An Evening with the Australian Defence Force

This important evening held on the 6 August 2025, will bring together senior Defence leaders, government officials, educators, and industry stakeholders to highlight the national and regional importance of Defence assets located in the Riverina-Murray. We will explore how the region’s major bases—RAAF Base Wagga, Blamey Barracks (Kapooka), and the Albury-Wodonga Military Area—continue to contribute to Australia’s national security while unlocking long-term economic, education, and workforce benefits across our communities.

The event will feature a keynote address, a panel discussion with leading Defence representatives, and a networking reception.

Confirmed Speakers:

· Group Captain Kerry Hollings – RAAF Base Wagga

· Colonel Matthew Freeman – Army Logistic Training Centre

· Colonel Gerard Kearns CSC – 1st Recruit Training Battalion

· Moderator: Dianna Somerville – Chair, RDA Riverina

Purpose of the Event:

· Spotlight the strategic importance of Defence infrastructure in our region

· Identify opportunities for collaboration across education, innovation, and investment

· Strengthen community and industry partnerships with the Defence sector

Have Your Say On Inland Rail

Image Credit: Dan Loran

Inland Rail is Australia’s largest infrastructure projects, and it’s shaping the future of freight transport across the country. To ensure the project continues to meet the needs of local communities, Inland Rail is inviting feedback through a short survey.

Your input helps guide how Inland Rail communicates and engages with the public. The survey takes just 10 minutes and is open until Monday, 14 July 2025.

Wagga Wagga’s Housing Future: Have Your Say

Image Credit: Wagga Wagga City Council

Wagga Wagga City Council has released the draft of the Local Housing Strategy and Interim Affordable Housing Paper for public feedback, outlining a bold vision to meet the city’s growing housing needs.

With the population expected to increase by 8,900 people by 2041, the city will need around 4,150 new dwellings. The strategy focuses on delivering affordable, well-located, and adaptable housing that suits residents at all life stages.

Key development areas include greenfield sites, infill zones, the CBD, and surrounding villages such as Uranquinty, Ladysmith, and Tarcutta.

Community members are encouraged to review the plans and share their thoughts via Councils Have Your Say platform before Friday, 1 August 2025.

Stronger Support for Telco Customers WHO Experience Domestic and Family Violence

Image Credit: Priscilla Du Preez ca

Media Release: Joint Release by Minister for Communications, Minister for Sport, and Assistant Minister for Social Services, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence

Australians impacted by domestic, family, and sexual violence will soon have stronger protections when dealing with telecommunications providers, thanks to a new mandatory industry standard introduces by the Australian Government.

The Domestic, Family, and Sexually Violence (DFSV) Industry Standard, developed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), will come into effect from 1 July 2025. It aims to ensure that victim-survivors receive safe, respectful, and trauma-informed support from their telco providers.

The standard introduces a range of safeguards that telcos must implement, including:

• Reversing service disconnections or restrictions when a customer raises a safety risk.

• Hiding sensitive information such as calls to 1800RESPECT from appearing on bills

• Using only agreed communication methods to avoid triggering trauma

• Training staff to recognise and support victim-survivors appropriately

• Prohibiting any requirement for victim-survivors to engage with alleged perpetrators to resolve account issues

• Minimising re-traumatisation by reducing the need to repeatedly share their story or provided extensive evidence

• Enhancing privacy and control over account security for affected customers

Timeline:

• 1 July 2025: Initial rules become mandatory

• 1 January 2026: Additional rules apply to large telco (30,000 + services)

• 1 April 2026: Full compliance required from all providers

The standard was developed following extensive consultation with the domestic and family violence sector, the telecommunications industry, and consumer advocacy groups. It reflects a growing recognition that telco services can play a critical role in either supporting or endangering victim-survivors.

Inland Rail Update: Across the Riverina

Image Credit: Inland Rail

Major developments are underway across the Riverina as part of the Inland Rail project. Key highlights include:

• New bridge visualisations released for Edmondson Street, Mothers Bridge, and Cassidy Bridge in Wagga Wagga.

