australia Limited and Latrobe Valley Authority in the government and industry partners group.
Every business who submits an entry is in the running for the $5,000 cash prize, so get your entry before September 19!
