$16 Million in manufacturing efficiency funding available
$16 Million in funding for NSW Manufacturers to Save Energy
Applications opened on 22 February for manufacturers to access $16 million in funding as part of the NSW Government Energy Saver program to help them save energy, money and stay competitive globally.
Up to $120,000 per site is available to NSW manufacturers. Businesses that have implemented similar projects have found savings can run to over $100,000 a year, while reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
The funding will help manufacturers to:
• upgrade energy monitoring systems
• replace or retrofit old, inefficient equipment
• install new energy-efficient equipment
• improve manufacturing processes.
The first round of funding is open from 22 February 2019 to 30 June 2019. More information on the program is available at www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/manufacturing
The Energy Saver program also provides an additional $3.5 million for energy intensive manufacturing businesses to improve the way they manage energy. These manufacturers can receive free energy management system benchmarking to understand their performance against industry standard. Participating businesses can then receive up to $30,000 of support and coaching from industry experts.
Briefing sessions will be held to help businesses understand the funding offers, get tips for a successful application and ask any questions they may have. These will be held across regional and metropolitan NSW in March and April.
Information about the offers or arrangements for an interview, can be made by contacting Colleen Kurdian at 02 8837 6028.
Click here to register for the Wagga Wagga briefing session.
Remote working: making it work for businesses and professionals
We’re pleased to be working with Pointer Remote Roles at Regional Development Australia Riverina to give business another option in filling their workforce needs. We are heading to Temora for our first free Remote Working Forum! Know a business owner or professional that would benefit from finding out more about how remote work can help combat skill shortages in the regions? Send them our way! Our panel session is made up of three incredible women who have embraced remote work and will give participants a warts and all insight into how it all works.
Register here: https://pointerremoteroles.com.au/forums/
Boots off - share a laugh!
Riverina local land services is hosting a series of free community events aimed at bring together famers and small communities who have been doing it really tough.
You’re invited to kick off the work boots and join them - renowned speaker Neville Brady (a farm boy from Swan Hill and former Richmond AFL player) will shed some light on how to stay positive in the face of tough times in our farming communities. This is a chance to come together and share some laughs, and learn a thing or two about looking after yourself and your family when the weather isn’t going with you.
These events are FREE and ALL are welcome - please spread the word!
Junee
Monday 25 February
Junee Licorice Factory 45-61 Lord St
6pm start, finger food provided
Coolamon
Tuesday 26 February
Coolamon Sport & Recreational Club 71-73 Lewis St
8:30am start, breakfast supplied
Lockhart
Wednesday 27 February
Lockhart Ex-Servicemen’s Club, 83 Green St
8:30am start, breakfast supplied
There will be friendly faces from the Rural Financial Counselling Service, Rotary, Riverina Bluebell and other local organisations, along with Local Land Services staff (including their vets!) to discuss any issues over a cuppa after Neville’s presentation.
RSVP appreciated for catering: Book online www.lls.nsw.gov.au/riverina
Or contact Anna Wilson - 0428 964 785 / anna.wilson@lls.nsw.gov.au or Ted O’Kane 0427 781 514 / ted.o’kane@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Opportunity to Join the RDA Riverina Team: Grow Our Own Industry Liaison Officer
Regional Development Australia – Riverina is part of a national initiative charged with economic development across our regions. This is achieved through building partnerships and ensuring that all governments and stakeholders are responsive to local regional priorities and needs. RDA Riverina is a conduit between government and local communities and a provider of information.
Stretching 500km from east to west across south-central NSW, the RDA Riverina region covers almost 80,000 square kilometres. The region is home to 170,000 people (2016 Census), many who rely on the region’s largest employer – agriculture – for their livelihood. The region encompasses 14 local government areas and is home to the major centres of the City of Wagga Wagga and City of Griffith.
RDA Riverina wish to employ an Industry Liaison Officer to join the team in the Griffith office. This position is initially a contract until December 31st, 2019 with opportunity for extension if funding allows. This position will be a part time role 0.5 of a FTE position at 35 hours per fortnight. School hours would also work for this position. Remuneration will be negotiated in accordance with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.
