It’s no secret that inland areas face massive challenges competing with coastal areas for new business, talent and opportunity, so RDA Orana are bringing people together to solve them. They’re starting with one question, “how do we create a national conversation around attracting and retaining talent” and workshopping recommendations and actions for governments to assist inland Australia.
The Summit is a one-day, live and virtual event packed full of keynote presentations, success stories and strategy sessions. You’ll meet industry leaders, contribute to group conversations and connect with like-minded government officials and advisors. The Summit also features a pre-event networking dinner. Book to attend the summit, the dinner, both or attend virtually.
During this one-day event, RDA Orana will discuss how to help stimulate growth in inland areas through policy recommendations and practical solutions for local government. They’re bringing the brightest minds together from agencies, associations, businesses and government to address a problem that affects us all.
Speakers
Jack Archer
Jack Archer is the former CEO of the Regional Australia Institute who started Projects JSA in early 2019. His background lies in water and natural resource management and providing advisory services to agricultural research and industry bodies and he has a Bachelor of Natural Resources Management (Hons 1) and a Diploma in Government.
Hon Nola Marino MP
Nola has worked with and for small communities, regional and agricultural organisations and groups for most of her life. In May 2019, Nola was appointed the Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories. In this role Nola engages with a large cross-section of people, organisations and businesses to implement policies and programs to support regional development across Australia.
Brad Rouse
20 plus years working in the Mining and heavy industry sector. Commenced career in Broken Hill Mines as Apprentice Electrician, Following this moved to Western Australia working across various operations and projects in leadership roles. Returned to NSW Orange 10+ yrs ago to work in equipment rebuild and manufacturing prior to moving to PYBAR as a Project Manager.
Rachel Whiting
Rachel is the Director of Regional Development at RDA Riverina. Rachel has worked extensively with not-for-profits both as a board member and as management, specialising in inland growth in relation to skilled workers. Rachel is an Adjunct Professional Staff Member at Charles Sturt University and a Fellow of Leadership WA.
Lucy White
A tourism professional with 24 years industry experience, Lucy has worked for local government, for local and regional tourism organisations, in the wine industry and for individual small businesses. Lucy has a proven track record of relationship building, creative thinking, and building teams to increase business and raise the profile of destinations and organisations. Lucy is currently the General Manager of Destination Country & Outback NSW Ltd.
Dr Kim Houghton
Dr Kim Houghton is Chief Economist at the Regional Australia Institute and leads the think tank’s policy and research work. Having worked on regional economic development in Australia for almost 20 years, Kim has a passion for engaging, motivating, informing, and connecting regional leaders from business, community, and government.