Sara Johnston Sara Johnston

Building better tourism businesses for our region

Consolidation, collaboration and clarity of purpose were just some of the ideas to come from the six-month Riverina Murray Regional Tourism Business Accelerator Program, delivered by RDA Riverina, RDA Murray and Voyager Strategies on behalf of Destination Riverina Murray.

Nine businesses from across the region took part in the Accelerator Program, representing a cross-section of tourism industry operators, from accommodation and eateries to museums and function centres.

Left to right: RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting, Wayne Bond of Leeton Heritage Motor Inn, Michael Harper of Voyager Strategies

Left to right: RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting, Wayne Bond of Leeton Heritage Motor Inn, Michael Harper of Voyager Strategies

Consolidation, collaboration and clarity of purpose were just some of the ideas to come from the six-month Riverina Murray Regional Tourism Business Accelerator Program, delivered by RDA Riverina, RDA Murray and Voyager Strategies on behalf of Destination Riverina Murray.

Nine businesses from across the region took part in the Accelerator Program, representing a cross-section of tourism industry operators, from accommodation and eateries to museums and function centres.

RDA Riverina CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting said the Program was made possible due to funding from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and funding from Destination Riverina Murray.

“The Accelerator is a unique program that provides the right balance of structured online learning, mentoring with business specialists, and collaboration with other operators.

“The participants built skills in areas such as financial management and strategic planning and pitched their ideas for growth to an expert panel on Wednesday 15 May.

“Part of RDA Riverina’s Workforce Development Plan, the Accelerator Program aims to strengthen existing businesses to help them grow.”

Destination Riverina Murray Chairperson Genevieve Fleming said her organisation was delighted to fund the Accelerator Program with assistance from the Federal Government.

“Our charter is to drive visitation to the Riverina Murray region and to do that we need high performing business operators providing fantastic tourism experiences, quality food and wine offerings and appealing accommodation options.

“The impact of applying disciplined business analysis and strategic planning support to the participants in the program was considerable. It was also gratifying to see the cross pollination of ideas and the relationships that developed between operators as a result of the program.

“The capacity and quality of the tourism sector in our region has been substantially improved as a result of this initiative. More funding is required to extend the program further afield for the benefit of more operators in the Riverina Murray region.”

Wayne Bond from the Leeton Heritage Motor Inn said the Program was an opportunity to stop and step back from his business to focus on goals and assess where-to next.

“We’ve built the business to a certain level and this has given us options, to move forward and focus on new areas so we can grow from there.

“We’re now working on five key strategies to grow our business, including creating a Leeton Safari Collaboration with Altina Wildlife Park and Pages on Pine Restaurant, which has a lot of potential to grow tourism to the town and the region.”

Alex Smit from River Deck Café in Albury said the Program forced him to think about what he wants from his business.

“At the end of the day, you need to look at what you are getting out of your business. We’re all so busy that we don’t take much time in actually addressing some of these questions, and that was very valuable.

“I’ve learned that there’s more opportunities in my business than I knew beforehand. From here, I want to grow the business, free up some more personal time and deliver a better product for the region.”

The Riverina Murray Regional Tourism Business Accelerator Program was made possible due to funding from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and funding from Destination Riverina Murray. Griffith, Wagga Wagga and Albury City Council contributed to initial breakfast events held in each location in 2018.

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Sara Johnston Sara Johnston

NSW Budget Highlights for the Riverina

The NSW State Government released the 2019-20 Budget this week, with large investments affecting our regional communities.

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The NSW State Government released the 2019-20 Budget this week, with large investments affecting our regional communities.

Highlights include:

$1.8 billion allocated to drought relief

$71.3 million in 2019-20 (as part of a $431.4 million project) for the Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Redevelopment

$14.2 million in 2019-20 (as part of a $250 million project) for the Griffith Hospital Redevelopment

$3.5 million in 2019-20 (as part of a $50 million project) for the Tumut Hospital Redevelopment

5,000 extra nurses and midwives will be employed over the next four years, with 45% of those in regional areas

A new $250 Regional Seniors Transport Card was introduced

New funding of $113 million in 2019-20 from the Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund to be spent on priority areas including:

·         $90 million ($400 million over four years) for the Regional Digital Connectivity Program, providing mobile black spot towers and data centres to improve internet connectivity, speeds and reliability in regional NSW

·         $20 million in 2019-20 to continue to investigate and plan for future Special Activation Precincts

·         $3 million in 2019-20 to progress sites identified in the International Air Freight Pre-Feasibility Study to improve connectivity in regional NSW

