RDA Riverina Board Meeting in West Wyalong

L-R: Steve Hutchins, Club Inn, West Wyalong, Grant Baker, General Manager, Bland Shire Council, Brett Stonestreet, Chair, RDA Riverina, Mark Hillis, Board Member, RDA Riverina, Holly Brooks, Councillor, Bland Shire Council, Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director, RDA Riverina, Sue Molyneaux, Board Member, RDA Riverina, Ray Willis, Board Member, RDA Riverina, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager, RDA Riverina, Marina Uys, Tourism and Admin Officer, Bland Shire Council

The RDA Riverina Board recently met in West Wyalong, with members welcomed to Bland Shire for the May 2026 meeting.

Hosted by Bland Shire Council, the meeting provided an opportunity for Board members to gain a stronger understanding of local priorities, strengths and opportunities.

The Board welcomed the opportunity to meet with Bland Shire Councillors and senior staff, including representatives from the Visitor and Economic Growth Committee, who shared valuable insights into local priorities and opportunities within the shire.

The Board also explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration with Bland Shire Council, including ways to connect local priorities with current RDA Riverina programs and initiatives.

The Chair acknowledged the importance of engaging directly with communities across the Riverina, noting the value of the discussions and the strong sense of local leadership within Bland Shire.

Holding meetings across different locations remains a key part of RDA Riverina’s approach, ensuring local perspectives are reflected in the organisation’s work and advocacy across the region.

Bland Shire Staff and RDA Riverina Board discussion

Bland Shire Council and RDA Riverina Board discussion

The Welcome Experience expands to support local government workers across Regional NSW

L-R: Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Riverina, Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon, Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, RDA Riverina

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina welcomes the NSW Government’s continued investment in strengthening regional workforce attraction and retention through the expansion of The Welcome Experience program.

In April 2026, the NSW Government announced a major expansion of the program, increasing its reach from 55 to 88 local government areas across regional NSW from July 2026, further strengthening support for essential workers and their families relocating to the regions.

Today, the Government has also announced an important extension of the program’s eligibility to now include local government workers, recognising the critical role councils play in delivering essential community services such as road maintenance, town planning, engineering, childcare, waste services and community programs.

Since its launch in 2023, The Welcome Experience has already supported more than 3,020 essential workers and their families to relocate to regional NSW, helping address workforce shortages across key sectors including health, aged care, education, policing, emergency services and veterinary services.

The program provides free, place-based support through dedicated Local Connectors, assisting new and incoming workers with:

• Housing and accommodation pathways

• Schooling and childcare options

• Community connections, sporting groups and local networks

• Employment opportunities for partners

• Practical support to settle into regional life with confidence

A recent Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey highlights the importance of this work, with more than 90% of councils reporting skills shortages and 66% experiencing impacts on service delivery due to vacancies and workforce gaps.

Riverina Welcome Experience has already supported more than 308 essential workers and their families in our region over the past years. Our region has already seen strong impact through the program, previously supporting workers across Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Leeton, with expansion now extending coverage to additional local government areas including Coolamon, Lockhart, Junee, Snowy Valleys, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Hay, Narrandera, Murrumbidgee, Carrathool and Bland.

The expansion is expected to further strengthen regional communities by improving workforce attraction, supporting retention and ensuring essential services continue to be delivered across the Riverina.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the program ensures new staff and families feel supported from day one, helping them not only move to regional areas but stay and build their lives there. Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig also highlighted the importance of council roles in shaping liveable, thriving communities.

RDA Riverina acknowledges the significance of this expansion and the continued commitment to supporting regional workforce sustainability, community wellbeing, and long-term regional growth.

RDA Riverina Board Meeting

Back L-R: Brett Stonestreet, Chair, Ray Willis, Board Member, David Bardos, Board Member, Front L-R: Patricia Wilkinson, Deputy Chair, Sue Molyneaux, Board Member Melanie Reeves, Board Member, Isabel Dye, Board Member, Mark Hillis, Board Member

The RDA Riverina Board met in Narrandera on 24 March 2026 for its Board meeting, with members extending their thanks to Narrandera Shire Council for hosting and sharing local insights.

As part of the visit, Board members undertook a tour of the Red Hill Industrial Precinct, providing first‑hand insight into local infrastructure, industrial development, and future growth opportunities within the shire. The tour supported informed discussion and helped ground Board considerations in local context.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review organisational priorities and discuss matters relevant to the Riverina. The Board remains focused on effective governance and supporting outcomes that benefit communities across the region.

