Awards
Winner of the Powercor Moira Shire Business Excellence Awards for Environmental Excellence.
Moira Shire Mayor Cr Ed Cox congratulated the nominees for their outstanding achievements and commitment to excellence.
"I would like to congratulate the award winners and acknowledge the high calibre of the nominees. The business awards are an opportunity to celebrate business excellence in the Moira Shire" Cr Cox said. Nominees have demonstrated innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership and commitment. These businesses and individuals have excelled in trying economic conditions and I once again congratulate them on their achievements," Cr Cox said.
Photo: Moira Shire CEO Gary Arnold, award winner John Padman and General Manager Telstra Country Wide Northern Victoria Robert Bell.
Winner of the national 2008 savewater! awards® Regional & Rural category
Judge’s Comments:
Padman Stops have been able to increase the efficiency of flood irrigation without increased energy use. They have shown potential to make significant future improvements in the industry by means of on-farm efficiency, as well as environmental improvements as a flow on effect.
Winner of 2009 Riverland Numurkah and District Business Excellence Awards
Padman Stops picks up two Awards at the 2009 Riverland Numurkah and District Business Excellence Awards.
Judges Comments for Excellence in Environment:
Innovation, perspiration and persistence. An Amazing commitment to an idea that has been thoroughly researched and trailed with clear benefits being seen and promoted.
The water savings through improved efficiency are evident in the field trials, not too mention the increased profitability being demonstrated.
A very clear environmental benefit to the whole community.
Judges Comments for Excellence in Industry and / or Agriculture:
This business has carved a niche for itself in the irrigation industry as a result of it's owner's inventiveness in creating the original Padman Stop device in 1990, a product that worked towards revolutionising the irrigation industry when first launched. The company is constantly innovating and improving its manufacturing processes. Its owner, John Padman, understands that networking is a key demand driver and he and his staff are actively involved with their customer base, even serving as an active member of the RDV Water Technologies Cluster. Padman Stops has been a previous finalist in the Moria Shire Business Awards and is this year a worthy winner.
Winner of 2008 Riverland Numurkah and District Business Excellence awards; Industry and /or Agriculture category
Judge's Comments:
Padman Stops is a truly revolutionary company. For over 20 years, owner John Padman has worked towards improving on-farm efficiency of flood irrigation with the invention of the "Padman Stop", and more recently through the "Fast Watering Trials".
The trials demonstrated water saving on three farms of over 180.92 megalitres of water, or the equivalent of 72 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
The company provides employment for 12 full-time workers, and services irrigators across northern Victoria and beyond.
In the current climate and in the foodbowl of Australia, it is fitting to recognise the outstanding efforts of Padman Stops to save water, which is such a precious resource.