$22.9 million in 2019-20 as part of a $50 million investment to upgrade food and fibre research stations, including Wagga Wagga

$61.7 million over four years to construct eight new TAFE Connected Learning Centres in rural and regional locations, including at Hay and West Wyalong

$2.8 billion for the design, build and maintenance of the new Regional Rail Fleet to replace the aging NSW Regional rail fleet of XPT, Endeavour and Xplorer trains and build a new maintenance facility in Dubbo

$1.2 million allocated in 2019-20 for the upgrade and refurbishment of Griffith Court

New primary school in Wagga Wagga

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Sara Johnston Sara Johnston

Wagga Wagga 100,000 by 2038

Committee for Wagga, in conjunction with the Housing Industry Association and event partner Wagga Wagga City Council, will be hosting a seminar on the morning of Friday 27th September 2019, wherein they will engage with key stakeholders to drive the conversation in the public forum around the future growth and development of Wagga Wagga towards the 2038 target of 100,000 people. 

Committee for Wagga, in conjunction with the Housing Industry Association and event partner Wagga Wagga City Council, will be hosting a seminar on the morning of Friday 27th September 2019, wherein they will engage with key stakeholders to drive the conversation in the public forum around the future growth and development of Wagga Wagga towards the 2038 target of 100,000 people.  This growth target is underpinned by current & future Local, State and Federal Government investment in industrial & community infrastructure (particularly the growth & job opportunities out of the Special Activation Precinct at Bomen and the opportunity for enhanced digital connectivity for the City).

The Keynote presentation will be delivered by demographic commentator Bernard Salt AM.

In addition, the Wagga Wagga City Council and the State Government Department of Premier & Cabinet will present an outline of their respective roles in collaborating with the community and private enterprise to deliver on this vision for Wagga Wagga.

Participation from decision makers and influencers from industry, business, community groups, health, education, government representatives and agencies is strongly encouraged.

Supporting the presentations will be a panel discussion facilitated by Bernard Salt, with attendees having the opportunity to participate in a Q&A session from the floor.

We are fortunate to have an extremely credentialled and diverse panel to address the wide range of impacts and opportunities for Wagga Wagga and the surrounding area as we grow towards a population of 100,000 people. The panel comprises :-

  • Peter Thompson – General Manager of WWCC

  • James Bolton – NSW Department of Premier & Cabinet

  • Fiona Nash – Strategic Adviser – Regional Engagement and Government Relations and contributor to commentary on Regional NSW growth in the Australian Financial Review

  • Kay Hull AM, former Federal Member for Riverina & Deputy Mayor of Wagga Wagga and a champion for regional communities

  • Prof Gerard Carroll AM, Consultant Physician and Interventional Cardiologist and a leader in regional medical service delivery

We are also expecting that Gary White – NSW State Govt Chief Planner plus a member of the Canberra Airport Executive will join the panel on the day.

The event will be held at the Rules Club, Wagga Wagga, commencing at 9:30am on Friday 27th September, concluding at midday.

Tickets are available online via the Committee for Wagga website (committee4wagga.com.au) at a cost of A$75.00 incl GST.

 Ticket numbers are strictly limited, so attendees are encouraged to acquire their tickets early.

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Sara Johnston Sara Johnston

2019 Premier's Export Awards

The 2019 Premier's NSW Export Awards is an annual program which aims to recognise excellence in the export of goods and services by NSW business. The Awards acknowledge the important contribution of businesses to the economy through job creation and increased prosperity for the community and for the state.

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The 2019 Premier's NSW Export Awards is an annual program which aims to recognise excellence in the export of goods and services by NSW business. The Awards acknowledge the important contribution of businesses to the economy through job creation and increased prosperity for the community and for the state.

Regardless of size or location there are multiple opportunities for companies to be recognised for their success. The awards honour and celebrate the nation's top exporters, raising their profile and bringing valuable business and networking opportunities.

Premier's NSW Export Awards winners from the 13 industry categories automatically progress as national finalists to the Australian Export Awards. The Australian Export Awards is a national program where industry winners from all states and territories compete for an Australian industry award, including the coveted Australian Exporter of the Year.

Winners will be announced at a prestigious gala presentation dinner on 16 October 2019 at The Star, Pyrmont.

The Premier's NSW Export Awards is conducted by the Export Council of Australia with principal partner the NSW Government and supported by many sponsors whose assistance makes these awards possible.

As an award winner, you can:

  • raise your company profile

  • improve your business credibility

  • increase your access to new markets

  • enhance your existing business relationships and;

  • boost company and staff morale.

Applications close 1st August 2019.