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NSW Government Announces Expansion of The Welcome Experience Program

L-R: Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, RDA Riverina

In April 2026, the NSW State Government announced a major expansion of its essential worker attraction program, The Welcome Experience, increasing the program’s reach from 55 to 88 local government areas across the state from June. The expansion aims to strengthen the attraction and long‑term retention of essential workers in rural and regional New South Wales, helping communities address workforce shortages and maintain vital services.

Since launching as a pilot program in 2023, The Welcome Experience has supported more than 3,000 essential workers and their families to relocate to regional NSW. This free, place‑based program provides tailored support for workers considering or accepting roles in sectors such as: health, aged care, education, policing, emergency services and veterinary care.

Participants receive on‑the‑ground assistance to navigate the challenges of relocation, ranging from housing, schools and childcare, introductions to community networks, sporting groups and employment opportunities for partners. This approach helps essential workers feel welcomed, supported and connected from day one, increasing the likelihood they will settle long term and build their lives in regional communities.

The impact of the program was highlighted during a recent visit to Wagga Wagga by Minister for Regional New South Wales, The Hon. Tara Moriarty, who saw first-hand how The Welcome Experience is supporting essential workers in the Riverina. 

The Minister was welcomed by Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of RDA Riverina, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager at RDA Riverina, Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, and Dr Fasila, an essential worker who recently relocated to Wagga Wagga to commence work at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital through the program.

During the visit, Dr Fasila shared her experience of transitioning from Toowoomba to Wagga Wagga and spoke about the comprehensive support she received through The Welcome Experience. She highlighted the value of pre‑arrival information that helped her understand what to expect before moving, as well as ongoing assistance as she settled into the community. Dr Fasila noted that this support allowed her to focus fully on her professional responsibilities in the Emergency Department, while confidently managing the practical aspects of relocation and community integration.

Local Connector Jayadev Ajayakumar also provided the Minister with insights into the program’s wider regional impact, outlining how The Welcome Experience supported more than 150 essential workers across the Riverina last year. By helping workers and their families transition smoothly into their new roles and communities, the program plays a key role in strengthening essential services across the region.

Minister Moriarty acknowledged the importance of the program and its outcomes, noting the positive difference it makes for both essential workers and the communities they choose to call home. She praised the program for delivering practical, locally focused support that not only attracts workers to regional NSW but helps them stay long term.

In the Riverina, The Welcome Experience previously serviced Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Leeton. With the expansion rolling out from June 2026, coverage will extend to include Coolamon, Lockhart, Junee, Snowy Valleys, Cootamundra‑Gundagai, Hay, Narrandera, Murrumbidgee, Carrathool, and Bland.

This expanded footprint is expected to have a significant impact on the attraction and retention of essential workers across the Riverina, strengthening local services, filling vacant positions and supporting the long‑term resilience and wellbeing of communities throughout the region.

L-R: Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Riverina, Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon, Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, RDA Riverina

L-R: Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon, Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, RDA Riverina

RDA Riverina at Parliament House - Productivity Inquiry

Robyn Verrall, Chair, Regional Development Australia, Limestone Coast, and Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Australia Riverina at Public Hearing

On Friday 24 April 2026, Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Australia Riverina) appeared at a public hearing of the Senate Select Committee on Productivity at Parliament House, Canberra.

The submission reinforced that regional productivity needs to be understood as “system performance” — shaped by the interaction of workforce availability, housing supply, freight connectivity, water security, digital connectivity and enabling infrastructure.

Key messages highlighted the Riverina’s binding constraints, including workforce shortages, workforce housing pressures, freight capacity and reliability issues, and water security risk — alongside the importance of ensuring major opportunities (including the energy transition) deliver net benefits for regions without crowding out essential services and local industry.

Thank you to the committee for the opportunity to contribute to this national conversation on productivity and the policy settings that support regional Australia.

EDO Forum In Griffith

On 29 April 2026, we delivered our Economic Development Officer (EDO) Forum as a hybrid (in-person and online) event at the Griffith Community Centre. The session focused on workforce attraction and retention, education and employment pathways, and human resources management - and the hybrid format meant EDOs could still take part even when travel wasn’t possible.

