RDA Riverina - facilitating regional growth and prosperity

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts recently announced the New South Wales: Growing Regions Program – Round 2 projects.  Leeton Shire Council and Hay Shire Council were among those successful applicants who will receive Commonwealth-approved funding as part of Growing Regions Program – Round 2.

The Minns Government is acting on its commitment to attract veterinarians to regional NSW with an expansion of the highly successful Welcome Experience program that has helped hundreds of essential workers make the move to the bush.

Launched in June 2023, The Welcome Experience has helped some 843 essential workers settle into their new regional home by helping them find housing, childcare, employment opportunities for partners and making introductions to community organisations and locals.

Veterinary workers – including vets, vet nurses and vet technicians and their families – can now access The Welcome Experience in 55 local government areas across regional NSW.

The Tertiary Health Study Subsidy is open to 8,000 students and graduates over 2025 and 2026 that are passionate about working in our world class health system. Subsidies have been granted to 4000 students and graduates since the start of the program. Students starting study in 2025-26, in an eligible health qualification could be eligible for up to $12,000 paid over three years. If graduating and starting work with NSW Health, graduates can receive a one-off $8,000 payment. 

The Australian Government is continuing to improve road safety for truck drivers and other travellers across the country, with six new projects announced under the fourth tranche of the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area (HVRA) initiative.

The projects are part of a $17.4 million joint investment between the Australian and state, territory and local governments, with the Australian Government contributing $9.7 million

The Albanese Government is funding local infrastructure and essential community equipment to ensure Australia’s communities are even better places to live, with guidelines for Stronger Communities Programme Round 9 released 19 December 2024.

Every federal electorate will receive $150,000 under the program and these funds can be allocated towards up to 20 projects, with individual grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.

The Albanese Government continues to boost mobile connectivity and resilience in areas prone to natural disasters, with $55 million in grant funding now available to areas in need through Round 8 of the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP). 

The MBSP is part of the Albanese Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia which is delivering more than $1.1 billion to rural and regional communities.

The Albanese Government is continuing to support Aussie farmers with cost of living relief and enhanced productivity, with an additional $20 million investment in a new round of the hugely successful On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP).
 
The Albanese Government’s flagship ag-tech grants program was informed by the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review that found connectivity gaps were impacting the uptake of technology solutions by primary producers.

The Mobile Black Spot Program (the MBSP) is an Australian Government initiative that invests in telecommunications infrastructure to improve mobile coverage and competition across Australia. Under the MBSP to date (Rounds 1 to 7), the Government's commitment has generated a total investment of more than $1 billion, to deliver up to 1,400 new mobile base stations across Australia.

As part of the nation-building EnergyConnect project, construction of the Cobb Highway accommodation camp and construction laydown located approximately 40km south of Hay, has been completed. The camp is now operational and will provide accommodation for our project workforce while we continue transmission line construction activities between Balranald and Bundure for the duration of the project.

The Albanese Government is investing $180.5 million to deliver on its commitment to support local news and community broadcasting, today launching the News Media Assistance Program (News MAP) and announcing additional funding for community broadcasting.

The Albanese Government welcomes the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee (RTIRC) 2024 report which sets out recommendations to further improve connectivity for regional, rural and remote communities. Undertaken every three years, the review is an opportunity for people living and working outside major cities to share their experiences, views and expectations regarding connectivity and telecommunications services.

The Albanese Government will establish the News Bargaining Incentive to ensure large digital platforms contribute to the sustainability of news media in Australia. 

A new national road safety campaign ‘don’t let a car change who you are’, funded by the Albanese Government, has launched across Australia today.

Driver behaviour is critical to improving safety on our roads and the campaign message of “Safer driving starts with you” encourages drivers to think about their own behaviour behind the wheel and reinforces the importance of driving safely.

The 2025 ABC Heywire winners, announced 11 December 2024, showcase incredible determination, grit, and powerful commitment to inspiring change in their communities through their stories. The stories from this year’s 38 ABC Heywire winners highlight Australia’s rich diversity and provide a window into the lives and communities of young Australians living in the regions.