For more information about the Premier's NSW Export Awards 2019 call or email Kristina Koprivica on (02) 8243 7420 or at  kristinakoprivica@export.org.au.

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Sara Johnston Sara Johnston

2019 Murray-Riverina Regional Business Awards

Entering the Business Awards is the first step on a journey that recognises excellence and showcases the businesses and business people whose passion, drive, entrepreneurship and innovation inspires us all. 

Entries are now open for the 2019 Murray-Riverina Regional Business Awards.

Share the story of your success! 

  • Does your business demonstrate excellence?

  • Are you an exceptional business leader?

  • Does your business export, innovate or display best practice in sustainability?

  • Do you want to showcase your business success to the wider community?

  • Do you know a business that is achieving excellence in their industry?

Entering the Business Awards is the first step on a journey that recognises excellence and showcases the businesses and business people whose passion, drive, entrepreneurship and innovation inspires us all. 

KEY DATES 

ENTRIES CLOSE 

Monday 22nd July, 2019 

 

FINALISTS ANNOUNCED 

Wednesday 7th August, 2019 

 

WINNERS ANNOUNCED 

Friday 6th September, 2019 

2019 CATEGORIES

Outstanding Young Employee

Outstanding Young Entrepreneur

Outstanding Business Leader

Excellence in Micro Business 

Excellence in Small Business

Excellence in Business

Excellence in Social Enterprise

Start Up Superstar

Excellence in Innovation

Excellence in Export

Excellence in Sustainability

Outstanding Employer of Choice

Why Enter? 

The Awards offer a cost effective way to thank and boost the morale of your existing employees as well as making it easier to attract top quality people keen to work in a high profile business.

  • The entry process itself is invaluable. Reflecting on the goals, strategies and vision that led to the success of the business and using those insights to drive even greater success in the future.

  • Your win will be promoted to more than 20,000 email newsletter subscribers, and many thousands of Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter followers.

  • You will have the opportunity to make connections that can advance the business, build its profile and present possibilities to pursue new ventures.

  • As a winner, you get a range of free tools that you can use to promote your award, including a logo which could be used on your website or email signature.

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Sara Johnston Sara Johnston

2019 Regional Innovation Awards

The 2019 Australian Regional Development Conference hosts the Innovation Awards in September to showcase and celebrate the dedication and skill of those involved in making a difference to regional Australia.

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Do you have a project that is innovative and makes a difference to regional Australia?
Entries are open for the 2019 Regional Innovation Awards!

The 2019 Australian Regional Development Conference hosts the Innovation Awards in September to showcase and celebrate the dedication and skill of those involved in making a difference to regional Australia.

Award Categories
There are five award categories, each of which highlights a specific aspect of regional development. This gives all organisations and individuals a chance to be recognised for their work.

Who can apply?
Organisations active in regional development across Australia, including councils, shires, rural and regional organisations, NGOs and government agency branches.

Selection Criteria

The online entry requires a 300-word brief overall description of your project as well as a short response to the following questions:

  • Innovation and/or best practice: How does your project demonstrate innovation and/or best practice in the way your organisation does business or delivers services to your community?

  • Process and planning: How did you determine what changes were required to improve your business practices and/or better meet your community’s needs (for example, consultation processes, needs analysis, etcetera)?

  • Community needs: How are the needs of the community met by this project?

Interested?

Click here.

Submissions close on the 26 July.

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Sara Johnston Sara Johnston

2019 Griffith Business Awards NOW OPEN

Let's celebrate excellence in business!  It’s a time to acknowledge, encourage and motivate the business community. The awards will provide recognition and outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses within in their field, whilst gaining valuable and well-deserved exposure!

Here's everything you need to know!
Let's celebrate excellence in business!  It’s a time to acknowledge, encourage and motivate the business community. The awards will provide recognition and outstanding achievements of individuals and businesses within in their field, whilst gaining valuable and well-deserved exposure!

10 awards are aligned with NSW Business Chamber, which means you're part of an Award process which can elevate winners to the Regional Business Awards, then onto the State NSW Business Chamber Awards.

In addition, there are 2 local awards. They are 'The Area News Local Customer Service Award'  where YOU the public can nominate and vote for & 'Local Family Business of the Year' where you can be nominated or you can self nominate. Sponsored by Official Sponsor Griffith City Council. 

WHY ENTER?
It's an opportunity to review your business goals, strategy, vision and operations. It can allow you to identify areas of your business that need improvement. Click here to find out more reasons to enter. 
BONUS!
All NSWBC Category winners will take home a prestigious trophy to show off and a total advertising package worth $1500!*
Winner of Local Customer Service Award will receive a $500 Area News Voucher plus trophy*
Winner of Local Business Person of the Year will receive a $1000 WIN TV Voucher plus trophy*

HOW TO PREPARE AN AWARD WINNING ENTRY?
Read helpful FAQ's & Tips here.