A big thank you to our presenters and partners who shared practical updates and insights, including:

• Country Universities Centre (CUC)

• Griffith City Council

• Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD)

• Business NSW

• Workforce Australia (Local Jobs Program)

• Temora Shire Council

Across presentations and the roundtable, the day highlighted the practical realities the region is navigating particularly the links between workforce supply, housing availability, and barriers to participation in employment. Presentations covered workforce attraction and settlement initiatives (including skilled migration and regional coordination efforts), alongside targeted workforce development and training opportunities, and place-based examples of how communities are strengthening retention through belonging and connection.

Housing was also discussed, with practical examples of planning, infrastructure and delivery approaches that support housing supply and affordability outcomes.

Thanks to everyone who joined, contributed to the roundtable discussions, and shared such positive feedback on the value of the day.

L-R: Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Australia Riverina; Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager, Regional Development Australia; and Trish Marinozzi, Senior Manager, Strategic Engagement and Integration, Transgrid

Shiron Kirkman, Centre Manager, Country University Centre Western Riverina

Scott Grant, General Manager, Griffith City Council

Craig Sinclair, Executive Economic and Community Development, Temora Shire Council

Doug Curran, Mayor, Griffith City Council

Jo Winship, Deputy Director Riverina Murray, Regional Economic Development, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Australia Riverina

Applications for the 2026 Golden Crow Awards are now Open

Credit: Wagga Wagga Business Chamber

Applications are now open for the 2026 Golden Crow Awards, Wagga Wagga’s premier business awards program, delivered by the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber.

Now in its 40th year, the Golden Crow Awards recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation, leadership and contribution across the local business community. The awards are open to all businesses and individuals, and Chamber membership is not required to apply.

There are a wide range of categories available, catering to start-ups, established businesses, community organisations and individual achievements. Entry is free, and finalists may have the opportunity to progress to the Business NSW Regional and State Awards.

Key Details:

• Applications close: Monday 4 May 2026 at 9:00am

• Who can apply: Businesses and individuals across Wagga Wagga and the wider region

• Cost: Free to enter

Transgrid and Elecnor Project Energy Connect Construction Completion Celebration

RDA Riverina Chair Brett Stonestreet and Operations Manager Amanda Cappello were pleased to attend the celebration marking the construction completion milestone of EnergyConnect, Australia’s largest electricity transmission project, at the new world‑class Dinawan Substation near Bundure.

The event brought together representatives from regional councils, industry, community organisations and project partners to recognise the scale and significance of EnergyConnect and its role in strengthening Australia’s energy network.

The celebration commenced with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Michael Lyons, a respected Indigenous Elder. This was followed by dance performances by the Dinawan Connection Dancers, providing a meaningful and locally grounded opening to the event.

Speakers included Michael Johnston from Transgrid, Ivan Varas and Ruth McGrath, Mayor of Murrumbidgee Council, who reflected on the project andimportance of ensuring lasting regional benefits.

EnergyConnect represents a major investment in southern NSW, delivering significant transmission infrastructure and new substations, including at Dinawan, Buronga and Wagga Wagga. Projects of this scale reinforce the importance of early and ongoing workforce planning to ensure regional communities can participate in, and benefit from, major infrastructure delivery.

RDA Riverina’s involvement in events such as this connects directly to Transgrid and RDA Riverina’s $1.5 million Workforce Development Strategic Partnership, which has supported education, training and workforce development initiatives across the Riverina over the past three years.

Through this partnership, RDA Riverina has worked closely with Transgrid to deliver place‑based workforce initiatives that support skills development, local employment pathways, workforce attraction and regional readiness for major projects.

RDA Riverina has greatly valued the opportunity to collaborate with Transgrid through this partnership and acknowledges Transgrid’s commitment to working alongside regional organisations to deliver practical, locally informed workforce outcomes. The partnership has demonstrated the value of strong collaboration between infrastructure projects and regional development organisations in achieving sustainable outcomes for communities.

