Regional Telecommunications Review

The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee is travelling to many parts of regional and remote Australia throughout June and July, giving communities the opportunity to discuss their views and experiences with the committee first hand.

The details of the upcoming public consultations in the Riverina region are:

Wagga Wagga, NSW

• Time: 11:30am - 1:00pm
• Date: 5 July 2018
• Venue: Commercial Club, 77 Gurwood Street, Wagga Wagga

 Griffith, NSW

• Time: 10:00am - 11:30am
• Date: 6 July 2018
• Venue: Griffith Ex-Servicemen’s Club, 6/12 Jondaryan Avenue, Griffith

Food & Beverage Delegation to India, 24-29 September 2018

Food demand in India is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades thanks to large population and income increases, expanding urbanization, and dietary changes. Simultaneously, India’s food self-sufficiency is expected to face significant challenges due to decreasing rates of agricultural productivity growth, scarce natural resources, and climate change.

Source: Indian Food Demand and Supply Projections to 2030

To support our NSW food and Beverage exporters the NSW Government is leading a delegation to Delhi and Mumbai, India, on 24-29 September 2018.

The purpose of the delegation is to promote NSW food and beverages and create government-backed networking opportunities and meetings with potential Indian buyers. 

Joining the NSW Government on this mission will provide you with the opportunity to:

• participate in business-to-business matchmaking sessions facilitated by Austrade and the NSW Government
• meet local distributors and importers
• meet potential in-market partners
• develop skills and experience within international markets
• enhance your international profile
• gain a better understanding of the cultural and regulatory requirements in India.

The week-long program will

• pre-departure and in-market briefings
• participation in the Annapurna World of Food tradeshow
• visits to supermarkets/retailers
• B2B and group meetings
• networking events.

Costs of Participating:

All travel and accommodation expenses are to be covered by participating businesses, as well as freight of samples to the market.

NSW Government will cover the costs of the in-market business program and related on-ground expenses.

Further Information:

Please see the attached flyer, visit the website, or register your interest here. For any questions please email india.mission@industry.nsw.gov.au

Wagga Wagga Shortlisted for New Qantas Pilot Academy

The Qantas Group has today released a shortlist of the nine regional cities in the running to be home to the new Qantas Group Pilot Academy.

The Academy, due to open its doors in 2019, is part of the Qantas Group’s plans to build a long-term talent pipeline for its airlines and meet the increasing need for skilled aviators in one of the world’s fastest growing industries. Estimates suggest the global airline industry needs more than 640,000 more pilots over the next 20 years – 40 per cent of them in the Asia Pacific region.

Last month, regional cities and state governments were invited to coordinate their applications, putting forward their best case to be the home of the new Pilot Academy. Criteria included access to uncongested airspace, a certain number of clear weather days per year and infrastructure to support and accommodate up to 100 students in the first year of operation.

More than 60 regional cities put forward a proposal and nine regional cities across Australia, strongly supported by State and Territory Governments, have now been selected to move to the next phase of the process:

• Alice Springs, Northern Territory
• Bendigo, Victoria
• Busselton, Western Australia
• Dubbo, New South Wales
• Launceston, Tasmania
• Mackay, Queensland
• Tamworth, New South Wales
• Toowoomba, Queensland
• Wagga Wagga, New South Wales

The Qantas Group Pilot Academy management team will visit these nine cities in coming weeks and meet with community leaders, suppliers and airport operators to further evaluate the feasibility of each location.

A final decision on the Academy’s location is expected to be made in the third quarter of this year.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

Budget Delivers Historic Investment in Forestry

BUDGET DELIVERS HISTORIC INVESTMENT IN FORESTRY

The NSW Government will invest more than $70 million to support an innovative, sustainable, and thriving forestry industry and support the many people who work in the industry around the State, Minister for Lands and Forestry Paul Toole said today.

To see the full media release, click here.

Employ the Best Person for the Job!

RDA Riverina have established a new Riverina Jobs platform www.jobsriverina.com.au this is a great way to access what jobs are available in the Riverina for people looking for employment or an opportunity to move to the region and for business who need employees.

RDA Riverina are also keen to promote other ways of work.  Pointer Remote Roles matches jobs with people working from home.  Check out there website here https://www.pointerremoteroles.com.au/ and scroll to the bottom of the page to see a video about Pointer featuring our Director of Regional Development, Rachel Whiting.

Freight Hub for Canberra Airport

Local growers and producers can now export through Canberra Airport with Pak Fresh

Pak Fresh Handling, a company that handles 100% of local South Australian perishable exports to Singapore, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai and Doha, is launching services to the ACT region through Canberra Airport.

The new partnership means local growers and producers can send their produce, meats, cheeses and wines to locations around the world using the carriers who fly in and out of Canberra International Airport.

