RDA Riverina - facilitating regional growth and prosperity

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!

The objective of the Community War Memorials Fund is to help conserve, repair and protect war memorials across NSW to support community commemoration.

Funded by NSW Health - The objectives of the Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Small Grants Program are to:

• conduct community driven and well supported mental health, resilience and wellbeing projects, targeting men

• deliver mental health, resilience and wellbeing benefits to individuals and groups of men across the state

• reduce loneliness and social isolation among men

• promote mental health, wellbeing and resilience among men, in general, or a specific population group of men such as Aboriginal men, boys and young adult men, older men, men living with a disability, men living in rural and remote areas, or LGBTQ+ men.

• establish connections between community mental health and wellbeing organisations for ongoing referral and support pathways

• develop the cultural competency and cultural safety of mental health and wellbeing organisations to increase their accessibility and responsiveness to priority population groups of men

RDA Riverina has created a guide for new residents.

The Riverina New Resident’s Guide contains information in plain English covering:

Part 1: Important tasks for your first weeks in Australia

Part 2: Living in the Riverina

Part 3: Becoming part of your local community

You can download the guide here:

It’s the end of an era, as Telstra’s 3G shutdown is now complete. Optus continue to roll out their 3G shutdown schedule.

The 3G network started operating in the early 2000s, and the shutdown now allows for the development of new and improved technology.

Devices that may be impacted by the 3G shutdown include phones, smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms.

Use these links to find out more on Telstra and Optus shutdown processes, and what to do if you still need to take action. If you have a specific question about your Telstra service, call 13 22 00, and when prompted to state your issue, simply say ‘3G’. You will then be directed to a specific 3G shutdown team.

Source - The Funding Centre - Welcome

Are you interested in applying for grant funding but not sure where to begin? Watch this helpful video that guides you through the entire application process. Whether you're seeking funding for a community, a project or business, this video provides valuable insights and tips to improve your chances of success.

Click on the button learn more to watch the recording and gain a better understanding of the steps involved in applying for grants by the Funding Centre

The Regional Tech Hub is funded by the Australian Government’s Better Connectivity Plan and is run by the National Farmers’ Federation. If you live or work in rural, regional and remote Australia, they are here to help you with your phone or internet. 

They can also help you understand your connectivity options and stay up to date with the latest technology.

Contact the Regional Tech Hub for free phone and internet support.

📊 The Not-for-Profit sector faces urgent workforce challenges with more investment and better planning needed to thrive.