L-R: Nicole Ryan, General Manager of Government, Stakeholder and Advocacy, Transgrid, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager, RDA Riverina, Trish Marinozzi, Senior Manager Strategic Engagement and Integration, Transgrid, Brett Stonestreet, Chair, RDA Riverina, Emma Van Biljon, Community and Stakeholder Manager, Major Projects, Transgrid

L-R: Trish Marinozzi, Senior Manager Strategic Engagement and Integration, Transgrid, Serina Hardwick, Regional Director - Riverina Murray, Business NSW, and Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager, RDA Riverina

Dinawan Connection Dancers

Ruth McRae OAM, Mayor, Murrumbidgee Council

Gordon Taylor, Executive General Manager - Major Projects, Transgrid

Michael Johnston, General Manager Community, First Nations and Social Legacy, Transgrid and Brett Stonestreet, Chair, RDA Riverina

Telstra Upgrading 4G/5G coverage in Temora

Telstra will be commencing a planned outage in Temora from 17 March to 30 March 7am - 5.30pm to improve the 4G/5G services. The upgrade will increase the mobile site’s capacity, helping deliver faster download speeds, smoother streaming and less congestion for local users. These works will also prepare the site for future enhancements to Telstra’s 5G network.

Telstra mobile customers will receive texts advising of the upcoming work. Landline services, NBN and Satellite internet services, and mobile coverage from other providers will not be impacted. Any calls to Triple Zero from a Telstra mobile when the site is off air will automatically connect to another mobile network if available for connection to emergency services.

The site will be switched off during the following periods:

• Commencing 7am - Up to 4 hours (Tuesday 17th March) Full site outage

• 7am to 5.30pm (Wednesday 18th March) Full site outage

• 7am to 5.30pm (Thursday 19th March) Intermittent outages – 1 sector offline, 2 sectors remain online

• 7am to 5.30pm (Friday 20th March) Intermittent outages – 1 sector offline, 2 sectors remain online

• 7am to 5.30pm (Saturday 21st March) Intermittent outages – 1 sector offline, 2 sectors remain online

• 7am to 5.30pm (Sunday 22nd March) Intermittent outages – 1 sector offline, 2 sectors remain online

• 7am to 5.30pm (Monday 23rd March) Intermittent outages – 1 sector offline, 2 sectors remain online

• 7am to 5.30pm (Tuesday 24th March) Intermittent outages – 1 sector offline, 2 sectors remain online

• 7am to 5.30pm (Wednesday 25th March) Intermittent outages – 1 sector offline, 2 sectors remain online

• 7am to 5.30pm (Thursday 26th March) Full site outage

• 7am to 5.30pm (Friday 27th March) Full site outage

• 7am to 5.30pm (Saturday 28th March) No outage – normal service

• 7am to 5.30pm (Sunday 29th March) No outage – normal service

• Up to 4 hours (Monday 30th March) Back-up and testing – Intermittent outages

Regional HR Capability Building Program: HR Foundations WOrkshop

Credit: Total HRM

Small to medium sized business owners: How robust are your HR systems and processes?

Take 30 seconds and ask yourself:

• Do all of your employees have written contracts

• Are you confident they are classified correctly under the relevant Award?

• Do you have clear workplace policies available to staff?

• Do managers know how to handle performance issues properly?

• Are you HR records and documentation up to date?

Many businesses answer “not quite” to at least one of these questions.

That’s why total HRM is running a HR Foundations workshop for Temora and Bland Shire businesses.

• Date: Thursday 26 March

• Time: 1.00pm to 3.30pm

• Location: Temora - Venue still to be confirmed

• Cost: First workshop is Free of Charge with no obligation to continue

In this practical 2.5 hour workshop, you’ll learn about the HR systems every business should have in place including:

• Employment contracts

• Workplace policies

• Modern award compliance

• Record-keeping obligations

This workshop is part of a series of 12 being held over the next year in Temora for local SMEs with this first workshop free of charge thanks to Workforce Australia funding.

Only 12 places available - 4 already taken.

To register for this first workshop, phone Kim Murrells on 1800 868 254 or email: kim@totalhrm.com.au

Contact Total HRM on 1800 868 254 to book a time for your no obligation HR health Check.

$50 million for building Thriving Regional Communities

Credit: Kenny Eliason

Media Release: Minister for Regional NSW

The NSW State Government has announced a new $50 million fund that will deliver regional community connection and build up creative, industry and sporting events that boost economic development and enhance the lifestyle of regional families, workers and businesses.

Across NSW, families are choosing regional living for jobs, lifestyle and community connection. With this initiative the NSW Government is strengthening local facilities, activities and social programs that will increase social participation and economic success.

The $50 million Active Regional Communities Package will fund projects of all sizes that are smart and practical, plus embrace the uniqueness of regional communities, and embed resilience. This new package delivers support through three funding streams for not-for-profit local community groups, local councils and cultural or sporting organisations to deliver events, programs and activities that deliver lasting benefits.

