For the first time, Australian designers are competing against international rivals in the 2008 Australian International Design Awards. Marc Newson, Miele, Audi, Rado and Philips get set to battle it out on May 30.

For five days in early March the cream of the Australian and international design community gathered in Sydney to assess more than 150 shortlisted products in this year’s Awards program. All 2008 Finalists can be viewed at HERE.

Award winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony hosted by Hamish and Andy on 30 May at Australian Technology Park in Sydney.

2008 also marks 50 years of rewarding design excellence in Australia. The Awards Ceremony will pay homage to Australian design icons including comments by Harry Sebel, Carla Zampatti and Carl Nielsen.

Book early to secure your place at design’s night of nights. Tickets are available now.

www.designawards.com.au