NEED HELP WITH YOUR ENTRY?  Contact The BEC Business Advice who will provide a free consultation to assist with your entry preparation. Contact Marguerite on 0427199623. Griffith Business Chamber can answer any questions you have about the awards process. Call Amanda 0412644629.

HOW TO ENTER?
Submit your entry online here

Entries close Friday 23rd June 2019, 5.00pm AEST

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Sara Johnston Sara Johnston

Office of Environnment and Heritage: Small business energy coaching pilot

Access one-on-one support from an energy advisor to help your business grow. In July, OEH are piloting a new small business energy coaching program.

Office of Environment and Heritage small business energy coaching pilot

Access one-on-one support from an energy advisor to help your business grow. In July, OEH are piloting a new small business energy coaching program. Small businesses that attend a face-to-face workshop, participate in an online webinar or undertake an online training course are eligible to receive up to two-hours of one-on-one coaching from an energy advisor via a virtual site visit for only $20. The coaching program will make it easy for small businesses to understand and reduce their energy bills by providing basic energy management advice and identify energy saving opportunities. Learn how OEH can support your business on an energy management journey. Contact OEH to get involved.

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Sara Johnston Sara Johnston

CSIRO Generation STEM

Generation STEM is a 10-year investment into the development and retention of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills in NSW. The initiative aims to attract more diverse and high‐potential students into NSW‐based STEM education and employment to increase the supply of a STEM-skilled workforce.

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Generation STEM is a 10-year investment into the development and retention of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills in NSW. The initiative aims to attract more diverse and high‐potential students into NSW‐based STEM education and employment to increase the supply of a STEM-skilled workforce.

To inform the design of this initiative, CSIRO is undertaking a research project with Lonergan to better understand the STEM employment landscape in NSW. In particular, CSIRO is seeking to investigate how best to retain workers in NSW-based STEM employment, particularly graduate employment and particularly within small and medium enterprises (SMEs). CSIRO and Lonergan are seeking SMEs that employ STEM-skilled graduates in NSW to participate in this research. If you are interested in participating, please email generationSTEM@csiro.au.

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Rachel Whiting Rachel Whiting

ABC Heywire calls for 2019 Trailblazers

Applications are now open for the ABC Heywire’s Trailblazers program, which showcases the stories of regional Australia’s brightest new leaders.

Trailblazers is an opportunity for people, aged 18 – 28, who are implementing positive change in their region, to have their work celebrated nationally.

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Applications are now open for the ABC Heywire’s Trailblazers program, which showcases the stories of regional Australia’s brightest new leaders.

Trailblazers is an opportunity for people, aged 18 – 28, who are implementing positive change in their region, to have their work celebrated nationally.

Successful applicants will have their story told on the ABC and also attend a Trailblazer Lab in Canberra next February.

The five-day lab aims to empower young, regional leaders and to give them an opportunity to share their stories and build their leadership capacity.

Former Trailblazer, Joe Collins, from Woomelang Victoria, applied for the program with a project to help his small town get back on the map.

Joe is behind “Endangered Species of the Mallee” – a series of large-scale murals showcasing the local areas endangered species, while also helping the town become part of the famous Silo art trail.

Joe says Trailblazers gave him the opportunity to make valuable connections and decide what the next steps were for his project.

“It’s a real game changer and I would highly recommend it to everyone,” he says. “The workshops we did with the ABC and the people we met, was an experience I’ll be forever grateful for.”

The ABC and the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development and Cities partner on Trailblazers, coming together to support and champion regional young people.

Acting Director of Regional & Local, Judith Whelan said the Trailblazers program celebrated young people who were making a difference in their communities.  

"We want to tell the stories of Australia's future leaders,” she said.  “These are the people who will be shaping the nation’s conversations in years to come."

Who can apply to be a Trailblazer?

Individuals and groups of up to three, aged 18-28, who are initiating projects that create positive change in their communities.  From young community leaders to social entrepreneurs, advocates to event organisers, we’re looking for young people with a commitment to making regional Australia even better.

What do Trailblazers receive?

  • A trip to the Trailblazers Lab in Canberra in February 2020

  • Their story told on AB platforms

  • Extensive networking, mentoring and leadership opportunities

 

Applications close Friday 5 July, 2019.

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Rachel Whiting Rachel Whiting

Griffith to Melbourne air service to commence 15 July 2019*

It’s good news for the Griffith community as Sharp Airlines prepares to commence direct flights between Griffith and Melbourne from Monday 15 July 2019.

