By Andrew Coutts
SOLDIERS from around north Queensland presented their ideas and inventions recently during the North Queensland Good Ideas Expo 2002.

The expo provided an opportunity for soldiers to improve their own effectiveness in the field while recognising their initiative through a range of prizes.

Originally established within 3 Bde in 1997, the expo was put on hold during the high operational tempo of 1999/2000.

Re-established last year, the Good Ideas Expo has proved increasingly popular with soldiers at all levels.

This year the event was extended to a 1 Div competition encompassing the first prize winners in each category from the 3 Bde, 1 Bde and 7 Bde expos.

Three categories were available for entries including Group (ideas for improving team performance), Task (ideas/inventions to simplify core tasks) and Techniques, Tactics and Procedures.

More than 20 entries were displayed this year encompassing concepts ranging from modified Ninox head harness to a digital map store.

The judging team was led by Commander 3 Bde Brig Mark Kelly, RSM 3 Bde WO1 Geoff Hughes, Geoff Cooper from CAL and Mike Yates from the Land Engineering Agency.

Brig Kelly awarded the prizes and thanked all participants and sponsors for the success of the event. He emphasised the high level of innovation and effort in this year’s entries.

This Frontline-sponsored event was conducted at Lavarack Barracks and proved to be as successful as previous Expos.

Frontline donated gift vouchers for first prizes and Defcredit donated a savings account for the encouragement award. This year sponsorship was also received from the Centre for Army Lessons (CAL), contributing a second prize for each category.

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