Communities Given Chance to Nominate Local Mobile Phone Blackspots

The Federal Government is calling on mobile black spot nominations from local, territory and state governments as well as Federal Members of Parliament, to identify locations for the next round of the $220 million Mobile Black Spot Program.

Round 4 of the program was announced in June this year with the Coalition investing $25 million to eliminate mobile black spots in regional Australia.

Minister for Regional Services, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said this next round affirms the Coalition’s commitment to delivering 21st century communications in the regions and will deliver real benefits for our communities.

“I’m delighted to see the next round of the program coming to fruition. The program is changing lives for so many regional and remote communities across Australia.”

“We’re taking a targeted approach this time around to deliver a clear economic benefit. We are calling on state, territory and local governments, as well as our parliamentary colleagues, to nominate mobile black spot areas in their region where economic as well as social benefits can be realised,” Minister McKenzie said.

“Round 4 will also target improved mobile coverage for medical, educational and emergency services facilities, as well as along key transport routes and in towns that experience seasonal demand due to tourism.”

The program has been highly successful with more than 600 of the total 867 base stations already delivered across the country under the first three rounds of the program. More than $680 million has been generated in co-investment from state and local governments, carriers, businesses and local communities.

“Through the program we have encouraged much needed investment by mobile operators in regional Australia. This has brought real benefits and connectivity to thousands of households and businesses across the nation.”

Local communities are encouraged to get in touch with their Federal Member of Parliament or local council to nominate mobile black spot locations.

The Government will soon call for applications from carriers to be selected through a competitive process. For more information on the program visit: www.communications.gov.au/mbsp

Media Release Authorised by B McKenzie, The National Party, Bendigo VIC

Investment Attraction Package for Regional NSW

NSW Government has announced a new investment package which will attract skilled workers and interstate and global businesses to regional NSW.

The Investment Attraction Package for Regional NSW will create new jobs and investment in regional NSW by offering relocation assistance and financial incentives.

The new package includes:

• Skills Relocation Assistance – $10 million in grants of up to $10,000 per eligible skilled worker to help meet the cost of moving from the city to the country, such as furniture removal and temporary accommodation for up to three months.

• Regional Investment Attraction Fund – $20 million in grants and interest-free loans targeted at offsetting government levies and duties, such as payroll tax, to eligible businesses that want to invest and grow in regional NSW, which will lead to new jobs.

• Investment concierge – supporting businesses investing in or moving to regional NSW, working with an appointed Regional Investment Coordinator to provide easy access to incentives, smooth the planning process, help lodge applications and liaise with government departments.

To read more about the plan or the original article visit NSW Government Website

Riverina Murray Regional Tourism Business Accelerator Breakfast Clinic

RDA Riverina are pleased to be partnering with Destination Riverina Murray to run the 2018 Riverina Murray Regional Tourism Business Accelerator.

Its now time for all tourism related businesses to register for the Breakfast Clinic closest to you.

Read the flyer to find out more and click on the link to either the Griffith, Wagga or Albury Regional Tourism Business Accelerator Breakfast Clinics where you will learn more about your Tourism business and where you are on the road to growing your businesses and investing in your future.

Many thanks to Albury City Council, RDA Murray, City of Wagga Wagga and Griffith City Council for their support of the breakfasts in each location.

November 7th - Griffith Leagues Club, Griffith, 7:30am - 10am

November 8th - Mercure, Wagga, 7:30am - 10am

November 9th - Mantra Albury, 7:30am - 10am

Development Officer Forum

E3: Empower, Evolve, Escalate

Agrifutures Rural Women's Award

Applications open for Rural Women’s Award

Emerging female leaders who want to create impact, innovate and make a difference to rural and regional Australia are encouraged to apply for the 2019 AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award. 

Applications are now open for the 2019 AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award - Australia’s leading Award in acknowledging and supporting the essential role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities.

The AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award has seen close to 300 exceptional women from rural communities and industries share their challenges, along with their solutions, to many problems faced in rural industries and communities.  

Unbounded food waste, safety in rural settings, innovation and skill shortages in rural and remote communities, along with the impact of literacy levels in industrial settings, are all problems being challenged by the 2018 national finalists of the Award. 

The AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award encourages innovation and problem solving, looking for projects and initiatives in various stages of development, that offer solutions to rural industries and the communities they support. Projects or initiatives can be commercially focused, providing they still align with AgriFutures’™ strategic priorities of innovation, creativity, community sustainability, education, productivity, agribusiness, regional development and technology.