• Night works and pre-construction activities ongoing in Wagga Wagga and Junee

• Environmental surveys, including squirrel glider tracking, are active along the Albury to Illabo corridor

• Local jobs and supplier opportunities continue to grow, with strong engagement from regional and First Nations businesses

To learn more, read the full update from Inland Rail here: Inland Rail

Councils Will Receive $1.7 Billion in Funding Early

Image Credit: Joey Csunyo

The Australian Government is bringing forward over $1.7 billion in untied financial assistance to councils across Australia, representing 50% of the 2025-26 Financial Assistance Grant allocations. The funds will be paid before 30 June to support essential local services and shovel-ready projects.

This early payment is especially important for councils facing cash flow challenges or recovering from extreme weather events. The untied nature of the funding allows councils to allocate resources according to local priorities.

Since its inception, the Financial Assistance Grant Program has delivered over $70 billion to local governments. Additional support is programs like the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, Roads to Recovery, and Growing Regions.

Share Your Stories: Local Healthcare and Roads

Dr Joe McGirr MP, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga

Dr Joe McGirr MP, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, invites you to complete his survey and share your experience of regional and rural healthcare and roads.

This Survey is a great opportunity for people living in rural and regional areas to express concerns and share experiences in a confidential and efficient manner.

This survey is open until September.

HumeLink West Community Investment and Benefits Program Launched

Image Credit: Transgrid

The HumeLink project, one of Australia's largest energy infrastructure initiatives, is set to revolutionize the nation's energy landscape. This ambitious project aims to connect renewable energy sources to the grid, enhancing availability, market competition, and putting downward pressure on energy prices.

Project Overview:

• Scope: 365 kilometers of 500 kV overhead transmission lines connecting Wagga Wagga, Bannaby, and Maragle.

• Infrastructure: New or upgraded facilities at four substations.

• Sections: Construction divided into HumeLink East and HumeLink West.

Community Investment and Benefits Program: Transgrid, the project developer, is committed to delivering substantial social, environmental, and economic benefits to local communities through its Community Investment and Benefits Program. This program focuses on:

1. Community Connection: Addressing social isolation, mental health, and regional connectivity.

2. Care for Country: Supporting environmental initiatives and reconciliation with First Nations people.

3. Social Legacy Initiatives: Promoting community benefits beyond the project's lifecycle.

4. Local Education and Skills Development: Investing in local education and workforce development.

5. Local Industry Development: Collaborating with local businesses to enhance capacity and capability.

Funding and Eligibility: Transgrid has allocated at least $15 million for community investment initiatives, with $11 million from Transgrid and $4 million from delivery partners. Eligible projects must demonstrate lasting and tangible benefits to local communities within the project footprint, including Snowy Valleys, Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional, Upper Lachlan Shire, Yass Valley, and Goulburn Mulwaree.

Engagement and Selection Process: The program is guided by ongoing community engagement to ensure it reflects local priorities. Projects are selected based on community and stakeholder feedback, program conformance, and budget considerations.

RDA Riverina Staff Attend South West Major Projects Roadshow

Pictured in Griffith are from left to right Karly Sivewright – Griffith City Council, Court Sayer Roberts - Enterprise Plus, Nicola James - AusIndustry, Monica Armanini - DPIRD, Marg Couch and Katie Pastro – RDA Riverina.

Last Month, RDA Riverina staff members Marg Couch (Manager Griffith Projects), and Katie Pastro (Projects Officer) supported the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) community and business forums hosted by EnergyCo. These events brought together local residents, businesses, and project partners to discuss the exciting developments underway in the region’s renewable energy future.

The roadshow provided valuable insights into the opportunities emerging from the South West REZ, including updates on major wind, solar, and battery projects, as well as information on procurement processes and job creation. With over $17 billion in private investment and thousands of jobs expected, the REZ is set to transform the region’s energy landscape and economic outlook.

Katie and Marg appreciated the chance to connect with community members and hear directly from developers and EnergyCo representatives. Their attendance reflects a shared commitment to staying informed and engaged as the region transitions to clean, reliable energy.

You can read more about the forums and the South West REZ on EnergyCo’s official announcement.

Increased Skilled Visa Income Thresholds from 1 July 2025

Image Credit: Nicole Geri

From 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds will increase by 4.6%. This is in conjunction with changes to the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). New nomination applications from 1 July 2025, must meet the new relevant income threshold or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. The increased skilled visa income thresholds will not apply to existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2025.

