Australian Export Awards

The Australian Export Awards (AEA) is a national program that recognises Australian businesses for their export achievements and contribution to Australia's economic prosperity. Australian exporters can apply in 13 national categories.
 
What are the Australian Export Awards (AEA)?

• Forum to recognise the important contribution of, and celebrate the success of Australian exporters.
• Each state and territory run their own state-based export awards program. Winners of the state and territory awards programs automatically become national finalists and progress to the AEA in the 13 national categories.
• National categories include Agribusiness; Business Services; Creative Industries; Digital Technologies; E-commerce; Education and Training; Emerging Exporter; Environmental Solutions; Health and Biotechnology; Manufacturing; Minerals, Energy and Related Services; Regional Exporter; and Small Business.
• 2018 marks the return of the Emerging Exporter Award as a national category. This award recognises outstanding achievement by an organisation, in any industry, that has been exporting for 3 years or less.

 
Benefits for National Finalists and Winners

• Boost your reputation among local and international customers
• Increase your profile with the Australian Government
• Network with fellow exporters, and learn from each other’s export experience
• Improve staff morale with public recognition of the business’s success
• Critically review your business planning during the application process and identify ways to improve export strategies and operations
• Gain national media exposure
• Use the AEA winner/finalist logo in domestic and international marketing campaigns to highlight your achievement
• Attend the AEA awards ceremony and meet senior government officials and industry leaders
• Attend exclusive business events  

Who should apply?

• Australian businesses exporting their products and services overseas can apply in the 13 award categories.
• Applicants can apply in multiple categories. Full eligibility found at exportawards.gov.au/Apply/Eligibility-guidelines

How do Australian businesses apply?

• Australian businesses apply via their state or territory awards program
• Applications are submitted online via exportawards.gov.au
• Entries are judged by the government and industry representatives on their business plan, export market strategy and performance in exporting. More information on judging criteria can be found at exportawards.gov.au/Apply/Judging-criteria

Application Closing Dates
State/Territory - Applications close

VIC - 4 July (closed)

ACT - 30 July

SA - 31 July

QLD - 6 August

WA - 6 August

TAS - 15 August

NT - 16 August

NSW - 17 August

 
All queries should be directed to exportawards@austrade.gov.au.
 

Expression of Interest for Euronaval Trade Mission Open

If you are interested in being part of the 2018 Euronaval Trade Mission, expressions of interest are now open.

For further information, go to the website below, or download the draft program.

Shift Conference - Expressions of Interest

SHIFT is a one-day event exploring the roles that the creative arts and industry play in transition and transformation. This may be the transformation of spaces, the transition to a creative economy, or the power of art to transform lives and communities.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a partnership between the Australian, State, Territory and local governments tasked in developing and strengthening regional communities in Australia. We connect communities, businesses and government to projects, programs, services, funding and other people.

In this role, RDA Riverina advocate for regional leadership opportunities and are proud to announce its support for the SHIFT.  We are now calling for expressions of interest from young people working or volunteering within the arts, community and culture sector and residing in the RDA Riverina region aged 18 – 35yrs to be involved in this event. Eligible RDA Riverina LGAs include Bland, Carrathool, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Griffith, Hay, Junee, Leeton, Lockhart, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera, Temora, Tumut and Wagga Wagga.

RDA Riverina is offering to sponsor two delegates to attend SHIFT to be held in Temora on August 31, 2018.  A quality program will be presented blended with networking opportunities and thought provoking/constructive discussions that will appeal to those that are hungry for knowledge and strong industry contacts. For more information about SHIFT visit: www.shift.org.au

If you want to see your Riverina region thrive and have an interest in the arts, community or culture you are invited to send an Expression of Interest to RDA Riverina for your chance to cover your costs to attend SHIFT.

RDA-Riverina will cover the following incurred costs:

• Event registration (includes sessions and all activities)
• Travel to and from the conference.
• Accommodation

To be considered for this fantastic opportunity, interested applicants will be required to submit an expression of interest form.

Wagga Bucks the National Migration Trends

Mayor Greg Conkey with new citizens Marcus Daniel, 7, and Derrick Daniel, 4, at this year's Australia Day citizenship ceremony at the Victory Memorial Gardens. Picture: Les Smith

The Riverina region has bucked national migration trends, with strong growth seen in the number of skilled migrants moving to the area. 

"Over the past two year, our figures indicate we've seen a significant increase in the number of skilled migrants to the Riverina" said RDA Riverina Director for Regional Development, Rachel Whiting.

To read the full article, originally published by the Daily Advertiser, click here.

Funds to Build a Better Region

Four Riverina initiatives have received grant funding as part of the Community Investments Stream of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

As RDA Riverina CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting said, BBRF is a competitive, merit-based grant program designed to create jobs, drive economic growth and support strong regional and remote communities across Australia.

“The BBRF supports regional areas like the Riverina by funding infrastructure projects and community strengthening programs, such as new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, and leadership and capability building activities.

“The four Riverina-based community projects have received more than $78,000 in BBRF funding, and RDA Riverina was pleased to provide grant writing assistance to these applicants. We look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of each project.”

For further information on the winners, click here.

Preffered Bidder Named to build Parkes-Narromine section of Inland Rail

Photo: railgallery.com.au

INLink has been declared as the preffered construction contractor for the Inland Rail prokect's Parkes to Narromine section, where major works are to begin later this year. 

