Bowen Basin Mining Club director Jodie Currie said the department was able to assist businesses with review or writing entries for the six categories now open for nomination.

Currie said DSD’s return as a partner for the QMCA in 2016 reflected its support for Queensland regional businesses and the mining industry.

“The chance to showcase your business to industry, particularly during a trade event such as the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition (QME) is an opportunity that does not often present itself and should not be missed,” Currie said.

“Having DSD assistance to submit entries can make the difference between an overwhelming task and a manageable one. This year’s awards submission forms are simplified, and with DSD assistance the barriers to entry are lower than ever for mining industry suppliers and contractors.

“Their continued support is an applied way of truly assisting businesses who supply the resource sector to gain recognition for their hard work and innovation.”

Regional Director for the DSD Mackay Isaac Whitsunday Region Nikki Wright said the awards brought the best of the mining industry’s contractors and suppliers into the spotlight.

“The Queensland Mining Contractor Awards provide an invaluable opportunity to regional small businesses to gain recognition and raise their profile in front of major suppliers, peers and the wider Bowen Basin mining industry,” Wright said.