Salary Increase for the different visa subclasses:

• The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will increase from AUD75,150 to AUD76,515. This will impact nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

• The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from AUD135,000 to AUD141,210. This will impact nomination applications for the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

• The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TISMIT) will increase from AUD73,150 to AUD76,515. This will impact nomination applications lodged for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187). This is in line with the CSIT and subject to approval or relevant legislation.

NSW Community Improvement District Legislation

Image Credit: Economic Development Australia

Economic Development Australia (EDA) has announced the passing of the Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) Bill 2025 by the NSW Government last month. A landmark move that will make it easier for communities to establish CIDs and drive local economic growth.

CIDs, also known as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), are collaborative initiatives led by local businesses in partnerships with councils and community groups. They aim to revitalise town centres, enhance public spaces, and foster vibrant local economies.

EDA has a provided the CID model as a powerful tool for:

• Strengthening local business networks

• Improving the trading environment

• Encouraging community-led urban renewal

In early 2024, EDA CEO Jacqueline Brinkman met with Ed Steane, Director of Urban Policy at Transport for NSW, to provide feedback on the proposed legislation. EDA also actively promoted the initiative across its membership, encouraging engagement and review throughout the legislative process.

Festivals Australia Backs Our Regions

Media Release: The Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for the Arts

Image Credit: Wes Hicks

Regional and remote communities across Australia are set to benefit from a major arts funding boost, with over $700,000 awarded to 18 creative projects through round 20 of the Australian Government’s Festivals Australia Program. This funding will support a variety of community arts, music, literature, visual arts, circus, and theatre projects, helping local artist and organisations bring them to life and share them with their communities. The Festivals Australia program plays a vital role in fostering cultural tourism, supporting local economies, and celebrating talent in regional Australia.

More Money for Australian Writers and Publishers

Image Credit: Elisa Calvet B.

More than $28 million has been distributed to Australian authors, illustrators, and publishers, as part of the Australian Governments Public and Educational Lending Right (PLR/ELR) Schemes.

The payments, which reached nearly 18,000 recipients, are designed to compensate creators for the free use of their books in public and educational libraries across the country. This initiative ensures that the creative minds behind Australia’s literary works are financially supported, even when their books are accessed without purchase.

The schemes were significantly expanded in 2024 under the Australian Governments ‘Revive National Cultural Policy’ which extended eligibility to include eBooks and audiobooks - a move that reflects the evolving ways Australians engage with literature.

Minister for the Arts, Hon Tony Burke, emphasised the importance of the payments in recognising the cultural and educational value of Australian literature.

Third Sector Awards 2025

Image Credit: Giorgio Trovato

The Third Sector Award is a national award aimed to recognise and celebrate the best Not-for-Profit (NFP) practice Australia wide. Not-for-Profit organisations can be nominated for the award under the following categories:

• CEO of the year

• First Nations Leader of the year

• Collaboration Excellence Award

• Fundraising Excellence Award

• Marketing Excellence Award

• Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Award

• Social Impact Excellence Award

• Volunteer of the year

• Small charity of the year

• Emerging Leader of the year

Key Information and Dates

• Nominations open: 14 May 2025

• Nominations close: 27 June 2025

• Finalists announced, public voting opens: 21 July 2025

• Public Voting Closes: 29 August 2025

• Awards Night: 18 September 2025

Promoting Fair and Respectful Workplaces in the Arts and Cultural Sector

Image Credit: Zalfa Imani

Media Release: Hon Tony Burke, Minister for Arts

In a major step towards improving working conditions in the arts and culture sector, the Australian Government has launched the Creative Workplaces website. A new online hub designed for artist, art workers, and creative organisations with vital workplace information.

The platform offers clear, practical guidance on key issues such as pay, work conditions, work health and safety, and how to address bullying, discrimination, and harassment in creative environments.

Developed under the National Cultural Policy - Revive and delivered through Creative Australia, the initiative responds to long-standing concerns about fairness, safety, and respect in the arts industry. Many in the sector have struggled to access the support and information they need - a gap this new resource aims to close.

Welcoming Club Workshops

A huge Thank You from the Riverina!

Thanks to the NSW GROW Transition Plan and the Welcome Experience in the Riverina, we successfully ran Welcoming Club Workshops across five towns in our region last week. A big thank you to the community groups who attended, and to our local connectors Jay and Marg, for their dedication and support.

A special thanks to our presenters, Ross and Ken from Welcoming Clubs Australia, for sharing their knowledge and passion for building inclusive, vibrant communities. Together, we’re making our clubs more welcoming for everyone-across all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

Images from Welcoming Club Events across the region

Image L to R - Ross Borland Welcoming Clubs, Rachel Whiting CEO Regional Development Australia Riverina

Image L to R - Jayadev Ajayakumar Regional Development Australia Riverina, Hugh Packard Deputy Mayor Snowy Valley Council, Ken Dachi Welcoming Clubs, Ross Borland Welcoming Clubs

Image L to R - Ken Dachi Welcoming Clubs, Ross Borland Welcoming Clubs, Brooke Bremer Temora Shire Council, Jayadev Ajayakumar Regional Development Australia

Volunteer Opportunities

RDA Riverina have some complimentary resources that were shared on the day for organisations looking for more volunteers including Jobs Riverina Murray. Jobs Riverina Murray allows volunteer positions to be listed for free by following these steps:

1.                       Log in or create an account on jobsriverinamurray.com.au

2.                       Navigate to the employer dashboard by selecting the "employer tab" in the top
navigational menu

3.                       Click on 'Post a Job' and fill in the required details.

4.                       Select "volunteering" as Opportunity type.

5.                       Submit your listing for approval.

Visit: www.jobsriverinamurray.com.au

Upcoming Expo

The Country Change Expo dates were also announced during the workshop. This year there will be two separate Events:

·                  Wagga Wagga 13th & 14th September 2025

·                  October 25th & 26th October 2025

The Country Change Expos aim to showcase the Riverina region's unique lifestyle and vibrant community, enticing potential relocators. By connecting them with local opportunities, we foster growth and development, creating a promising future for both newcomers and existing residents. Our events will highlight the abundance of resources available for those considering a move to this beautiful region.

If you are interested in having a stall at the event, please contact us for more information. More details are attached to this email.

Regional delivery to be informed by regional engagement

Media Release from Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales and Tara Moriarty, Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales, and Minister for Western New South Wales

Thursday, 8 May 2025

The Minns Labor Government has today released a new guide to strengthen consultation practices with regional, rural and remote communities across the state. This is part of the Government’s ongoing work to build stronger regional communities by delivering solutions tailored to local communities and informed by local knowledge.  

The Regional Communities Consultation Guide outlines the Government’s approach to consulting with regional, rural and remote communities, including Aboriginal communities, to make better decisions and improve the lives of people across New South Wales.

The release of the Guide follows the introduction of the Regional Communities (Consultation Standards) Act 2024, by Independent Member for Barwon, Roy Butler.

In a state first this legislation enshrines that compliance with the guide is required for certain consultations, setting a clear standard that those affected by decisions should be involved in the decision-making process.

The Member for Barwon worked with the Government to address the barriers which have historically faced regional engagement with Government consultations, including population sparsity, and digital disadvantages.

Appropriately, the Guide is informed by in-depth stakeholder engagement across regional and rural communities, to ensure the priorities and expectations of regional, rural and remote communities are reflected. This included direct engagement with peak organisations including; the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, Local Government NSW, the Country Mayors Association, the Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation and the Central NSW Joint Organisation.

Further, around 200 stakeholders participated in eight regional listening sessions held in Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Nowra, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Newcastle, Narrabri and Bourke.

The guide, will now be rolled out across agencies for immediate use and can be downloaded along with a detailed engagement summary here: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/consultation-regional-communities.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“No-one knows what a local community needs better than the people who actually call that place home – that’s what this is about, ensuring that the people impacted by the decisions we make are a part of the decision making process.

“It’s a commonsense step, which I’m grateful Roy brought to the table because I genuinely think our state will be stronger for it.

“Every community is different, from large regional centres to small remote villages and the people within these communities are equally different and diverse too, our engagement and solutions as a government should reflect that.”

NSW Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This guide – underpinned by transparency, accountability, and best practice – is a reflection of what regional, rural and remote communities have told us they want from NSW Government agencies.

“Effective community and stakeholder engagement is fundamental to good governance.

“This new guide demonstrates our commitment to improving consultation practices.”