When signed, the contract with INLink, a joint venture between BMD Constructions and Fulton Hogan, will be the first for construction on the project.

Inland Rail CEO Richard Wankmuller said there would be further opportunities for regional companies and businesses to work on the Parkes-Narromine section, with INLink now looking towards finding suppliers.

Excerpt from www.railexpress.com.au/parkes-narromine-construction-contract-to-be-awarded/

To read the entire aritcle follow the above link.

2018 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll

Nominating a rural woman for the Hidden Treasures Honour Roll is a great way to celebrate rural women from across New South Wales who give so much of their time to improving our communities and neighbourhoods.

DPI invite you to nominate a friend, family member, colleague, community worker - any rural woman who you believe makes your community a better place to live. NB: Nominations will only be accepted for NSW RURAL WOMEN. 'Rural' is defined as anyone living outside the larger metropolitan centres of Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong, or, if the nominee considers themselves to be a rural woman.

All Nominees will be included in the 2018 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll to be launched at the NSW Rural Women's Gathering, 19-21 October in Merimbula. You and your nominee will receive a letter and copy of the printed Honour Roll following the launch.

Please ensure you have discussed this nomination with the person you are nominating and they have agreed to you providing this information.

Nominations for the 2018 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll close Monday, 30 July 2018. If you need assistance submitting a nomination, please call 02 6391 3612.

Fill out an online nomination form here.

Regional Business Conference Gets Stamp of Approval

Australia Post is partnering with 8point8: Regional Innovation and Small Business Conference to help support and encourage regional entrepreneurship.

The August conference will bring together councils, business chambers, universities, Government bodies, co-working space entrepreneurs, and many more – with expert panels and key notes from acclaimed regional entrepreneurs like Jane Cay of birdsnest, Christopher Saunders of Renew Newcastle and Jack Archer of The Regional Australia Institute.

RDA Riverina's Director of Regional Development, Rachel Whiting, will be speaking at the conference on the 22nd of August. Rachel will be speaking on the topic We Need You! Creating a Functional Workforce Development Plan for the Riverina.

8point8, Regional Innovation and Small Business Conference will be held at the Civic Theatre Wagga Wagga from 22 - 23 August. For further information and registration visit www.eightpointeight.com.au

Riverina Tourism Industry In Good Hands

With the finalists in the 2018 Riverina Murray Regional Tourism Awards announced on the 4th of July, it’s clear that tourism in our region is in good hands.

“We warmly congratulate the six Riverina tourism operators that were included in the list of finalists for the upcoming Riverina Murray Regional Tourism Awards,” said Mr Craig Sinclair, Chair of Thrive Riverina.

“Bundyi Cultural Tours, Food I Am, Limone Dining, Lockhart Sculpture and Heritage Trail, Quest Griffith and Tumut River Brewing Co all provide outstanding experiences for visitors to our region. They display a great passion and commitment both to their business and to their customers, so it’s fantastic and appropriate that they should be acknowledged as delivering excellence in tourism,” said Mr Sinclair.

Thrive Riverina is also pleased to announce the recommitment of nine Riverina-based councils.

“Thrive Riverina is committed to promoting tourism in our region and attracting visitors to the Riverina. We are so pleased that the following nine Councils are part of the Thrive Riverina group… Carrathool Shire Council, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, Griffith City Council, Leeton Shire Council, Lockhart Shire Council, Murrumbidgee Council, Snowy Valleys Council, Temora Shire Council and Wagga Wagga City Council are now all members of Thrive Riverina.” 

“With a greater focus on raising the profile of the Riverina in key markets such as Canberra and Sydney, we have some exciting promotions planned for the coming year that will reach potential travellers. Our goal is to let them know about all the great experiences travellers can enjoy in our region and encourage them to visit the Riverina,” said Mr Sinclair.

2019 Leeton Art Deco Festival dates chosen

Leeton Shire Council is pleased to announce it will be presenting a new regional festival in 2019. The region will host a winter celebration of Art Deco culture on Friday 12th, Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th July 2019.  

Marketing and Cultural Services Coordinator Suesann Vos is looking forward to activating as many people as possible in the 2019 Leeton Art Deco Festival.  

“The winter school holiday dates sit perfectly within the greater regions events calendar. Being a mid-year event there is also increased opportunity to access State and Federal government funding opportunities during the first few years of growth and development of the event.” 

“Like any successful events hardworking and passionate volunteers will be essential to help make the festival a success. This includes getting involved right from the planning stages, educating the community about Leeton’s art deco heritage right through to the event implementation.” 

To start the ball rolling, all interested members of the public who would like to contribute in some way to the planning and preparation for this event, are welcomed to join the “Planning Leeton Art Deco Festival” Facebook Group, or contact Suesann on suesannv@leeton.nsw.gov.au or (02) 6953 0922 to express your interest. 

If you have a passion for community events and an interest in our local architectural heritage and history we would love to hear from you. 

A first meeting for interested festival volunteers will be held on Wednesday 4th July, from 5pm until 7pm at the Leeton Shire Library. 

From the first meeting an advisory committee will be formed to assist Council with the coordination of the 2019 Leeton Art Deco Festival event.  

MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Suesann Vos Marketing and Cultural Services Coordinator
T. (02) 6953 0922
E. suesannv@leeton.nsw.gov.au

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.