Image L-R: David Bardos, Board Member, Sara Johnston, Communications Officer, Marg Couch, Local Connector, Melissa Boxall, Board Member, Sophie Ackland, Administration Officer, Brett Stonestreet, Chair, Rachel Whiting, CEO, Patricia Wilkinson, Board Member, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager, Melanie Rankin, Research Officer, Dallas Tout, Board Member
Last week, Regional Development Australia Riverina was pleased to welcome Economic Development Officers, local government representatives, industry leaders, and key stakeholders from across the region to the Economic Development Officer Forum at PCYC NSW Wagga Wagga.
The forum featured a range of insightful presentations and discussions focused on regional development, trade, investment, infrastructure, renewable energy, freight, export opportunities, and business growth. We extend our sincere thanks to our speakers for generously sharing their expertise and helping to foster meaningful conversations about the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the Riverina.
We also thank the local government representatives, RDA Riverina Board members and staff, and everyone who attended and contributed throughout the day. The ideas, collaboration, and commitment demonstrated by participants continue to strengthen our region and highlight the value of connecting through events such as this.
A key highlight of the forum was the launch of two important RDA Riverina publications: the RDA Riverina Annual Report 2025–2026 and the Spring 2026 edition of Country Change magazine. Together, these publications celebrate the achievements of the past year while showcasing the people, places, and opportunities that make the Riverina a great place to live, work, and invest.
This latest edition of Country Change features Temora Shire Council as part of this season’s campaign. We thank Temora Shire Council for providing the stunning cover image, captured by Anne Cooper Photography, which beautifully reflects the character, lifestyle, and appeal of regional living in the Riverina.
Thank you to everyone who played a part in making the forum a success. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strong regional partnerships, we continue to champion opportunities that support vibrant, connected, and prosperous communities across the Riverina.
Back L-R: David Bardos, Head of Regional Development, MEDLOG, Brett Stonestreet, Chair, RDA Riverina, Wayne Murphy, Trade & Supply Manager NSW, Port of Melbourne, Greg Ley. CEO & Managing Director, Lecroma. Alec Brown, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Manager Major Projects, Transgrid, Geoff Reardon, Regional Manager Murray Riverina, Industry Capability Network, Anthony Hayes, Head of Regional Integration Planning, Transport for NSW, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager, RDA Riverina
Front L-R: Robert Lansdown, Senior Export Advisor, Investment NSW/Austrade, Nicola James, Regional Manager South West NSW, AusIndustry, Rachel Whiting, CEO, RDA Riverina, Colin Pinto, Associate Director, Small Business Lending, Export Finance Australia
Image L-R: Melissa Boxall. General Manager, Temora Shire Council, Brooke Bremer, Economic & Community Development Officer, Craig Sinclair, Executive Manager of Economic and Community Development, Temora Shire Council, and Rachel Whiting, CEO, RDA Riverina
Geoff Reardon, Regional Manager Murray Riverina, Industry Capability Network
Wayne Murphy, Trade & Supply Manager NSW, Port of Melbourne
David Bardos, Head of Regional Development, MEDLOG
Robert Lansdown, Senior Export Advisor, Investment NSW
Colin Pinto, Associate Director, Small Business Lending, Export Finance Australia
Greg Ley. CEO & Managing Director, Lecroma
Nicola James, Regional Manager South West NSW, AusIndustry
Alec Brown, Communications & Stakeholder Engagement Manager Major Projects, Transgrid
Attendees
Anthony Hayes, Head of Regional Integration Planning, Transport for NSW
Attendees
Round table discussion