Sharp Airlines has partnered with Australian regional airline investment and marketing specialist EastWest Aviation in developing the Melbourne to Griffith service.

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It’s good news for the Griffith community as Sharp Airlines prepares to commence direct flights between Griffith and Melbourne from Monday 15 July 2019.

Sharp Airlines has partnered with Australian regional airline investment and marketing specialist EastWest Aviation in developing the Melbourne to Griffith service.

Sharp will operate 12 weekly services between Griffith and Melbourne (Essendon) providing over 11,000 seats a year.

Griffith City Council Mayor, John Dal Broi said “I’m pleased direct flights between Griffith and Melbourne will commence shortly. This is an important new service that will benefit the residents of Griffith and surrounding regions. Longevity of this service is dependent on patronage and I encourage businesses and the community to support it.”

Chairperson of the Griffith City Council Transport Committee, Councillor Simon Croce, said the return of Melbourne flights was excellent news for Griffith. “This is an essential transport link for a regional city,” he said.

Sharp Airlines is a Melbourne-based independent regional airline that operates a fleet of 19 seat Fairchild Metroliner 23 turboprop aircraft. Regular scheduled passenger services currently connect Melbourne with King Island, Flinders Island, and Launceston and Burnie with King Island, and Flinders Island.

“Sharp Airlines will commence daily return flights between Griffith and Melbourne from Monday 15 July 2019” said Malcolm Sharp, Sharp Airlines Managing Director. “The Metroliner 23 aircraft seats 19 passengers in comfort, with a flight time of just one hour between Griffith and Melbourne. There is also potential and capacity to increase the frequency of flights if sufficient demand for additional flights becomes evident.”

In addition to Griffith to Melbourne services, over coming months Sharp plans to offer through flights from Griffith to King and Flinders Islands in Tasmania opening up a range of coastal leisure, golfing and adventure opportunities for Riverina residents.

Sharp Airlines operates 15 aircraft servicing 5 States in the Airline and FIFO market and carries over 100,000 passengers and 1.5 million kilograms of freight per annum. With Bases in Adelaide, Melbourne (Essendon), Sydney (Bankstown) Launceston and Hobart our network continues to expand.

For more information, and for the schedule of Sharp Airlines flights operating between Griffith Regional Airport and Melbourne Essendon Airport, please visit www.sharpairlines.com.au or www.eastwestairlines.com.au.

*Subject to regulatory approval

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Rachel Whiting Rachel Whiting

Heston Blumenthal invests in Murray Cod

Murray Cod Australia has announced the appointment of Michelin starred, Heston Blumenthal and The Fat Duck group, as the business’s key advocate in a five-year agreement. The high profile signing represents a significant milestone for the luxury food producer.

Wikipedia: Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

Wikipedia: Fir0002/Flagstaffotos

Murray Cod Australia has announced the appointment of Michelin starred, Heston Blumenthal and The Fat Duck group, as the business’s key advocate in a five-year agreement. The high profile signing represents a significant milestone for the luxury food producer.

Considered one of the world’s greatest chefs, Blumenthal, OBE, is the Chef Patron of several acclaimed restaurants in Great Britain, including one Michelin star The Hind’s Head, two Michelin star Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in Knightsbridge London and three star The Fat Duck, which earned its first Michelin star in 1999 and The World’s Best Restaurant title in 2005, along with Dinner by Heston Melbourne, located at Southbank, which currently hold two hats in the Australian Good Food Guide.

Along with his team in the UK and Australia, Heston will be a powerful advocate of Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod. He will also look to showcase the sustainable, pond-grown fish including through the group’s social media networks, and where appropriate, at events and in their restaurants. He will also provide assistance and advice with menu and product development.

Ross Anderson, MCA chairman said: “Heston Blumenthal is an outstanding person and a world leader in his field. We are confident the involvement of his group as a stakeholder in MCA will further accelerate our progress in securing Aquna’s position as a global luxury food brand. Heston’s imaginative and inventive ideas will extend to menu and product development and will mesh perfectly with the innovative ethos of the team at MCA,” Mr Anderson said.

Heston Blumenthal, MCA’s new brand ambassador said: “We are delighted to be working with MCA. The innovative way they have created a luxury fish product by combining natural processes evolved over millions of years with cutting edge technology aligns with the way I approach food and cooking, resulting in fantastic quality.”

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Rachel Whiting Rachel Whiting

evokeAG 2020 Future Young Leaders

Are you a young Aussie or New Zealander with an informed opinion on how we need to shape our agriculture sector? Do you have what it takes to share your views, on stage, to an international audience? You could be an evokeAG 2020 Future Young Leader. 