Position Overview
The RDA Industry Liaison Officer will be responsible for coordinating the Grow Our Own (GOO) program for the Western Riverina, including the management of the Industry component of the STEM Industry/School Partnership program (SISP):
Principal Responsibilities
Identifying industries based on regional strategic advantages including AgriTech and other industries such as health;
Developing effective relationships with the industry partners and fostering existing relationships from the Grow Our Own stakeholder group;
Collaborating effectively with the Department of Education STEM Project Officer;
Facilitating effective relationships between the schools and the industry partners;
Developing and organising region-specific STEM based activities or career events;
Providing support and advice to Industry on the logistics of School/Industry partnership activities; (e.g. Insurance, working with children checks, identification, DoE policy and procedures;
Organising the industry component of excursion and incursions with schools and the industry partners in consultation with STEM Project Officer;
Facilitating industry engagement at SISP Challenge Days and SMART Discovery Days;
Coordination of stakeholders in the end of project Showcase event and STEM competitions;
Collecting milestone data and completion of milestone reports;
Posting and responding to appropriate social media;
Coordinating with other organisations who can assist in delivery of SISP and GOO programs;
Other duties as directed by the Director of Regional Development / CEO.
Capabilities
It is expected that the successful applicant for this position will have the following capabilities:
An ability to achieve goals and priorities, and undertake work without continuous direct supervision.
High level of computer literacy skills, including demonstrated experience in word processing, spreadsheets, social media and database management
A high work ethic and willingness to help out other members of the work team.
A willingness to request help and/or guidance when it may be required.
Professional skills, particularly regarding professional discretion and maintaining confidentiality as required.
Physical Capabilities
Consideration should also be given to areas such as:
Sitting for long periods at a computer desk.
Current open driving licence essential
Selection Criteria
Applicants are expected to address the selection criteria when applying for this position.
Essential
1. Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma level qualification with relevant work-related experience;
or a certificate level qualification with post-certificate relevant work experience; or Year 12 and
normally at least 3-4 years' relevant work experience; or an equivalent level of knowledge gained
through any other combination of education, training and/or experience;
2. Connections with and/or understanding of Industry in the Western Riverina especially STEM related
industry;
3. Demonstrated expertise in using Microsoft Office products, including Excel and Word;
4. An excellent grasp of both written and spoken English;
5. An ability to work in a team environment with minimal supervision;
6. Sound administrative skills;
7. A working with children check;
8. Current driving licence;
Applicants should submit a resume of no more than three pages including contact details for two referees, a response to the selection criteria and a cover letter addressed to the CEO of RDA Riverina, Rachel Whiting by COB Friday 8th March 2019 via ceo@rdariverina.org.au
https://www.jobsriverina.com.au/job/12455/industry-liaison-officer
View other similar jobs or join Jobs Riverina at https://www.jobsriverina.com.au
Agtech, AgriFood and Advanced Manufacturing Breakfast in Griffith
Agtech, AgriFood & Advanced Manufacturing Innovation & Workforce Industry Forum
Wednesday, 27 February 2019
7:00 am 9:00 am
Kickstart 2019 with some new strategies to remain competitive in your sector and secure your workforce.
You are invited to join AusIndustry, RDA Riverina and Deakin University at breakfast on 27 February and learn how we can work collaboratively with you to accelerate business innovation and attract a highly skilled workforce
Housing Development EOI Leeton Shire at Whitton
Leeton Shire Council has identified an opportunity for a 22 lot housing subdivision at Lot 1, DP 1053043, Conapaira Street in Whitton.
To test the level of housing demand Council is inviting expressions of interest from persons/businesses interested in purchasing or building a new home within two years as well as from housing developers who may be interested in exploring house and land packages at this site.
With growing opportunities for employment in the proximity of Whitton and with the township’s rich history and excellent facilities, this is an exciting and affordable opportunity particularly for workers or families in the region wanting to build a home.
This opportunity could also be a major influence on Whitton’s enhancement as a residential village.
Should you or any of your contacts, colleagues and/or employees be interested in building a house or in developing housing at the site, an EOI document which includes the EOI form is attached.
EOI’s can be lodged via EOI form to myself at:
Leeton Shire Council
Economic Development Coordinator
23-25 Chelmsford Place, Leeton 2705
or by email to monicaa@leeton.nsw.gov.au.
EOI close by 5pm, Thursday 14 March 2019.
Council will analyse expressions of interest to determine if and how it will proceed.
This email is for your information but I would appreciate if you could also distribute information on this housing opportunity to any of your contacts that may be interested if appropriate.
Please do not hesitate to contact me on 6953 0902 or 0427 029 153 if you require further information. Many thanks.
Kind regards,
Monica Armanini
Economic Development Coordinator
Leeton Shire Council
23-25 Chelmsford Place
Leeton NSW 2705
P: 02 6953 0902
The National Awards for Local Government
The National Awards for Local Government The National Awards for Local Government is an annual celebration of the best of Australian local government achievements. The Awards highlight innovative and resourceful solutions that local governments have implemented to make a difference to their local communities.
New Chair For RDA Riverina
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina, The Hon Michael McCormack MP has today announced the appointment of Richard Allsopp to Chair of RDA Riverina.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development and Member for Riverina, The Hon Michael McCormack MP has today announced the appointment of Richard Allsopp to Chair of RDA Riverina.
2019 Riverina Inspirations
It seems late to be saying Happy New Year, but now we are past Australia Day and the children are all back at school, we can no longer deny 2019 is really here and that holidays are truly over.
As we reflect on our long weekend and the celebration of Australia Day, there are many discussions about the day and the date and what it means or should mean. I was fortunate to be invited to the City of Wagga Wagga’s Australia Day awards ceremony on the Friday night before Australia Day. As well as seeing the amazing community nominees, there were two slightly different and very moving speeches. The first was by Wagga’s Australia Day Ambassador and Aboriginal Comedian Dane Simpson. He spoke about what Australia Day meant for him as an individual and an Aboriginal man and Australia’s maturity in having an open conversation around the date. The other was from Miss Wagga 2019 Stina Constantine. Stina was born from Sri Lankan parents in Norway and completed high school and university in Wagga Wagga. Her conversation about what it means to be an Australian was unique as she is still seeking a permanent visa. She loves Australia and wants to be an Australian citizen. From first nations to willing migrants, we are all Australian and we need everyone to make the Riverina strong.
RDA Riverina are very pleased to announce a new Chair. Richard Allsopp is a great addition to our committee. Richard is the founder of Rundles Auctions and pioneered industrial auctions in country NSW. He opened his first business in Wagga Wagga in 1997, and then expanded into Dubbo and Tamworth. It has now become the largest regional industrial auctioneers in NSW, selling cars, trucks, earthmoving equipment and machinery for state and local government, banks, finance companies and corporate clients. As an auctioneer for 35 years and a resident of the Riverina for 21 years operating his business out of Wagga, Richard was motivated by keeping country profits in the country. After retiring from the auction business, Richard is looking forward to giving back to community through RDA Riverina activities.
Drought Assistance
The latest Drought Assistance information from the Australian Government can be downloaded here:
TASTE Riverina goes to Canberra
The new Taste Riverina
The award-winning Taste Riverina Festival has grown in to something new. We hope you agree it’s now
bigger and better. It’s time for Riverina growers, producers and operators to be front and centre all-yearround.
In-region events
The new format Taste Riverina means operators can hold seasonal events and experiences at any time of
the year. We encourage you to create events that focus on the Taste Riverina values of supporting local,
educating, innovating and collaborating.
Out-of-region expansion
We are bringing Taste Riverina to key metro areas. Taste Riverina has a significant following from ACT, VIC
and NSW residents who are hungry for more food, drinks and experiences straight from the Riverina.
Taste Riverina goes to Canberra
First up on the list for promotion in metro areas is Canberra and we have chosen Handmade Canberra.
Handmade Canberra is Canberra’s largest indoor market and in 2018 celebrated 10 years of successful
events. Handmade Canberra attracts over 130,000 visitors each year, with the March event regularly
bringing in over 20,000 people.
When and where is the Handmade market?
The first Handmade market of 2019 will be held between 23 – 24 March at Exhibition Park in Canberra
(EPIC), Flemington Rd, Lyneham ACT 2602
What is so great about Handmade?
Handmade is a carefully curated market featuring quality Australian and handmade products and produce.
Digital channels have amassed a loyal following of over 55,000 people, with a monthly website audience of
just under 13,000.
In addition to promising promotional channels, Handmade is a great choice for operators looking to sell
products, as total turnover for each market is around $5 million.
Who goes to Handmade?
Market demographics are closely aligned to Taste Riverina audiences with 59% aged between 25 - 44 years
old. The majority of the Handmade audience is based in Canberra, followed by Sydney and Melbourne.
3
How it will work?
We have space for 20 Riverina operators to join the 2019 Taste Riverina Alley at Handmade Canberra.
Operators will promote and sell their products/services over 2 days within a dedicated Taste Riverina area.
Our team will coordinate everything related to your participation in the markets with the Handmade
organisers. As spaces are limited, not all applicants may be selected.
To obtain your Expression of Interest Form
Please email Oumi at marketingsupport@tasteriverina.com.au
Inland Growth Summit - Dubbo 31st January
contact admin@rdaorana.org.au for more information
Drought information sessions
RDA Riverina attended the information session in West Wyalong. If you want to know who to contact, ask us and we can point you in the right direction. Email ceo@rdariverina.org.au
2018 RDA Riverina Snapshot
I hope that you are all able to slow down a little over the Christmas break and enjoy some time with friends and family.
I understand the pressures associated with this as our region is booming and the opportunities are great.
In 2018, RDA Riverina have put our efforts to places where we have seen the greatest need:
1. Workforce Development - Our region needs skilled workers. Our numbers show there is a need for up to 10,000 more people in the Riverina in the next 2-3 years and that doesn't count Snowy Hydro 2.0's anticipated demand.
We've done this through Grow Our Own, Country Change and Skilled Migration.
We have also worked on assisting all these avenues with the free jobsite for employers and employees Jobs Riverina.
These programs have challenges, but I am confident that more opportunities will arise and we are making a difference.
2. Data and information - RDA Riverina started the year with releasing our RDA Riverina Regional Profile .This is just the beginning, we can provide you with information that fits your business or organisation's needs. Check out Professional Services page to learn more about our Economic and Event Impact analysis and other services we can provide.
We've also worked to assist others including Thrive Riverina, Taste Riverina and local councils with Tourism projects and we are especially excited to be working with Destination Riverina Murray to run a Tourism Accelerator program in the New Year. Our goal is to create a strong, confident and vibrant region and to work across all levels of government to increase economic development opportunities. If we can help you, please ask us.
By January we hope to have our new Chair announced. We thank our Chairs for 2018, Miriam Dayhew and our current Acting Chair Kerry Penton for their commitment and hard work. We are very pleased to have recently announced our new committee and to have had a farewell and thank you dinner for our retiring committee members.
We are sad to be farewelling our fantastic Research Officer Elliot Lee. Elliot came to us as a Mathematics graduate from the University of Newcastle last 2017. The work he has done for us and our partners is fabulous and we wish him all the best as he pursues his dream of teaching maths at the Riverina Anglican College in 2019. We are currently searching for a new Research Officer. Please click here for more information.
Thank you to all friends and stakeholders for your collaboration in facilitating regional growth and prosperity in the Riverina. It has been a pleasure working with you in 2018 and we look forward to a prosperous new year in 2019. Remember to think local when you plan your gifts, food and beverages this festive season. The Taste Riverina options are endless.
Best wishes from Rachel, Marg, Faye, Elliot and the RDA Rivera Committee.
Carevan Wagga: Volunteers Needed
Volunteers need to assist Carevan Wagga.
To provide night time meals and social connection to people experiencing need in Wagga Wagga
To collect food from suppliers in the van provided by Thomas Bros
To distribute and picku up food from Wagga hih schools, whose students will prepare and cook the meals
To deliver meals to several venues in surrounding suburbs
To assist with office and warehouse tasks
Training available
How to volunteer
Contacts:
Jeanette Lloyd - 0431 202 712
Lynne Graham - 0403 312 053
Email - carevanwagga@gmail.com
Carevan Wagga Incorporated: Local Charity for Local People
ABN: 24 454 028 504
Registered Charity
Opportunity to Join the RDA Riverina Team: Research Officer
Regional Development Australia – Riverina is part of a national initiative charged with economic development across our regions. This is achieved through building partnerships and ensuring that all governments and stakeholders are responsive to local regional priorities and needs. RDA Riverina is a conduit between government and local communities and a provider of information.
Stretching 500km from east to west across south-central NSW, the RDA Riverina region covers almost 80,000 square kilometres. The region is home to 170,000 people (2016 Census), many who rely on the region’s largest employer – agriculture – for their livelihood. The region encompasses 14 local government areas and is home to the major centres of the City of Wagga Wagga and City of Griffith.
RDA Riverina wish to employ a Research Officer to join the team in the Wagga Wagga office. This position is initially a contract until December 31st, 2019 with opportunity for extension if funding allows. This position could be a full time or part time role, we want to be flexible to find the right person to be our Research Officer. We are open to this being a graduate position or for someone returning to the workforce. School hours would also work for this position. Remuneration will be negotiated in accordance with the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.
Position Overview
The Research Officer will be responsible for providing research and administrative support to the RDA Committee and to the Director of Regional Development / CEO to ensure the effective and efficient operation of RDA Riverina.
Principal Responsibilities
REMPLAN database and statistics administration
Interpreting data
Library/Internet searching
Writing summaries of research notes
Information processing
Entering data in reports, spreadsheets,
Organise meetings, schedules etc for data collection
Posting and responding to appropriate social media
Meeting with other organisations
Other duties as directed by the Director of Regional Development / CEO.
Capabilities
It is expected that the successful applicant for this position will have the following capabilities:
An ability to achieve goals and priorities, and undertake work without continuous direct supervision.
High level of computer literacy skills, including demonstrated experience in word processing, spreadsheets, social media and database management
A high work ethic and willingness to help out other members of the work team.
A willingness to request help and/or guidance when it may be required.
Professional skills, particularly regarding professional discretion and maintaining confidentiality as required.
Physical Capabilities
Consideration should also be given to areas such as:
Sitting for long periods at a computer desk.
Current open driving licence essential
Selection Criteria
Applicants are expected to address the selection criteria when applying for this position.
Essential
Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma level qualification with relevant work-related experience; or a certificate level qualification with post-certificate relevant work experience; or Year 12 and normally at least 3-4 years' relevant work experience; or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education, training and/or experience
Proven proficiency in library and Internet searching for literature/data/information
Demonstrated expertise in using Microsoft Office products, including Excel and Word
Capacity to manage data and statistics
An excellent grasp of both written and spoken English
An ability to work in a team environment with minimal supervision
Sound administrative skills
Current driving licence
Desirable
Demonstrated expertise in using data management software
Applicants should submit a resume of no more than three pages including contact details for two referees, a response to the selection criteria and a cover letter addressed to the Director of Regional Development, Rachel Whiting by COB Friday 31st December via ceo@rdariverina.org.au
Australia-China Trade Summit: Food, Agribusiness Services, Technology
Event Overview
At the ACBC Business Forum in March 2018, the Hon. Niall Blair announced he would attend the first China International Import Expo (CIIE) in November. Following his visit to China, he will be our keynote speaker at the 2018 Australia-China Trade Summit.
This is an exciting opportunity to hear from the Minister as well as a range of experts and industry leaders in consumer, food and beverage, services, agriculture and technology.
Event attendees will gain key insights and learnings from this significant trade sector to apply back to their business.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, 4 December 2018.
Time: 9:00am arrival and registration, 9:30am start - 4:00pm.
Event Status: Members and non-members.