A record 40 students have received degrees from universities across Australia in 2023-24 through a remote learning facility enabling them to study without leaving their home town of Griffith or Leeton.

The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Western Riverina held a graduation ceremony on Friday (29 November) to celebrate this achievement.

The Regional Data Hub (the hub) is for all Australians. It’s a virtual space for you to engage in a range of data and information sources to enable you to better understand your area. The hub has a range of resources enabling you to better understand the many facets of your local area such as employment, liveability and housing stock.

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBEFEO) has released a consultation paper review looking at the functions and operations of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO). Responses are encouraged from all relevant stakeholders(?)

The Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) NFP Leadership Certificate is an online program that will equip leaders with the skills, knowledge, tools and connections required to take the next big step in their leadership journey.

The 2024 Regional Wellbeing Survey (undertaken by the following researchers from the Health Research Institute, University of Canberra) aims to understand how the wellbeing of people living in rural, regional and urban areas of Australia is changing, and the things that are affecting quality of life (in good and bad ways) in different communities.

As a part of reform measures outlined in the Migration Strategy, the Australian Government is introducing the National Innovation visa and changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) visa, which will be reformed and renamed as the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa. These changes will enable Australian business and industry to attract migrants who make a significant contribution to the Australian economy, and fill positions where no Australian workers are available.

The Albanese Government will shortly commence a review of the Australian Design Rules – our legislated road vehicle standards – including to consider regulatory barriers to the supply of electric vehicles to the Australian market.

The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) ensure that all new and used road vehicles being provided to the Australian market for the first time meet critical national standards for safety, anti-theft and emissions.

The Albanese Government is committed to improving road safety across Eden-Monaro, with significant upgrades to priority sections of Brindabella Road, from the Brindabella Valley to the ACT border, a step closer.

The Albanese Government is delivering additional funding to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) to further its work in representing the interests of telco consumers, in line with its commitment in the 2024-25 Budget.

The Albanese Government welcomes the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap to address key barriers to digital inclusion. The roadmap is the culmination of nearly two years of work by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (FNDIAG), established in January 2023.

The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is an annual small grants program funded by Create NSW and managed locally by Eastern Riverina Arts. It is guided by Create NSW’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program’s three major objectives.

The Multicultural NSW Multicultural Community Medals program has expanded. Nominations are NOW OPEN for multicultural media and marketing medals under the 2025 Multicultural Community Medals program.

RDA Riverina is seeking applications for the Committee Chair position.

The RDA Committee Chair has overall responsibility for setting strategic direction and ensuring that objectives and outcomes of their RDA Committee are achieved. They appoint the Deputy Chair (following Ministerial agreement) and the members.

One-third of Australian occupations are facing worker shortages, especially in fields impacted by global megatrends like digital transformation, AI, an ageing workforce and the energy transition. To address this, we need to boost work-related training, including short courses, online modules, and leadership programs.

The NSW Government has officially opened its skilled visa nomination program for the 2024-25 program year, bringing forward important updates designed to simplify the application process and create more opportunities for individuals and families looking to start a new chapter in New South Wales.⁠

⁠This program is a key part of addressing critical skills shortages and supporting industries undergoing significant change. NSW’s Priority Sectors for 2024-25 include:⁠

⁠🔹 Construction (infrastructure and housing)⁠

🔹 Renewables (net zero & clean energy)⁠

🔹 Care Economy (aged care, disability services, early childhood education)⁠

🔹 Digital & Cyber (across all sectors)⁠

🔹 Education (teachers)⁠

🔹 Agriculture & Agrifood⁠

🔹 Advanced Manufacturing⁠

⁠NSW has also published updated skills lists to highlight the vital roles that will help drive the state's growth. If you're looking to make a move to NSW and more so the Riverina, now is the time! 🌏⁠

Since opening in November 2023, the Narrandera Destination and Discovery Hub has quickly become a must-visit spot for tourists from near and far—including visitors from Greater Melbourne, Greater Sydney, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland!