Two South Australian electrical businesses won top National Awards at the annual electrical industry Excellence Awards hosted by peak electrical industry body the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA).


Niramar received the top award in the Commercial Medium category (for projects valued between $500,000 and $2 million) for their electrical project at the Adelaide Zoo panda and entrance precinct.

Jones and Jones Electrical Services received the National Award in the Commercial Small category (for projects valued less than $500,000) for the Orb – the unique new entrance at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre at Hindmarsh.


Both companies received the national awards in the front over 500 industry representatives including electrical contractors, educators and government representatives at the annual gala event for the electrical and communications industry at Star City in Sydney.

NECA’s Chief executive officer, Mr James Tinslay, said the team at Niramar were awarded the top prize because they had to solve complex design problems while working in a challenging environment that was under significant public scrutiny due to the impending arrival of the pandas.

“This project was just phenomenal. It required the integration of many systems and the final result is a credit to the team at Niramar,” Mr Tinslay said.

“Working in such a historical site that had an array of difficulties including heritage listed trees and buildings, animals and whilst the zoo was fully operational was a challenge for Niramar but the end result was simply outstanding.”

Jones & Jones Electrical Services won the contract for the installation of all the LED lighting in the impressive dome nicknamed the Orb at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre. The amazing result is a credit to the team at Jones and Jones Electrical Services.

“The scope to build the Orb included installation of over 800 fittings, lighting controls, an electrical and data backbone, and cable routes for both electricity and data,” Mr Tinslay said.

“This was a challenging project that required working at heights of up to 21m and dealing with minimal access points due to the building’s shape and structure. Anyone who has seen this structure knows it is very special and the team at Jones and Jones Electrical Services deserve the top national award.”

The construction and engineering achievements at the Adelaide Zoo and Adelaide Entertainment centre is an example of how South Australian firms are leading the nation on big construction projects.

“As the electrotechnology industry continues to grow and tackle new technological challenges, it is encouraging to see electrical and communication contractors in South Australia playing such an important role in leading their Australian colleagues.”


To see all of the national winning electrical and communications projects please click here.