“The ACT region has a great evolving food and wine scene and top-notch produce, seafood and meats.  We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help primary producers and growers recognise the wide-range of opportunity throughout the world and develop this local market into a well-known export hub,” says Nathan Bevan, joint owner of Pak Fresh Handling.

“We have been working to attract freight handlers who can help producers throughout the ACT, South Coast, Riverina and the Murray-Darling Basin, showcase the premium products that grow here and manage the exportation process,” says Stephen Byron, Managing Director of Canberra Airport. “Pak Fresh is the best company to help us do that with their strong track record of success.”

Article originally post here

Queen's Birthday Honour List

Congratulations to the Riverina recipients of the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2018:

Mrs Christine Roslind Ferguson

Gundagai NSW 2722

For significant service to the community of Gundagai, to local government, and to parliament and politics in NSW.

Mr Arthur Staffor Bradley

Temora NSW 2666

For service to the print media, and to the community of Temora.

Mrs Jennifer Clare CLARKE

Narrandera NSW 2700

For service to the community of Narrandera, and to local government.

 Mr Brendan FARRELL

Burrumbuttock NSW 2642

For service to primary industry.

Mr Robert Scott KNIGHT

Wagga Wagga NSW 2650

For service to the library and information sciences sector, particularly in the Riverina.

Energy Buyers Forum

AgriTech Incubator Program Cohort 3 – Applications Now Open

Do you have a business idea that you want to grow into a reality? 

Applications are now open for the third AgriTech Incubator program. 

What is the AgriTech Incubator? 

The AgriTech Incubator is an innovation hub designed to support the development of the start-up ecosystem in the wider Riverina.  The Incubator has been funded by a grant from the Boosting Business Innovation program of the NSW Department of Industry, supported by additional funding from the University.   

What is involved in the Incubator program?  

The program runs for 8 weeks, commencing on Monday 23rd July 2018, with a commitment of 2 hours each Monday evening from 6.00pm – 8.00pm on the Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga Campus, concluding with a ‘pitch evening’ on the week of 10 September 2018.  
You will cover a variety of topics including design and disruptive thinking using the lean canvas business model, marketing, PR and advertising and much more.  

Does my business idea have to be specifically around AgriTech? 

While the AgriTech Incubator encourages start-ups seeking to create new opportunities in agriculture, any ‘tech-enabled’ regional start-up can apply.  
To apply, visit the website www.innovate.csu.edu.au/incubators/agritech or call 02 6933 4004 for more information.  Applications close 29 June at 5.00pm AEST. Limited spaces available.  

Funding for Women's Leadership Development

All women currently employed in Australia are invited to apply for a limited pool of scholarship funding that has been provisioned for participation in a range of leadership courses. 

The grants are allocated with the specific intent of providing powerful and effective development opportunities for women right across the country.

For further information on the range of opportunities available and to apply, click here.

$60 MILLION TO BOOST RAIL FREIGHT FOR THE NSW FOOD BOWL

Left to Right: Member for Murray Austin Evans, NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey, Junee mayor Neil Smith and Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke.

Photo: Anthony Stipo

Over $60.4 million is being invested into the Junee to Griffith Line upgrade to improve efficiency for freight carriers and reduce costs for producers and consumers as part of the Fixing Country Rail Program.

In Leeton today, Member for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the upgrade of 174 kilometres of the Junee to Griffith line will allow heavier trains carrying up to 25 tonne axle loads to use this track.

“The increased axle loads will mean line speeds will increase from 50km/h to 80km/h,” Mrs Pavey said.

“This will cut delivery times, allow more goods to be transported by rail and reduce costs for producers and consumers.”

Member for Murray Austin Evans said the project upgrades include improving passing loops and sidings, renewing level crossings and strengthening bridge structures.

“This work will remove trucks from our roads, shifting more than 200,000 tonnes of freight onto the rail network,” Mr Evans said.  

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project would enable rail freight operators to use heavier locomotives to operate without a fuel carrying limitation.

“It’s just sensible investment, so producers and businesses in the Riverina will benefit from a more efficient and lower cost logistics chain, improving their domestic and international competitiveness, as well as create benefits to our consumers at the till of their local supermarkets” Mrs Cooke said.

Fixing Country Rail Program aims to relieve bottlenecks by upgrading parts of the regional rail network which are constraining effective freight movement

“This is a great win for the communities in the Riverina. Our roads will be much safer and will also mean capacity to expand our freight industry,” Mr Evans said.

Mrs Cooke said the economic growth in areas like the Riverina relies on food, produce and raw materials, which feed and power NSW, being able to move to market efficiently.

Jobs Riverina Launched

RDA Riverina has invested in a new employment platform to provide free access for potential job seekers and employers in the Riverina.

The platform – Jobs Riverina (www.jobsriverina.com.au) – is a one-stop-portal allowing job seekers to easily find work opportunities and apply online. It also gives employers a cost-free way to expand their recruitment activities to an audience specifically interested in working in the region.

To visit the Jobs Riverina website, click here.

Trade Mission to Singapore

Smart Cities and Suburbs Round 2

The $50 million competitive Smart Cities and Suburbs Program was announced as part of the 2016 election campaign. The program will support projects that apply innovative technology-based solutions to urban challenges. The program encourages local government agencies and bodies to deliver collaborative smart city projects that improve the liveability, productivity and sustainability of Australian cities, suburbs and towns. There is approximately $22 million in total funding for this round.

• The minimum grant amount is $250,000.
• The maximum grant amount is $5 million
• The grant amount will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
• You must complete your project by 30 June 2020.

To learn more, visit the program homepage here.

Workforce Futures Development Forum

RDA Riverina, along with Griffith City Council are running a forum for Development Officers and interested parties around the future of our regions workforce.

Where: Rural Fire Servies, Wakaden St, Griffith

When: Thursday, 10th May starting at 9:30am

For further information, download the agenda for the even here.

CSU Community-University Partnership Community Grant Program

Charles Sturt University Community-University Partnerships Community Grant program has been announced.

The CUP Community Grants program represents an investment in community-university partnerships.

The goal of the program is to support the development of our regions through contributions to cultural, economic, sporting and related activities and build higher education aspiration and awareness particularly among young people in rural and regional communities.

Taste Riverina: New Year-Round Format

Visitors and locals can now enjoy the best of Riverina produce any time of year with Taste Riverina being transformed into a 12-month calendar of food and wine events across the region. Formerly a month-long festival in October only, the new year-round format kicked off on Sunday 8th April at the Piccolo Family Farm’s Autumn Festival. The event featured locally sourced food including organic rice, locally made salami and smoked meats, as well as local Murray Cod and cheese from Coolamon. Even the entertainment was homegrown with the soulful Ben Ceccato, local legends Malikah and the smooth Zac Robertson Band.

“Taste Riverina has been so successful that we’ve decided to extend it to a year-round celebration of the region’s remarkable produce. This opens the doors for seasonal events and experiences at any time of the year,” said Mr Craig Sinclair, Chair of the Taste Riverina committee.

“This exciting development means that operators and organisations across the Riverina that want to be included in the Taste Riverina calendar can register their event now or at any time that suits them,” said Mr Sinclair.

“The one thing that remains the same is our commitment to Riverina grown and made produce. Wherever you see the Taste Riverina logo, you can be assured that the event serves local produce almost exclusively,” said Mr Sinclair.

Over the past three years, the award-winning Taste Riverina Festival has brought a total of 110,673 visitors and $4.57 million in revenue to the Riverina, during October. 

Drought Transport Loan Announced

The NSW Rural Assistance recently announced new drought transport loan through their Drought Transport Fund.

Low-interest loans of up to $20,000 to cover 100% of costs (GST exclusive) to transport stock, fodder, or water to/from drought affected properties.

The first two years of a 7 year loan are interest and repayment free.

More details about submission and to apply please refer to the website .

Snowy Hydro 2.0 - Lobs Hole Tourist Evaluation

If you are a regular visitor to Kosciusko National Park, and would like to have your say, follow the link below:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/VLPJJQC

Destination Riverina Murray NSW Event Development Workshops - EOI

Regional Development Australia - Riverina is calling for expressions of interest from young people residing in RDA Riverina rural communities to attend the Destination Riverina Murray NSW Event Development Workshops.

Destination Riverina Murray has partnered with regional tourism and marketing consultant Krista Hauritz to deliver workshops in Griffith, Wagga and Albury. This series of Event Development Workshops is designed to expand the knowledge and skills of event owners and organising committees in the Riverina Murray.
RDA-Riverina is proud to announce its support for the 2018 Event Development Program and is now calling for expressions of interest from young people working and residing in RDA Riverina region aged 18 – 35yrs to be involved in this year’s event.
Eligible RDA Riverina Local Government Areas are:
Bland, Carrathool, Coolamon, Griffith, Cootamundra Gundagai, Hay, Junee, Leeton, Lockhart, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Snowy Valleys, Temora, and Wagga Wagga.
RDA-Riverina is a strong advocate for youth leadership. This year RDA-Riverina is offering to sponsor four delegates in total – 2 delegates to attend the 2018 Event Development Workshop held in Griffith and 2 delegates to attend workshop in Wagga.
This program is designed to provide you with the skills required to:

• Develop a business and strategic plan
• Successfully apply for grants and funding
• Become an expert on cost effective event marketing
• Measure event impact and success

 The RDA-Riverina offer will cover:

• workshop registration fees
• travel expenses (ATO reimbursement rate/km)
• accommodation

For more information about 2018 Event Development Workshops visit: