The Northern Territory Digital Excellence Awards formally celebrate individuals and organisations for outstanding digital achievements and innovation in the Northern Territory, across 8 categories.

The Awards night is the Northern Territory's premier Information, Communications, Technology and Digital event of the year, supported by the Information, Communication Technology (ICT) peak bodies, business leaders, the Northern Territory Government and the Minister for Corporate and Information Services, representing the pinnacle of digital excellence in the Territory.

Hosted by the Northern Territory Minister for Information and Communication Services, the Hon. Lauren Moss MLA at Parliament House in Darwin, the Digital Excellence Awards recognises excellence within the Digital and Information, Communication Technology sector.

Area9 was named the “Local ICT Business of the Year”. Eligibility for this award required nominees demonstrate a significant contribution to the local ICT sector as a Territory Enterprise with an active Northern Territory presence.

In announcing the winner, Mr Scott Wright, Chair of the ICT Industry Association of the Northern Territory (ICTIA NT) said, “Tonight we recognise a winner who is a long standing Territory based business who have not only adapted and innovated to deliver their customer base new and relevant ICT services, they have also demonstrated social commitment to the Territory community over an extended period, via many sponsorships and in kind support.”

Area9 Director Simon Watt commented, “We’re absolutely thrilled to be recognised as the ICT Business of the Year 2017 for the Northern Territory. Over the last 10 years, Area9 has firmly established its place as a leading business technology, product and services provider in the region. This award endorses the efforts of the many talented people within Area9 who work hard to deliver value and make a difference to our clients”.

“The award is especially significant as it coincides to the day, with Area9’s 10th anniversary.” Mr Watt said.

Minister for Corporate and Information Services, Lauren Moss said the Awards night is a fantastic initiative to showcase some of the brilliant digital endeavours that are occurring in the Territory.

“The Territory Labor Government is making smarter use of ICT to grow jobs, support our kids, deliver better opportunities in the bush, build safe and vibrant communities, and help restore trust in Government,” Ms Moss said. 

“The nominations received indicate that we have the talent here in the Territory to progress us along our journey towards a Digital Territory, a Territory that helps support a better quality of life for all Territorians through better use of digital technology.” 

Other award winners included:
•    ICT rising star of the Year – Lily Kawai, NEC Australia
•    ICT Professional of the Year – Wilma Weaver, NEC Australia
•    Information Security/Cyber Security professional of the year – Damien Mathieson, Comms Watch Pty Ltd 
•    IT Service Management Project of the Year Award – Jeremy Boucher, New Future IT
•    NT Government Digital Innovation Award – Adam Smith, Matera Technology
•    Kinetic IT Community Benefit Award – Georgina Davison, Alice Springs Public Library
•    Minister’s Gold Award – Georgina Davison, Alice Springs Public Library.