M.I.A Secures Funding for Regional Study Hub
The Federal Government has announced funding of $1.36m to build new regional study sites to serve both Griffith and Leeton.
The Federal Government has announced funding of $1.36m to build new regional study sites to serve both Griffith and Leeton.
Local MP Sussan Ley said the move is great news for students seeking distance education options at university, with new ‘hubs’ at Griffith and Leeton supporting those who wanted, or needed, to stay at ‘home’ for their study.
“Set up by the Country Universities Centre, the sites will provide study space, internet and video conferencing access, administrative, and academic support,” Ms Ley said.
Griffith City Council General Manager, Brett Stonestreet, said the hub would make a massive difference to the lives of students, their families and communities across the region.
“This is wonderful news for Griffith and the surrounding communities. It will provide greater access to higher education and more opportunities for our students,” Mr Stonestreet said.
“Anyone with the desire and capability to attend university will now have the opportunity to do so regardless of their background or where they live. This helps improve educational attainment, skills development, and employment opportunities for local students.”
An application was submitted by Country Universities NSW on behalf of several sites in NSW, with the Griffith/Leeton Hub one of the successful applications.
Duncan Taylor CEO of Country Universities NSW said the community-owned regional study hub model has the potential of revolutionising tertiary education in country areas.
“We’re really seeing some significant results in communities where we have already established study hubs, so naturally we’re thrilled the Federal Government is enabling us to expand this successful model,” he said.
The Morrison Government is providing $24.2 million over four years to help establish or expand 16 Regional Study Hubs at 22 locations throughout Australia.
As part of a commitment to boost post-secondary education in rural areas, $34m has also been allocated to
provide an extra 2000 scholarships for regional students, bringing the total additional new funding for regional higher education to $400 million over five years.
Women's Horticulture Leadership skills Scholarship
Scholarship available valued at up to $10K
Hort Innovation and Women and Leadership Australia (WLA) are offering a new round of funding for women in horticulture looking to develop their leadership skills, with applications now open to receive leadership development scholarships with a value of up to $10,941.
The leadership development scholarships offer funding for women who work in levy-paying horticultural businesses to take part in one of three courses offered by WLA.
These three courses have been tailored to suit women across three key management levels:
Accelerated Leadership Performance Program is a four-month course for early-career managers and emerging leaders.
Executive Ready program is a seven-month course for women with mid-level management and leadership experience.
Advanced Leadership Program is a 12-month course for senior and executive-level women.
To be eligible women must be employed by a levy paying business in the hort sector.
The courses are specifically designed to fit around your existing employment and are delivered via a ‘blended’ teaching model that incorporates online and face-to-face components.
Each scholarship available through this funding is a partial scholarship that covers almost 60 per cent of the fee for each program, leaving a residual payment for successful applicants. The scholarships will be awarded based on a set of selection criteria being met.
Funding is limited and must be apportioned by the end of this calendar year.
Expressions of Interest close Friday, December 7th.
For more information on these scholarships and to learn how to apply, visit the WLA website.
Leadership training for women in Australian horticulture is funded by the Hort Frontiers Leadership Fund, part of the Hort Frontiers strategic partnership initiative developed by Hort Innovation, with co-investment from Women & Leadership Australia and contributions from the Australian Government.
National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy Industry Focus Groups
Opportunity to participate in Focus Groups to help inform the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy
The Taskforce leading the development of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy (the Strategy) will be hosting industry focus groups around Australia in November and December 2018 to test key elements recommended for the Strategy, including the proposed National Action Plan (NAP).
All levels of government have been collaborating to develop a Strategy capable of delivering a productive, competitive, safe and secure freight system.
The Taskforce wishes to engage with you to ensure that the Strategy and NAP capture industry input already received and to give you an opportunity to provide further feedback as we develop the Strategy for endorsement by governments in the New Year.
The Focus Groups
Provide you with a brief overview of the Strategy and NAP and how it will addresses industry priorities identified by the Inquiry into National Freight and Supply Chain Priorities .
Explain how the Strategy links with state and territory freight initiatives and other work underway.
Test the structure and direction of the NAP with you through facilitated
Discuss government and industry’s role in implementing the Strategy and
Seek your feedback on further areas for consideration.
Their are two groups scheduled near the Riverina Region
Canberra - 23rd November 10am - 2pm
Dept of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities Office
111 Alinga St
Albury - 4th December 11:30am - 3:30am
Attura Albury
648 Dean St
If you wish to attend please complete the attached registration form (below) and send to freightstrategy@infrastructure.gov.au. Please note the RSVP dates for each group, as late acceptances will be subject to availability. The agenda and associated papers will be sent to attendees closer to the meeting date.
If you have any questions, please contact the Taskforce via email at freightstrategy@infrastructure.gov.au.
Agri-Business and Carbon Farming Public Consultations
Public consultations occurring around Australia
The review and development of Agribusiness and Carbon Farming qualifications as part of the AHC Agriculture, Amenity Horticulture and Conservation and Land Management Training Package is now at the next stage of the project.
The initial development work on the Agri-business and Carbon Farming project has now been completed. The Subject Matter Experts (SME) meetings were held during September, with people who work directly in the Carbon Farming and Agribusiness Industry being consulted to help clarify job roles, tasks and identify any skills gaps. The SME’s have now provided further feedback on the initial draft work.
The dates for the face to face public consultation workshops to be held around Australia have now been announced and will take place across a number of states and territories, with a webinar planned for those unable to attend in person.
You can now register your interest to attend these workshops to provide further input which will help define the qualification, skill sets and units of competency.
The revised draft qualifications, skill sets and units will be made available on this webpage for public consideration and feedback from November 2018 (under the project ‘Drafts Available’ menu).
The dates for these workshops are now open and listed below. Please feel free to register for a workshop near you.
Face to Face Consultation
Sydney Tue 20 Nov 2018 (9am to 12pm)
Melbourne Fri 30 Nov 2018 (10am to 12.30pm)
Adelaide Wed 5 Dec 2018 (9.30am to 12.30pm)
Consultation Webinar
Fri 30 Nov 2018 (1pm to 3pm)
Please follow the link below to register to attend the workshop in your state.
Register your interest for future updates
Click here to subscribe to the Skills Impact newsletter to keep informed about project updates and opportunities to provide input and feedback.
Make sure to select ‘Agriculture, Horticulture, Conservation & Land Management’ as your industry of interest on the subscription form.
Expression Of Interest Open to Women in Temora
Opportunity for women in Temora to support their business
Regional Australia Bank is excited to announce that it will be providing seed-funding for 10 women in Temora including postcode 2666 to receive support to get their online micro-enterprise established and successfully trading in 2018/2019!
Applications ARE OPEN NOW – APPLY TODAY!
Applications Open – 5th November
Applications Close – 22nd November 5pm
New RDA Committee Announced
New look committee for RDA Riverina
Kerry Penton - Acting Chair RDA Riverina
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina has a new committee to help develop the Riverina as a strong, confident and vibrant region.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a national network of Committees comprising local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the economic development of their regions.
With a clear focus on harnessing the competitive advantages of their regions, seizing on economic opportunity and attracting investment, RDA Committees deliver the RDA Charter as announced by then Minister for Regional Development, Senator Fiona Nash in August 2017.
RDA Riverina engages with regional business, councils and industry sectors to work towards sustainable growth for the region. Current RDA Riverina programs include workforce development initiatives such as Jobs Riverina, Country Change and Skilled Migration; supporting Taste Riverina and Grow Our Own Western Riverina; and providing regional statistics, demographic data, economic impact analysis and other support for projects and grant applications.
The new RDA Riverina Committee consists of three returning members:
Kerry Penton (acting Chair) –- Regional General Manager South, TAFE NSW – Governance and education
Deirdre Lemerle – Adjunct Professor at Charles Sturt University – Business, industry and education
Dean Hawkins – Fibre & Forestry Manager, Visy Pulp & Paper – Business and industry
New members:
Gary Lavelle – General Manager, Temora Shire Council – Local Government
Christine Howard – Manager, Three Rivers University Department of Rural Health – Governance, general management, industry
Bradley Kent – farm owner – Business and industry
Sue Molyneaux – HR Manager at Casella Family Brands – Business and industry
Iva Quarisa – Executive Officer ,Irrigation Research and Extension Committee – Communications, business, local knowledge
Robyn Harvey – Director Internal Services, Snowy Valleys Council – Local Government
Shaun Duffy –Managing Director, Great Southern Electrical – Business and industry
Following the resignation Miriam Dayhew, who has accepted a position with the NSW Department of Planning, the position of Chair has now been advertised and interested persons are invited to apply.
RDA Riverina CEO and Director of Regional Development, Rachel Whiting thanked the outgoing Committee and especially immediate past Chairs Miriam Dayhew and Diana Gibbs for the strong foundations they laid for the new Committee to build on.
MEDIA NOTE: For more information, contact RDA Riverina CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting on 0429 444 213.
Nominations now open for the 2019 Australian Biosecurity Awards
The search has begun for Australia’s true biosecurity champions
Monday, 29 October 2018
Today the search begins for Australia’s true biosecurity champions through the 2019 Australian Biosecurity Awards.
Head of biosecurity at the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, Lyn O’Connell, said the annual Biosecurity Awards are an important recognition of Australians making significant contributions to our world leading biosecurity status.
“These awards acknowledge those who have worked closely with the department and made outstanding efforts that reduce the risk of exotic pests and diseases entering Australia,” Ms O’Connell said.
“Our strict conditions protect our $60 billion agricultural industries, as well as our unique environment, native flora and fauna, our tourism industries and lifestyle.
“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and we want to applaud the efforts of those supporting and promoting the systems which uphold it.
“There will be four award categories in 2019: the Australian Biosecurity Award – Industry; the Australian Biosecurity Award – Government; the David Banks Biosecurity Lifetime Achievement Award; and, the Farm Biosecurity Producer of the Year Award.”
Nominations are now open and close on Friday 9 November 2018.
The 2019 Australian Biosecurity Awards will be presented in conjunction with the Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry as part of the ABARES Outlook Conference in Canberra in March 2019.
For more information on the Australian Biosecurity Awards, including the nomination form, visit agriculture.gov.au/aba.
Round Three of the Building Better Regions Fund Now Open
Up to $10 million available for regional funding projects
The Australian Government has announced $200 million in the 2018–19 Budget for Round Three of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF). To help regions unlock their tourism potential, up to $45 million has been earmarked for tourism related infrastructure projects that will help stimulate local economies by investing in the tourism sector.
The $641.6 million BBRF supports the Australian Government’s commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.
For Round 3, $200 million is available, with up to $45 million of this funding earmarked to support tourism related infrastructure projects.
There are two streams of funding available under the program:
Infrastructure Projects Stream
The Infrastructure Projects Stream supports projects which involve the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure that provide economic and social benefits to regional and remote areas.
The Community Investments Stream funds the following community activities, new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, and leadership and capability strengthening activities These projects will deliver economic and social benefits to regional and remote communities. Infrastructure activities are not eligible for the Community Investments Stream.
For more information and to obtain a copy of the guidelines, click here.
If you require any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact RDA Riverina on (02) 5924 5861 or email at research@rdariverina.org.au
Country Change Expo - 20th October Cootamundra Show
Are you ready to come make the ultimate Country Change? Come to the Country Change Expo at Cootamundra Showground on the 20th of October, 2018.
Forum to be held on the future of the Public Service
In May 2018, the Australian Government commissioned a major review of the Australian Public Service (APS), led by an independent panel, to ensure that it is best placed to serve Australian governments and the Australian people into the future. You are invited to attend a workshop to have your say on:
The future of the public service
Date: Thursday, 18 October 2018
Time: 10:00 – 11:30am
Venue: Wagga Wagga
The exact venue location will be provided after you have registered.
Morning tea will be provided.
To register click the above link or visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/expression-of-interest-workshop-on-the-future-of-the-public-service-tickets-50516431005
Do you interact with the Australian Public Service?
We want to hear your thoughts on its future.
The Australian Public Service works on:
laws that govern society
policies that shape how organisations operate
programs that help people
services that let us all get things done
The world is changing and we want to make sure the Australian Public Service is ready to respond to the challenges and opportunities in the decades ahead.
All Australians interact with the Australian Government at some point in their lives. Whether you are a small business owner, part of a community organisation, or someone who uses government services, the independent review wants to hear from you.
What are the challenges facing the public service in the future? What are your experiences and expectations of the public service?
Join us at one of the workshops being held around Australia, have your say and help shape our future!
For more information on the review visit https://www.apsreview.gov.au/about or contact the APS Review team at apsreview@pmc.gov.au
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By registering for this workshop you are expressing your interest to attend. We will contact you directly to confirm attendance. The auto generated Eventbrite email is only a confirmation of your Expression of Interest. This is not a confirmation of attendance.
Kind regards
Independent Review Team
Communities Given Chance to Nominate Local Mobile Phone Blackspots
Database to be updated to respond to community needs
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 between the 7th and 9th of November.
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
Agrifutures Rural Women's Award
Applications Open for 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!
Young, rural and driven? Win the opportunity of a lifetime!
Biomass in the Riverina
Biomass for Bioenergy Forum 9:30am-3pm. Tuesday 28th August, 2018 at Griffith Regional Theatre.
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
RDA Riverina Co-hosted a dinner in Wagga bringing together current CSU Engineering Cadets, Academics, businesses and local schools.
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
Much needed drought assistance announced.
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.