Business SA Export Awards

Mr WHETSTONE (Chaffey) (15:52): I would like to rise today to acknowledge and congratulate the Business SA 2016 export awards winners and finalists. I was privileged to be able to attend the awards ceremony just a week or so ago and it was a pleasure to see all of the budding new businesses, the businesses that have been in this space for some time and the exporters that are our shining light in South Australia and, again, driving our ailing economy, because these exporters, many of which are small to medium-size businesses, are vital to our economic future in South Australia.

I understand there was a record number of entries at the awards. As a state, I have no doubt that we can do more to assist our exporters and open up the doors across the world and in turn grow the economy and create jobs. These businesses are a key part of that vision, and I note that a number of the winners in 2016 have been recognised in these export awards in the past. I was very proud to be there and to watch the Exporter of the Year and the Regional Exporter of the Year go to Almondco Australia, a great Riverland business. Renmark-based Almondco has gone from strength to strength, growing its exports with more than half of its almond kernels currently shipped to the Middle East, South-East Asia and Western Europe.

Almondco is a world leader in the industry, supplying almond products since 1944, with the cooperative sourcing almonds from about 85 per cent of Australia's growers with well-established export markets in over 40 countries. I would like to congratulate the Almondco team, management, workforce and particularly its growers on a world-class product. Rising Sun Pictures won the Statewide Excellence Award. Rising Sun Pictures has been creating inspirational visual effects for international blockbuster films from its base in Adelaide's CBD for 20 years and was recognised for sustained success in overseas markets.

The Agribusiness Award went to Thomas Foods International, a great South Australian family company. Thomas Foods International began operation in 1988 and today has grown so much that its annual revenue is well in excess of $1 billion and it is Australia's largest 100 per cent family-owned meat processing company. The company exports meat right across the world, and recently signed an MOU with Thailand's CP Group to build an advanced food processing centre to produce ready-made meals for export. They export to over 80 countries around the world. It is a testament to their 3,500 employees.

The Creative Industries Award went to FCT Flames. FCT Flames specialises in the design, manufacture and operation of spectacular flame effects. They were the company that produced man-made flames for the Sydney Olympics, the Athens Olympics in 2004 and, most recently, the Rio Olympics. FCT International employs about 25 people here in Adelaide, and it is great to see them recognised. The Education and Training Award went to Flight Training Adelaide. Established in 1982, Flight Training Adelaide is a flying college that has set the benchmark for delivering flight training to airline pilots worldwide. It has approximately 45 aircraft, eight simulators, and theory classrooms to train its students. It is a world-class business.

The Environmental Solutions Award went to Sentek Technologies, another great company here in Adelaide pioneered by two great Peters, Peter Buss and Peter Weir, in the Riverland. Past Exporter of the Year winner Sentek provides sensors and solutions for precision management of soil water and salinity dynamics. The company's products have gained international credibility and are sold right around the world. The Health and Biotechnology Award went to Vaxine, another fantastic Adelaide-based company. Vaxine was incorporated in 2002 as an Australian biotechnology company focusing on the development of innovative vaccine technologies.

The Digital Technologies Award went to BAE Systems. Another impressive South Australian business, BAE Systems is Australia's most versatile defence and security company. The Manufacturing Award went to RJE Global, based at Morphettville. They provide multidiscipline engineering services and they do an outstanding job. The Minerals, Energy and Related Services Award went to Wilco Technologies, based in country South Australia at Kimba. Wilco Technologies provide innovative solutions for the mining sector.

The E-Commerce Award went to the Bikini Body Training Company. The Bikini Body Training Company, based in Adelaide, is a fast-paced, highly innovative tech-based health and fitness company. The Small Business Award went to Hallprint, a great company down at Victor Harbor. Richard Hall, well done. Seventy-five to 80 per cent of their annual sales are for export, and they export to over 100 countries. Congratulations to all of the winners at the Export Awards, and well done to the team at Business SA for hosting those great awards.