L-R: Sue Molyneaux - Board Member, Dallas Tout - Board Member, Mark Hillis - Board Member, Melanie Reeves - Board Member, Dianna Somerville - Chair, Rachel Whiting - CEO, Amanda Cappello - Operations Manager, Melissa Boxall - Board Member, Isabel Virgona - Board Member, David Bardos - Board Member, Ray Willis - Board Member, Absent: Patricia Wilkinson - Deputy Chair.

On 18 November, RDA Riverina Board Members gathered at PCYC Wagga Wagga for the Annual General Meeting, followed by the final Board Meeting of 2025 to review key updates and set priorities for the year ahead.

During the afternoon, the board received a presentation from Transgrid, reinforcing the shared commitment to support the Riverina region.

The RDA Riverina Board then toured Wagga Wagga’s PCYC contemporary facilities, offering the opportunity to hear how the centre serves as a hub for youth engagement and community programs. The facilities feature a climate-controlled, multi-court indoor stadium, a fully equipped gym, flexible spaces for group fitness, and well-appointed meeting spaces with video conferencing alongside a welcoming café area. The site also includes out-of-school-hours care and a youth hub, reflecting PCYC’s mission - delivered in partnership with NSW Police - to empower young people, build leadership, and reduce and prevent youth crime.

It was a productive close to the year, before joining stakeholders for our end-of-year stakeholder drinks at Food I Am. A focus of the event was wishing farewell to RDA Riverina Chair, Dianna Somerville. Dianna has served almost 5 years as Chair of the organisation, leading us through the many flow on effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on our region, nationally and globally. Through those unprecedented times we grew as an organisation in staff numbers, in impact, in purpose, and in our drive to better the region.

Later, a small group continued the conversation over dinner in a relaxed setting. Food I Am has held a special place in RDA Riverina’s story. In 2011, the partnership began as part of an initiative to showcase the Riverina’s rich food culture and culinary talent, efforts that became Taste Riverina. Over the years, Food I Am has become more than a venue - it is renowned as a platform for celebrating local produce, fostering regional identity, and creating memorable experiences for stakeholders and visitors alike. It was fitting that we celebrated the year at Food I Am, together celebrating the achievements of founder Tania Sibrey.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our stakeholders for their ongoing support and collaboration throughout 2025. Your commitment and partnership have been instrumental in driving positive outcomes for the Riverina region. As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to continue working together to build on this momentum, strengthen regional opportunities, and deliver impactful initiatives. RDA Riverina wishes everyone a safe and joyful festive season and a successful year ahead.