Venue: Four Seasons Hotel, 199 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000.
Format: Summit (presentation and panel discussions).
Tickets: $250 Member, $340 Non-Member (plus GST and eventbrite processing fees).
Group Tickets (10 tickets): $2,100 Member, $3,000 Non-Member (unreserved). To receive this ticket price you must purchase a minimum of 10 tickets at the time of booking.
Research and Innovation on the Ag-genda on National Agriculture Day
Three local organisations who drive agricultural innovation joined forces on National Agriculture Day to recognise the contribution of our farmers and the role of research in helping them ‘’Grow for Good”.
RDA Riverina Chief Executive Officer, Ms Rachel Whiting said days like this highlight the importance and the need to celebrate all that is positive in our sector.
“People in our cities can forget where our food comes from. The Riverina produces one third of NSW’s fruit, vegetables and nuts, half of NSW’s wine grape production and one eighth of all other agricultural production in NSW. We need days like National Ag Day as a reminder to all of what agriculture does for us,” said Ms Whiting.
A National Agriculture Day celebration in Wagga Wagga has highlighted research and innovation as key ingredients to ensure the long-term viability of our rural industries. More than 100 people gathered at Charles Sturt University (CSU) for the annual event, embracing the theme ‘Grow For Good’.
AgriFutures Australia, the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innovation and Regional Development of Australia (RDA) Riverina NSW fired up the BBQ and celebrated alongside farmers, producers, researchers, students and all who contribute to our agricultural industry.
AgriFutures Australia General Manager, Research and Innovation Michael Beer said it was a unique take on the theme.
“The world population is expected to reach 8.5 billion by 2030. How we continue to feed the world, and to do so in a sustainable way will require research. We took this year’s theme of ‘Grow for Good’ and highlighted the importance of research and innovation in the quest to feed more people and produce safe, affordable and nutritious foods,” said Mr Beer.
Acting Director of the Graham Centre, Associate Professor Marta Hernandez-Jover said it was also an opportunity to do some good.
“We wanted this event to shine a light on the importance of agriculture while making a positive difference to those who are experiencing drought,” said Professor Hernandez-Jover.
Gold coin donations went towards the NSW Country Women’s Association drought relief effort.
National Agriculture Day is a National Farmers’ Federation initiative. More than 100 events were held at locations across Australia to celebrate agriculture, the largest employer in many of Australia’s rural and remote communities.
A special thanks to Big Springs Water and the Junee Rotary Club for their support of this year’s National Agriculture Day event in Wagga Wagga.
Opportunity for Tourism Business Acceleration
Tourism operators in the Riverina Murray, looking for business growth solutions will soon have access to one-on-one mentoring through a specialised, 12-week business accelerator program. Small to medium operators looking to develop new markets and more innovative products and services are now being encouraged to apply for the Accelerator assists business owners to invest in their future to grow and create new, sustainable jobs, with help from the Regional Growth Team.
Richie Robinson, General Manager of Destination Riverina Murray says, “the 12-week Program is an excellent resource based on the very successful Riverina Regional Business Accelerator, developed by Voyager Strategy's Director John Hemphill and delivered by RDA Riverina in 2017, which led to impressive sales and job growth for those businesses who took part.” Tourism operators have the opportunity to apply for the 12-week business accelerator program. “The unique aspect of this program is the balance of group workshops, individual online learning and one-on-one mentor assistance” says Rachel Whiting CEO and Director of Regional Development from RDA Riverina. “We are very pleased to be working with Voyager Strategies again to run this program for Destination Riverina Murray due to the great response from the businesses involved in the 2017 accelerator”.
RDA Riverina have been engaged by Destination Riverina Murray to deliver the Riverina Murray Regional Tourism Business Accelerator program in 2018/19. This program is made available to Tourism Operators at a much reduced cost due to Destination Riverina Murray’s successful bid for Building Better Regions Communities Funding announced a few months ago. RDA Riverina are thrilled to be delivering another Accelerator with Voyager Strategies and in partnership with Griffith, Wagga Wagga and Albury City Councils and RDA Murray.