Location is also no barrier – applicants can live in rural and regional Australia, or in the city –their applications will be measured on the impact and benefits to rural and regional Australia.

Additionally, the Award criteria outlines that applicants are not required to have a specific project to be considered eligible, applications can be submitted based on an idea, an identified problem or opportunity.

“As an organisation dedicated to the long-term prosperity of our rural industries, and based in Wagga Wagga, Riverina NSW, we see and feel the impact of the current devastating drought all around us. 

Now is the time to encourage the female leaders in our communities to apply for an award like this. If you know someone who is actively contributing to rural industries and regional communities, tap them on the shoulder. We hear time and time again, that it is often the friendly encouragement from someone else, that gets applicants over the line to apply. 

The Rural Women’s Award is an important award as it celebrates success and provides a beacon to an emerging generation of future leaders across the nation,” said John Harvey, Managing Director of AgriFutures Australia.

Each state and territory winner receives a $10,000 bursary provided by Platinum sponsor Westpac, to bring their idea or project to life, access to professional development opportunities and national Alumni networks. 

Stephen Hannan, General Manager for Westpac Agribusiness, said Westpac was again proud to be the 2019 AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award Platinum sponsor.

“The Award not only provides a Westpac bursary to each state and territory winner, but it also provides an environment for Australian women to harness their ideas and talents to drive innovation and bring positive change to rural and regional communities.”

Mr Hannan encourages all rural women who have a great idea to put their hand up in 2019. 

“There is the opportunity to join an Alumni of hundreds of previous Award recipients, many of whom are leaders in their industries, who continue to deliver solutions to tomorrow’s challenges.” 
 
Applications for the AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award are open now and close on Wednesday, 31 October 2018 at 11pm AEDT. 

Apply now at www.agrifutures.com.au/rwa

Media enquiries:
Sonia Morris, Seftons | Sonia.morris@seftons.com.au | 02 6766 5222  | 0421 672 162

Country to Canberra: Enter the Competition!

Biomass in the Riverina

9.30am – 3pm | Tuesday 28th August, 2018

Griffith Regional Theatre, Burley Griffin Room – 1 Neville Pl, Griffith

In this forum we will be presenting:

·        the latest information from the NSW component of the ABBA project

·        existing and prospective bioenergy projects in the region

·        opportunities arising from a new DPI bioenergy project

The Australian Biomass for Bioenergy Assessment (ABBA) project is catalysing investment in the renewable energy sector through provision of detailed information about biomass resources across Australia. The project is collecting data on the location, volumes and availability of biomass for inclusion on the Australian Renewable Energy Mapping Infrastructure (AREMI) platform.

AREMI: https://nationalmap.gov.au/renewables/

Download flyer here.

RSVP by Monday 13th August 2018 to:

cath.carney@dpi.nsw.gov.au

CSU Engineering Dinner Success

Pictured here is Professor Euan Lindsay Director of CSU Engineering and Director of Regional Development for RDA Riverina, Rachel Whiting at the dinner.

RDA Riverina co-hosted the CSU Engineering dinner in Wagga Wagga on the 31st July.

The event welcomed existing CSU Engineering Cadets, their host businesses, potential host businesses in the region and local school engineering teachers and careers advisors.

RDA Riverina Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting said that 'the CSU Engineering program fits perfectly with RDA Riverina's Workforce Development Plan.  We know that we have a shortage of Engineers in the Riverina.  The award winning and unique CSU Engineering program builds the capacity of young engineers and gives local government and business the opportunity to attract these talented people whilst they are working and learning.  We are committed to 'Growing our Own' in the Riverina'.

Prof Lindsay thanked RDA Riverina for co-hosting the event and reinforced the importance of strengthening and retaining skilled professionals in regional NSW. "The CSU Engineering degree places cadets in regional areas and gives them the opportunity to experience first-hand the impact their role can have on a community," said Prof Lindsay.

NSW Government announces extra $500m in drought assistance for struggling farmers

Photo Credit: ABC News, Joanna Woodburn

The New South Wales Government's drought assistance has tipped over $1 billion, after a fresh cash injection for struggling farmers the Premier says have faced an "unforgivably dry winter."

To read the full article by Joanna Woodburn and Nour Haydar, visit ABC News here.

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