These days, more than 200 rural fire brigades from across Australia use Mr Taylor's reusable safety mask. 

The Fair Air Mask, made from felted alpaca wool, acts as a safe ventilation mask and was primarily designed to aid firefighters.

Since its development the product has been used for other purposes, including protecting builders, farmers, miners and asthmatics from dust and other allergens. 

Mr Taylor said the Bendigo Inventor Awards were influential in bringing to life his invention. 

"The inventor awards people gave me a lot of advice before the awards and afterwards they allocated me a mentor in the clothing industry, who was able to suggest manufacturers and suppliers to me,” he said. 

“I saw an ad on TV for the inventor awards and I thought, I could do with some money for my invention.

“The prize money reduced my debt and meant I could engage a manufacturer to make the first lot of orders.”

Mr Taylor's invention has been tested by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, which now produces the felted material at its Geelong plant. 

The material is then quilted in Eaglehawk.

Mr Taylor said he was committed to keeping as much of the production line in Bendigo as possible. 

Ticket sales to the awards ceremony of the 2014 Bendigo Inventor Awards on November 13 have opened. 

The public will have the chance to view this year's entries at The Capital from 4pm to 7pm and speak to the brains behind the ideas. 

Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for concession and children under 12 are free. 

City of Greater Bendigo business innovation officer Dawn Holland said the contest attracted entrances from far and wide, including overseas.

“Now in its fifth year the Bendigo Inventor Awards has expanded far beyond the local area and in 2014 we hope to uncover the next crop of talented ideas,'' she said.

To book a ticket to the awards ceremony, contact The Capital box office on 5434 6100.