NSW Member for Barwon, Roy Butler, said:

"Regional communities know what they need but feel disadvantaged by current consultation processes, including a reliance on digital channels, or consultation conducted during harvest.

“While not all projects will reflect every view, consultation should be done to give regional, rural and remote communities a fair chance to share their input, which is what this guide will now ensure.

"The guide will significantly reduce the risk of tick-the-box disingenuous consultation occurring or bad decisions being forced on vulnerable communities.”

Register an Expression of Interest (EOI) on ICN Gateway

Image Credit: Sigmund

Is your business First Nations Owned, Veterans owned, or a certified social enterprise? Cleanaway - Australia’s leading waste management company that provides recycling, industrial and environmental services to businesses and governments across the country. Cleanaway is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) to join their Social Procurement Supplier Panel. They for partners who can deliver a range of products and services that complement their operations - such as site services, equipment supply, logistics, waste management support, and more. If you're looking for consistent work, reliable payment options, and a partnership with a reliable ASX-listed business, this opportunity could be for you.

Cleanaway is committed to building inclusive, sustainable partnerships with businesses that make a difference. By joining their supplier panel, your business could gain:

• Reliable, long-term contracts with a trusted ASX-listed company

• Faster payments through Early Trade to support your cash flow

• Local and national opportunities across 330+ sites in Australia

• Genuine support for diverse and impact-driven suppliers

• Priority access to new work packages and tenders

What Cleanaway needs from you:

• Facilities & site services (e.g., cleaning, grounds maintenance)

• Equipment hire & maintenance

• Indigenous artwork, uniforms, or merchandise

• Catering, events, and logistics

• General waste & recycling services

• Other essential products and services

2025 National Economic Development Awards For Excellence

Image Credit: Wan San Yip

Economic Development Australia (EDA) is pleased to invite you to enter the 2025 National Economic Development Awards for Excellence. The Economic Development Australia (EDA) award is an excellent opportunity to highlight innovative economic development projects and amplify recognition of your efforts.

There are 12 categories for the awards, and all applications are free. Economic developers across Australia are encouraged to apply. EDA membership is not required for categories 1 to 10. Submissions can be made for projects delivered from 1 January 2024 to 30 June 2025 (18 month period).

Winners and finalists will be honored at a gala event during the 2025 National Economic Development Conference on 29 October at Earp Distilling, where their contributions to economic development will be showcased to a national audience of peers.

Key Information:

Entries close 5:00pm AEST, 18 July 2025.

Award Categories:

1. Economic Development Strategic Thinking

2. Economic Development Marketing and Promotion

3. Economic Development Through Partnerships and Collaboration

4. Economic Development Excellence - Regional and Remote Australia

5. Economic Development Excellence - Cities and Larger Regions (over 15,000 residents)

6. Economic Development Recovery & Resilience

7. Economic Development Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

8. Economic Development Sustainable Initiatives

9. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Entrepreneurship

10. Economic Development Excellence - Consulting

11. Economic Development Rising Start Leadership (Economic Development Professional - up to 30 years old)

12. The Peter Chaffey Economic Development Leadership Award ( Economic Development Professional - over 30 years old)

Economic Development Australia (EDA) Journal

Image Credit: Jan Kahanek

Economic Development Australia (EDA) is inviting economic development professionals, business leaders, academics, researchers and policy experts to enter submissions for the second edition of the 2025 EDA Journal.

The EDA Journal aims to showcase innovative ideas and insights on fundamental economic development principals. The second edition of the 2025 EDA Journal will focus on the theme of the 2025 National Economic Development Conference (NEDC25’) ‘Shaping Tomorrow’s Economy’. This theme aims to explore the transformative forces shaping Australia’s economy and global landscape. Applicants are encouraged to submit unique topics regarding Economic Development.

Key Information:

• Apply: Fill in the form before Friday 30 May 2025

• Acceptance: Successful applicants will be notified by Monday 2 June 2025

• Deadline: Submissions of approved articles is required by Friday 11 July 2025

• Publish: The journal will be published Late August 2025

Article Requirements:

• No more than 2,500 words;

• Original work that has not been previously published;

• Referenced where appropriate;

• Accompanied by author biographies;

• Gender neutral;

• Accompanied (when applicable) by no more than four charts, graphs, or photos