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evokeAG 2020 Future Young Leaders: applications now open

Are you a young Aussie or New Zealander with an informed opinion on how we need to shape our agriculture sector? Do you have what it takes to share your views, on stage, to an international audience? You could be an evokeAG 2020 Future Young Leader. 

As part of our commitment to celebrating the diversity of thought and ongoing support for agriculture’s emerging leaders, we’re excited to announce the evokeAG Future Young Leaders Program is back for our 2020 event. evokeAG is returning to the iconic Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, Australia on 18-19 February 2020 and will again showcase the brightest thoughts, inventions and solutions across our agrifood tech industry.

The Future Young Leaders Program will identify eight emerging thought-leaders within agriculture to attend evokeAG in Melbourne 2020 and present their key passion and research relating to one of the event themes – Food, Farm, Future – to an international audience.

Winners will receive return economy airfares, accommodation, airport transfers, a delegate pass to evokeAG as well as a five-minute presentation opportunity across one of the multiple stages at the event.

To be considered, applicants must upload a short video addressing: “Why should you be selected as a voice of the future at evokeAG?”

evokeAG 2019 Future Young Leader Matthew Nevison said the Program is a fabulous opportunity to contribute new conversations to an influential audience.

“I spoke about the opportunity of Australian native species in driving alternative on-farm investment. It was a great opportunity to present my ideas to a room full of people who have the power to drive this change,” said Mr Nevison. 

The University of Sydney student said the event gave him an opportunity to explore the perspectives of different industries and hear from stakeholders right through the supply chain. 

“The networking was fabulous. I’m not originally from an ag background so it was great to meet an entirely new group of people and share ideas and thoughts.”

Another evokeAG. 2019 Future Young Leader Emma Moss was offered a job because of the opportunity.

“After I presented on stage, Will Wells and Jake Willis Fleming from Hummingbird Technologies told me they wanted to keep in touch. I now provide advice to the team on how their technologies will be received by producers.

“evokeAG was a really different event. You don’t just sit around talking about all the problems in agriculture. It’s solutions-focussed and even better, you get an international perspective,” said Ms Moss. 

AgriFutures Australia Managing Director John Harvey said many delegates cited the evokeAG Future Young Leaders’ presentations as the highlight of the event. 

“If we want to create an agile, entrepreneurial and commercially savvy agriculture sector, we need to be open to hearing from a diverse range of people in the industry. The evokeAG Future Young Leaders Program is about harnessing those qualities and elevating our thought leaders to the next level,” said Mr Harvey. 

To apply for the evokeAG 2020 Future Young Leaders Program, visit https://evokeag.com/evokeag-future-young-leaders

To secure your early bird ticket, producer ticket or student ticket, visit https://evokeag.com/#tickets 

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Rachel Whiting Rachel Whiting

Australian Farmer of the Year Awards

The Australian Farmer of the Year Awards are designed to celebrate and applaud the outstanding achievements of those individuals and families making a significant contribution to Australian agriculture, and tell their story about farming and life in rural Australia.

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The Australian Farmer of the Year Awards are designed to celebrate and applaud the outstanding achievements of those individuals and families making a significant contribution to Australian agriculture, and tell their story about farming and life in rural Australia.

All category winners will get the opportunity to part in a one-day leadership program held in Canberra the day before the announcement ceremony. Supported by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, this workshop will assist award recipients to clarify and guide their leadership journey.

 

The 2019 award categories include:

  • The Kondinin Group and ABC Rural 2019 Australian Farmer of the Year

  • Young Farmer of the Year, sponsored by McDonalds

  • Farming Legend of the Year

  • Community Leader of the Year, sponsored by Market Check

  • Rural Consultant of the Year, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience

  • Agricultural Student of the Year *NEW*

  • Award for Excellence in Innovation, sponsored by Telstra

  • Award for Excellence in Technology, sponsored by New Holland

  • Award for Excellence in Diversification, sponsored by Decipher

  • Award for Excellence in Agricultural Research, sponsored by Corteva Agriscience *NEW*

Winners will be announced at a special ceremony on 16 October 2019 at Parliament House, Canberra.

 

The 2019 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards are supported by Platinum Sponsors WFI; Award Sponsors McDonalds, Market Check Corteva Agriscience, Telstra, New Holland and Decipher; Leadership Program by Department of Agriculture and Water Resources; Industry Supporters the National Farmers’ Federation, AgSafe, Goldacres and Blundstone; and Media Partner RM William’s OUTback.

