6 October 2004

NT Management Excellence Awards Winners Announced!

Winners in the 2004 Northern Territory Management Excellence Awards were announced today, with the Professional Manager – Private Sector, Professional Manager – Public Sector, Owner Manager and Young Manager announced in front of a sold-out crowd at the Holiday Inn Esplanade.

Michael Scott, Groups Manager, Mirambeena Hotels was awarded the Professional Manager – Private Sector crown for his ability to “ get the job done through skills and use of the team that he works with”.

The judges specifically commented on Michael's commitment to the industry and the Territory, demonstrated by his leadership roles in a number of tourism bodies.

The Professional Manager – Public Sector award was taken out by Larry Bannister, Director OTD, NT Government , who has demonstrated a capacity across a variety of large and diverse projects, to successfully manage complex tasks through building specialist teams and through flexible, innovative solutions.

The judging panel commented that Larry displays a strong vision for Territory development and commitment to growing the skills and opportunities of Territorians.

Owner Manager of the Year winner Tony Morgan , Managing Partner, Morgan Buckley demonstrated a very broad knowledge and skill base that extends far beyond his content area of law. The panel was impressed with Tony's strategic drive for the company and commitment to leadership, strong business performance and employee management.

The final award, Young Manager of the Year, went to Craig Bond, General Manager of Saville Park Suites Darwin. Juges found that Craig had an appreciation for good management which was clearly demonstrated with examples of contemporary, collaborating management abounding.

Craig manages a complex, risky environment on a 24/7 basis with largely young, highly transient staff in a volatile industry. He has increased profitability by 50% in this environment.

The NT Council of the Australian Institute of Management also conferred the National Australia Bank Medal for Management Innovation. Awarded to Michael Bridge, CEO of Airnorth for his ability to engineer and oversee not one but two airline industry "firsts" for this country, namely taking over two South Australian regional airline operators and conceiving, and then overseeing, the creation of the Regional Link organisation.

Further information about the Management Excellence Awards can be found at www.managementawards.com.au