The awards are a new initiative designed to create employment and build on central Victoria’s reputation as a centre of innovation and invention.

Graeme Witney is one inventor who knows the value of a good idea.

Mr Witney has made Risper, a robot the same size and shape as an 11-year-old boy.

When Risper talks it sounds like a child with a slight accent - maybe English.

The robot has voice and face recognition.

Risper has a mobile telephone inside and can make and receive calls and communicate via text messages.

Mr Witney’s next goal is to teach Risper to walk.

Bendigo Inventor Awards committee chairman Herbert Hermens said all applicants would have to demonstrate economic benefits.

Winners would get business development support and mentoring from government programs.

“The security of all ideas and intellectual property will be protected, and judging for the event will be conducted in confidence by a select panel.”

The inaugural awards carry a prize pool of $20,000 over three categories.

Application forms are available at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/inventor or from the council’s Lyttleton Terrace office and Workspace Australia in Eaglehawk.