L to R - Dianna Somerville RDA Riverina Chair, Nicole Ryan General Manager of Government Stakeholder & Advocacy Transgrid, Melanie Renkin Research Officer RDA Riverina, Rachel Whiting CEO RDA Riverina, Trish Marinozzi Senior Manager Strategic Engagement and Integration Transgrid, and Matt Holt Tourism and Economic Development Officer Lockhart Shire Council.

Rachel Whiting, CEO, Regional Development Australia Riverina

On March 27, 2025, RDA Riverina and AusIndustry, in partnership with Lockhart Shire Council, hosted the Economic Development Officer Forum at The Rock. Attendees heard from various guest speakers, including representatives from Lockhart Shire Council, Destination Riverina Murray, Business NSW, Inland Rail, Transgrid, Telstra, and NBN co.

The event commenced with Cr Peter Sharp, Mayor of Lockhart Shire Council, giving an Acknowledgement of Country and a warm welcome to attendees.

Julia Ham, Principal Consultant, Early Childhood Quality Services

During the forum, RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting launched two pivotal reports: the ‘Early Childhood Education and Care in the Riverina’ and the ‘Workforce Histogram’. The Early Childhood Education and Care in the Riverina report addresses the critical shortages of childcare services, providing local evidence to the Regional Australia Institute’s findings that 35% of Australian’s live in “Childcare deserts”. This report aims to inform policy, drive strategic planning, and foster collaboration to benefit the Riverina region economically and socially. It includes extensive data analysis, consultations with ECEC professionals, and surveys of providers and parents. Guest Speaker and ECEC Consultant Julia Ham emphasised the critical importance of early childhood education and care and shared further information, underscoring the urgency of addressing childcare shortages.

Nicole Ryan, Transgrid’s General Manager of Government Stakeholder & Advocacy, highlighted their Strategic Partnership with RDA Riverina. Part of the $1.5 million Workforce Development Strategic Partnership included their commitment to assist research and advocacy projects on issues of concern within the region.

Melanie Renkin, RDA’s Research Officer, guided attendees through the detailed data of the Workforce Histogram report. Her presentation shed light on the projected demand for labour and skills in the Riverina and Murray regions over the next 3-5 years, driven by significant infrastructure projects. The workforce Histogram report, stemming from the RDA Riverina Major Projects Engagement Session in late 2022, highlights the significant employment demand due to major infrastructure projects exceeding $500 million. RDA Riverina are committed to releasing further updates to the Workforce Histogram as more major projects provide the data.

The event also featured several notable guest speakers. Matt Holt, Tourism and Economic Development Officer from Lockhart Shire Council, provided insightful updated on local initiatives. Yvette Myhill, General Manager of Destination Riverina Murray, delivered an engaging tourism presentation that highlighted the region’s attraction and growth opportunities. Grant Johnston from Inland Rail shared progress on the major infrastructure project while Serena Hardwick, Regional Director of Business NSW, presented the 2024 Workforce Skills Survey, offering valuable insights into the challenges and strategies for addressing skills needs in NSW. Finally, the NBN Regional Engagement Manager discussed recent upgrades, future technology plans, and improvements in fibre and speed enhancements, promising a more connected future for the region.

The event concluded with a tour of The Rock Regional Observatory; an experience that was highly valued by attendees.