 

Key Criteria:

Nominations are open to individuals and families involved in farming enterprises or rural communities.

Entrants can nominate themselves or be nominated by a third party.

Nominations close Sunday 30th June 2019.

Award recipients must be available from 14 October – 16 October 2019.

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Rachel Whiting Rachel Whiting

Career Revive Initiative: Call for Expressions of Interest

Are you looking for assistance to recruit talented women seeking to return to work?

The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business is undertaking an expression of interest (EOI) process to select 10 businesses across regional Australia to participate in the Career Revive initiative.

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Are you looking for assistance to recruit talented women seeking to return to work?

The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business is undertaking an expression of interest (EOI) process to select 10 businesses across regional Australia to participate in the Career Revive initiative. This is an exciting opportunity for medium to large regional businesses to receive tailored business improvement assistance to increase your organisation’s ability to attract and retain skilled women from a wider talent pool.

How can I participate?

To apply for the EOI click on the following link: https://www.jobs.gov.au/career-revive

To be considered for this opportunity we recommend you complete the EOI as soon as possible as it will only be open until COB Friday, 28 June 2019.

To be eligible to participate in Career Revive, businesses:

1.                   should be a medium to large business (20+ employees)

2.                   must be located in a regional area (including all areas of Tasmania and the Northern Territory and any business operating in multiple locations where one of the locations is a regional town)

3.                   want to strengthen their business recruitment practices to better recruit and retain women. This may include considering flexible working arrangements and/or a supported returner program.

If you have any queries regarding completing the EOI please contact us at CareerRevive@jobs.gov.au or on (02) 6240 9471.

What will you get out of participating?

Businesses who participate in the initiative will benefit from expert advice provided by a Business Improvement Consultant at no cost to them.

The Business Improvement Consultant will:

  • review your business’ physical workplace, processes, policies and workplace culture to identify potential barriers that might prevent your business from attracting talented women seeking to return to work

  • offer guidance on how to improve these practices and policies, as well as develop a tailored action plan to establish a supported returner program within your business that would make you an employer of choice for women looking to rekindle their careers after an extended career break

  • develop a case study of the business for inclusion in an online toolkit that will provide best practice advice, practical resources and learnings for all businesses.

Career Revive team

Australian Government Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business

Phone (02) 6240 9471

CareerRevive@jobs.gov.au

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Rachel Whiting Rachel Whiting

Do you have what it takes to write a hit TV series?

Applications are now open for Screenworks 2019 Writing for TV Intensive, a two-day workshop that will guide participants through key elements fundamental to writing a successful TV drama series. 

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Applications are now open for Screenworks 2019 Writing for TV Intensive, a two-day workshop that will guide participants through key elements fundamental to writing a successful TV drama series.  Open to early career writers living in regional NSW, regional Queensland and Western Australia, 12 selected applicants will develop their skills to enable them to bring their stories from regional Australia to our screens.  

 

Being held in Byron Bay on 13th and 14th July, the workshop will be delivered by acclaimed screenwriter and tutor Holly Lyons and is supported by Create NSW and Linnaeus Estate Education Fund.  Applicants selected from regional Queensland will be supported by Screen Queensland and Western Australian participants by Screenwest.  The deadline for applications is Monday 17th June 2019.

 

During the two-day workshop, Holly will guide selected applicants through the processes of how to devise characters, challenge protagonists, develop premise and plot.  This workshop will help writers understand how to apply these skills when developing their own original series, and how to prepare for opportunities in television writers’ rooms.

 

Holly has extensive screenwriting experience both in Australia and the UK, with over 400 hours of broadcast credits as a writer or script editor.  Holly has worked on numerous and diverse series such as Home and Away, Neighbours, Skinner Boys and Bananas in Pyjamas.

 

“This is the third year Screenworks has run this Writing for TV Intensive,” explained Screenworks CEO Ken Crouch.  “Previous participants have secured producer and broadcast interest in their projects.  They have also gone on to be selected for our Career Pathways Program which has helped them to achieve their regional screenwriting dreams.  We look forward to supporting another 12 talented participants and seeing where this workshop will take them.”

 

This opportunity will appeal to early career screenwriters and writers that are interested in pursuing TV drama. 

 

Applicants must be living in regional NSW, regional Queensland or Western Australia (preference will be given to regional Western Australian applicants) and will be asked to submit a sample of their script writing as part of the application. 

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Rachel Whiting Rachel Whiting

Recognising our Rural Women Volunteers

The outstanding achievements of female volunteers across regional NSW will be recognised as nominations for the 2019 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll officially open.