Building Inclusive Leadership Through The Fischer Community Leadership program

RDA Riverina was pleased to support the Fischer Community Leadership Program, delivered locally in Lockhart in partnership with Lockhart Shire Council, by coordinating a Diversity and Inclusion Panel as part of the program’s 2026 delivery.

The Panel session formed part of a broader program day and brought together participants from local government, community organisations, not-for-profits, emergency services and volunteer groups. Through guided discussion, panel members shared diverse perspectives and lived experience, creating space for reflection on inclusive leadership, representation and respectful community decision-making.

RDA Riverina supported the identification and coordination of panel members and contributed to the discussion as an in-kind contribution, aligning with the organisation’s role in supporting regional leadership capability and building resilient communities across the Riverina.

Panellists: Bernard Higgins, Jay Ajayakumar, Lea Swansburrough, Leanne Sainsbury, Vickie Burkinshaw and Amanda Cappello

Fischer Community Leadership Program attendees and speakers

Funding Now Available for Regional and Remote Airports Impacted by Rex Voluntary Administration

Credit: Unsplash Image

Media Release: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Regional and remote airports impacted by Rex’s voluntary administration can now apply for a share in $5 million of funding under the Australian Government’s Regional and Remote Airport Support Program. With many of these airports being run by local councils this program will help address the financial impact of unpaid claims.

The support program will also reduce the likelihood of airport services suffering and ensure residents and ratepayers are not impacted. This is yet another demonstration of the Australian Government’s commitment to regional aviation.

Stay Alert, Stay Alive: National Driver Fatigue Week Targets Preventable Road Tragedies

Credit: unsplash image

Media Release: Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories

The Australian Government is urging Australians to put road safety first as National Driver Fatigue Week 2026 gets underway from 21-27 February. This year’s campaign urges motorists to recognise that sleep is the only cure for tiredness.

Alongside speeding and drinking and drug driving, fatigue is one of the top killers on our roads, contributing to many of the fatal crashes across Australia. Comparing driver fatigue to drink driving shows that the cognitive impairment of driving on less than five hours of sleep is equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05.

SHaring the National Collection: Sculptures Set to Shine in Wagga Wagga

Credit: Dannie Jing

Media Release: Minister for the Arts

A group of intricate sculptures by renowned Australian artist will be loaned to Eastern Riverina Arts from the National Gallery of Australia for two years thanks to the Australian Government’s Sharing the National Collection program.

Paradisus Terrestris (1989-90) is a collection of 23 works from acclaimed artist Fiona Hall AP and will be displayed at Eastern Riverina Arts in Wagga Wagga. an organisation that works in collaboration with eight local councils, stimulating creative participation for the arts in regional Australia.

RDA Riverina New Chair Announced

Brett Stonestreet PSM - Chair of RDA Riverina, February 2026

RDA Riverina is delighted to announce the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories of Australia, the Hon. Kristy McBain MP’s appointment of Brett Stonestreet PSM as the new Chair of RDA Riverina, succeeding Dianna Somerville after nearly five years of dedicated service in this role.

Brett Stonestreet PSM brings more than 40 years of local government experience to his new role as Chair of RDA Riverina, having held leadership roles in several councils across NSW and Victoria. Brett was recognised in 2023 with a Public Service Medal for outstanding service to the community of Griffith. Well-known for his long tenure as General Manager for Griffith City Council until 2025, Brett has earned a reputation as a steady and respected leader, guiding major projects and championing community-focused decision-making.

From building a private hospital to driving new housing initiatives, Brett has always found fulfilment in delivering projects that respond directly to community needs. He is equally inspired by the Riverina itself—its people, its ingenuity, and the lifeblood of the river systems that sustain the region. Above all, Brett’s work reflects a deep respect for place and a commitment to leaving the region stronger for future generations.

RDA Riverina is excited to welcome Brett Stonestreet back to the organisation, where he previously served from 2012 to 2018.

Business Conditions Survey

Credit: Business NSW

With interest rates on the rise, many businesses are now managing higher repayments, tighter cashflow, and customers with less capacity to spend. But the real story goes beyond rate increases, it’s about the everyday pressures and changing conditions businesses are navigating right now.

