NATIONAL ECONOMIC AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC MADE IT NECESSARY TO MAKE CHANGES TO THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE PROGRAM LAST YEAR . HOWEVER , ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA WAS THRILLED TO RECOGNISE THE REMARKABLE INDIVIDUALS WHO DEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP AND EXCELLENCE THROUGHOUT THIS CHALLENGING PERIOD . THE WINNERS IN THE FOLLOWING HONORARY CATEGORIES WERE ANNOUNCED AT THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CONFERENCE IN LATE 2020 .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RISING STAR AWARD This award recognises outstanding achievement by a young , emerging leader in the economic development profession .
WINNER Ryley Heap Developing East Arnhem
Ryley Heap joined Developing East Arnhem ( DEAL ) in November 2019 . Ryley is leading the growth of the tourism industry by working collaboratively with stakeholders and Traditional Owners in East Arnhem . His work illustrates that tourism can drive economic growth and meaningful employment , benefiting local communities .
HIGHLY COMMENDED The results in this category were so close , the judges made the unusual decision to present a Highly Commended award to Beau Reid , City of Parramatta .
Beau Reid City of Parramatta
Ryley Heap
Beau commenced at the City of Parramatta in 2018 and has made
VOL 14 NO 1 2020 14 www . edaustralia . com . au