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The outstanding achievements of female volunteers across regional NSW will be recognised as nominations for the 2019 Hidden Treasures Honour Roll officially open.
 
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall and Minister for Mental Health, Regional Youth and Women Bronnie Taylor encouraged members of the community to submit nominations for the Honour Roll, which shines a spotlight on the accomplishments of female volunteers across the regions. 
 
“The annual Hidden Treasures Honour Roll provides well-earned recognition of the outstanding achievements of female volunteers and the invaluable role they play in our regional communities,” Mr Marshall said.
 
“Since the Honour Roll was introduced in 2010, we’ve heard incredible stories of tireless work and achievement from rural volunteers, from boosting educational opportunities to helping communities through events such as drought.”
 
Ms Taylor said the opening of nominations coincides with the 30th annual National Volunteer Week and was a reminder to reflect on the wonderful female volunteers in our community.
 
“As a country woman, I have seen first-hand the way regional women support one another and volunteer in so many capacities, they are the backbone of their communities,” Ms Taylor said.
 
“The theme of this year’s National Volunteer Week is ‘Making a world of difference’ and reflects the impact regional women have, particularly when times are tough.”
 
To nominate a Hidden Treasures volunteer, complete a nomination online or download a nomination form and share a few paragraphs about why your nominee deserves to be recognised. Nominations close 2 August. For more information, contact the Rural Women’s Network on 02 6391 3612 or email rural.women@dpi.nsw.gov.au

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Rachel Whiting Rachel Whiting

Regional Skills Relocation Grants

The NSW Government has established the Regional Skills Relocation Grant to increase the availability of skilled and experienced workers for businesses setting up in, relocating to, or existing in regional NSW.

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The NSW Government has established the Regional Skills Relocation Grant to increase the availability of skilled and experienced workers for businesses setting up in, relocating to, or existing in regional NSW.

Grants are available for regional NSW businesses operating in eligible industries to assist with the relocation costs of eligible skilled workers moving from metropolitan areas to regional NSW. Workers must be permanent residents or Australian citizens.

Approved businesses will be reimbursed up to $10,000 to assist with the relocation expenses incurred by the eligible skilled workers they employ. The relocation expenses covered by this grant are: 

  • Furniture removal

  • Travel for immediate family to relocate

  • Temporary accommodation for up to three months

  • Furniture storage for up to three months

The program will run for four years, providing 250 grants per year. Examples of eligible industries include: agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, mining and tourism.

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Rachel Whiting Rachel Whiting

Regional Pitchfest

Do you have a great business idea but just not sure where to start to get it off the ground?
The annual Jobs For NSW Regional Pitchfest may assist you to take your idea from a concept to reality through funding, support and connections.

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Do you have a great business idea but just not sure where to start to get it off the ground?
The annual Jobs For NSW Regional Pitchfest may assist you to take your idea from a concept to reality through funding, support and connections.

Applications open on 28 May 2019 and close at 5pm AEDT on Tuesday 9th June 2019.
Regional Pitchfest is an opportunity to pitch your business to a live audience and expert panel for the chance to win a share of the $20k competition prize pool. The organisers are looking for regional Australia's innovators and entrepreneurs and are excited to be not only providing them a platform to launch from, but also a spotlight on the great opportunities in regional areas across the country.
The preliminary pitch events are typically hosted in local communities, however this year there are also five Pitching spots available via the Virtual Pitching event.

With at least five Pitching spots available, if you are the lucky winner you will also win a trip to Sydney for a 3 day intensive boot camp and the opportunity to be one of the five finalists to pitch at the State Final.

The top five applicants as selected at the Sydney Bootcamp will then be flown to Wagga Wagga NSW to take the stage on Thursday 5th September, 2019 at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre for their chance to win a $7,500 cash prize plus a curated overseas trip!

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Rachel Whiting Rachel Whiting

RDA Riverina presenting at 2019 SEGRA Conference

SEGRA, Australia’s premier conference on regional issues, is about assisting regional, rural and remote Australia to source and identify the techniques, skills and issues they need to address to achieve successful economic growth and development.

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SEGRA, Australia’s premier conference on regional issues, is about assisting regional, rural and remote Australia to source and identify the techniques, skills and issues they need to address to achieve successful economic growth and development. The SEGRA conference, established in 1997, provides a unique opportunity for all sections of the Australian community (rural and urban) to explore the key issues affecting regional, rural and remote Australia and be part of providing positive sustainable outcomes to ensure future prosperity.
Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development at RDA Riverina, will be presenting during the session "Integrated lifelong learning and employment in the regions" on Tuesday 20th August. The presentation will discuss the Grow Our Own initiative based in Western Riverina.

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