Business NSW is conducting a statewide survey to better understand how businesses are being affected. The goal is to build a clear picture of what’s happening on the ground by hearing directly from business owners and managers.

Through the survey, participants can share insights on:

• Cost pressures and day‑to‑day challenges

• Cashflow constraints and operational impacts

• Opportunities or shifts emerging in local markets

• Barriers to growth, including insurance costs, energy prices and regulatory requirements

Your feedback helps inform the broader conversations taking place about business confidence, changing conditions, and the types of support businesses may need next.

Telstra Upgrading 4G/5G Coverage in Junee

Credit: Telstra

Telstra will be commencing a planned outage in Junee from 9 February to 12 February 7am - 5pm to improve the 4G/5G services. The upgrade will increase the mobile site’s capacity, helping deliver faster download speeds, smoother streaming and less congestion for local users. These works will also prepare the site for future enhancements to Telstra’s 5G network.

While the upgrade is underway, Telstra mobile coverage in the Junee area may be temporarily impacted. Telstra has advices that the mobile site will only be switched off when required, services will be restored as quickly as possible. Customers will also receive text notifications ahead of the planned disruptions.

Telstra has confirmed that landline, NBN, Satellite services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be affected during this outage period.

Triple Zero emergency calls from a Telstra mobile will still connect - your call will automatically switch to another available mobile network if the Telstra site is offline.

To stay connected during the works Telstra recommends:

• Enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your mobile phone. This free feature allows you to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi connection.

• Businesses using EFTPOS should speaking with their bank about temporarily switching their terminals to an NBN or Wi-Fi Connection.

To read the full media release from Telstra, use the button below.

Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management) at TAFE NSW is now Open for Enrolments

Image Credit: TAFE NSW

The Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management) - PUA60120 is now available for those looking to step into senior roles within the emergency management sector. This nationally recognised qualification prepares learners to manage complex emergency situations, lead multi-agency teams, and coordinate organisational and community responses before, during, and after incidents or disasters.

This Advanced Diploma is designed for individuals taking on high-level emergency management responsibilities within an organisation or across multiple agencies. The course focuses on building the capability to plan, manage, and evaluate emergency management activities, including prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Learners will develop expertise in areas such as:

• Facilitating emergency risk assessments

• Designing and evaluating emergency management exercises

• Coordinating multi-agency operations

• Managing community and stakeholder engagement

• Implementing emergency planning processes

• Working within complex emergency management environments

This qualification is suited to those with existing experience in emergency management who are ready to progress to senior leadership roles. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Assist with managing incidents, emergencies, or disasters

• Coordinate resources, personnel, and inter-agency activities

• Work autonomously and take responsibility for technical and operational tasks

• Lead teams and make strategic decisions under pressure

Suitable entry pathways include completion of the Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management) core units, or a minimum of five years’ industry experience within the emergency management environment.

To achieve the Advanced Diploma, students must complete:

• 10 core units, including emergency risk assessment, emergency planning, exercise design, project management, and multi-agency coordination.

• 5 elective units, offering specialisations such as business continuity planning, high-level written communication, public information management, and political awareness

Training is delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face learning, ensuring flexibility while maintaining practical, scenario-based skill development.

Delivery & Key Details

• Location: Virtual classroom (off-campus) with scheduled in-person assessments at the West Wollongong campus

• Duration: 2 years

• Study Mode: Combination of online learning and on-campus workshops

• Start Date: 10 February 2025

• Study Commitment: Approximately 10 hours per week

• Funding: VET Student Loans available

• Training Provider: TAFE NSW National Centre for Emergency Management

For further information, contact the National Centre for Emergency Management:

• Email: ncems@tafensw.edu.au

• Phone: 02 7920 8831

• Website: tafensw.edu.au/national-centre-for-emergency-management

Review Your Energy Rates and Enter Zembl’s Giveaway

As many businesses return to full operations, energy usage can jump quickly, that’s why Zembl is currently offering a free business energy review, and participating also puts businesses in the draw to win one of two $5,000 energy bill credits.

How the Offer Works

1. Review

Submit your latest energy bill, and Zembl’s Energy Experts will compare your current rates and usage against competitive offers from their trusted Australian retailer panel.

2. Switch

If they find a better option, Zembl can manage the switching process—only with your approval.

3. Save

You could secure lower energy costs for 2026 and automatically go into the draw to win a $5,000 energy bill credit.* Two winners will be selected.