21 April 2004

The Search has begun for the Northern Territory's Top Managers

The Hon. Paul Henderson, Minister for Business and Industry Northern Territory kicked off the call for nominations and officially launched the 2005 Management Excellence Awards at an official cocktail function hosted by the Northern Territory Government in Darwin on April 6th.

The Northern Territory Administrator, His Honor Ted Egan, Minister Henderson, Territory dignitaries, key leaders and an alumni of past winners gathered at Parliament House as this years search for Territory Managers who stand out in the crowd began.

Professional Manager of the Year for 2003 and Manager Technical Services, Department of Defence, Anne Bradford moved the crowd with her passionate and positive recollection of her Management Excellence Awards journey.

“The Management Excellence Awards process is one which allows time for invaluable self reflection. It is a journey that allows in depth self appraisal and provides affirmation that as a manager you are accountable, capable and worthy of your successes,” said Ms Bradford.

“I encourage managers anywhere to consider nominating themselves or a colleague so that they might share in and benefit from a program that affords participants tangible rewards,” Ms Bradford said.

According to Meriel Corbett-Weir, Australian Institute of Management NT Council MEA Chair, it is often easy to let achievements go unnoticed, which is why the Management Excellence Awards make such an important contribution on all levels. Not only do they recognise achievements of the individual but through the process deliver dividends back to their organisation, team and business community. Recognising and encouraging managers of calibre to ‘stand up and be counted’ develops the value of intellectual capital in the Territory, highlights professional profiles of the public and private sectors and fuels the journey towards management excellence.

“As a result of the MEAs, managers and leaders have the opportunity to grow, connect with and inspire other managers, and receive validation for their achievements

“The application process for the MEAs provides a range of benefits, including the rare opportunity for managers to examine their successes, and develop further as business professionals,” Ms Corbett-Weir said.

In 2005 the MEAs will award the categories of Professional Manager of both the Public and Private sectors, Owner Manager and Young Manager with finalists from throughout Territory competing at the Final in Darwin on October 15th.

The word is out and nominations are pouring in Ms Corbett-Weir said – “the MEAs have obviously secured their place as the awards of distinction for the NT – we all look forward to another thrilling ride which will culminate in the Territories night of nights – the MEA Gala Ball on the 15 th October. See you there!”