NSW Farmer of the Year Awards

The NSW Farmer of the Year and the NSW Young Farmer of the Year awards are designed to recognise excellence in the state’s agricultural sector.

The awards are a joint initiative between NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) and NSW Farmers’, with support from SafeWork NSW and The Land.

The NSW Farmer of the Year Award is open to all farmers in NSW, while the NSW Young Farmer of the Year Award is open to NSW farmers aged between 18 and 35.

Farmer is a general term that can include fishers, foresters or any primary industries enterprise. We support diversity and encourage everyone in the farming community to apply.

Awards criteria includes farming businesses or enterprises that can demonstrate:

• great techniques being used to boost productivity and yield

• effective tools and approaches used to streamline businesses

• innovative ways to prepare for the future

• initiatives made to keep themselves, and their staff, safe and well.

The winner of each category will receive $4,000 prize money while runners up receive $2,000.

Nominations Open: 23rd July 2019

Nominations Close: 23rd September 2019

Awards Presentation: 10 December 2019 (Sydney)

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/events/nsw-foty 

Past Winners: https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/events/nsw-foty/past-winners

TAFE NSW offers free courses in Health and Community Services

TAFE NSW is offering free courses in Health and Community Services at campuses across the riverina. The following courses are available, with the first commencing next Thursday:

900-80794V01 Introduction to Disability Work (Connected Classroom Delivery)

This short course is for people interested in working in the Health and Community Services Industry. The course will run every Thursday from 10am to 2.30pm for 7 weeks, commencing Thursday 1st of August.

Delivery is available at the following Riverina campus locations: Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Narrandera, Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, and West Wyalong.

900-80687V01 Introduction to Health & Community Services (Connected Classroom Delivery)

This short course is for people interested in working in the Health and Community Services Industry. The course will run every Friday from 10am to 2.30pm for 7 weeks, commencing Friday 9th of August.

Delivery is available at the following Riverina campus locations: Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Narrandera, Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, and West Wyalong.

900-80793V01 Introduction to Home and Community Care (Connected Classroom Delivery)

This short course is for people interested in working in the Health and Community Services Industry, caring for people in their home. The course will run every Tuesday from 1pm to 5pm for 7 weeks, commencing Tuesday 10th of October.

Delivery is available at the following Riverina campus locations: Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Narrandera, Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, and West Wyalong.

900-80687V01 Introduction to Health & Community Services (Connected Classroom Delivery)

This short course is for people interested in working in the Health and Community Services Industry. The course will run every Friday from 10am to 2.30pm for 7 weeks, commencing Friday 25th of October.

Delivery is available at the following Riverina campus locations: Griffith, Hay, Leeton, Narrandera, Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, and West Wyalong.

Australian Regional Development Innovation Awards

The Australian Regional Development Innovation Awards submission deadline has been extended to 31st July 2019

Image by Arek Socha from Pixabay

o   The Australian Regional Development Innovation Awards celebrate the dedication and skill of those involved in making a difference to regional Australia. Organisations active in regional development across Australia, including councils, shires, rural and regional organisations, NGOs and branches of government agencies that aim to better serve their communities across Australia can apply.

o   Click here to find out more and nominate today!

The early bird registration deadline for the conference is coming up.

Save $100 if you register before 9th August.

Your registration includes:

o   2 Day Conference Admission

o   All keynotes, panels and concurrent sessions

o   Handbook (Hard copy)

o   Book of Proceedings (Digital Copy)

o   Book of Abstracts (Digital Copy)

o   Access to Presenter Podcasts

o   Meals; Morning & Afternoon tea, Lunch

o   Ticket to Networking Function which includes drinks and canapes

o   Click here to register today!

NSW Youth Drought Summit

Are you a young person impacted by the NSW drought?

UNICEF Australia invites you to apply for the first NSW Youth Summit on Living with Drought

Image by sandid from Pixabay

UNICEF Australia, with the support of the NSW Government, is hosting the first Youth Summit for young people living with drought in NSW.

At the Summit, children and young people will come together with decision-makers and one another to discuss the challenges they face living with drought in NSW and how responses can be improved.

The Summit will explore the ways decision-makers can best support children and young people to build resilience and become better prepared to reduce the negative impacts of ongoing and future drought.

The Summit also presents an opportunity for young people living with drought to have a break from the land, work with their peers who are going through similar struggles, and have an opportunity to connect, engage and reflect, surrounded by beautiful Lake Macquarie.

If you’re aged 14-24 years and are impacted by drought, participating in the NSW Youth Drought Summit is a unique and exciting opportunity to speak up for drought-affected children and young people.

Applications close on Friday, 30 August at 11:59pm AEST.

Call for Expressions of Interest

Regional Events Conference

Dubbo, 4-6 September 2019 

RDA Riverina is proud to announce its support for this year's Regional Events Conference. We are now calling for expressions of interest from young people (aged 18-35 years) working or volunteering at regional business, industry, community, arts & culture events and residing in the RDA Riverina Region to be involved in this event. 

A quality 3 day program will be presented blended with networking opportunities and thought-provoking discussions.
 

RDA Riverina is offering to sponsor two delegates to attend the conference. 

 

RDA Riverina will cover the following incurred costs:

• Event registration (includes sessions and all activities)

• Travel to and from the conference

• Accommodation

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

Expressions of interest are to be emailed to ceo@rdariverina.org.au by COB Friday, 9 August 2019.

Learn More

Sydney FC to bring pre-season matches to the Riverina

Image by Jonny Lindner from Pixabay

Sydney FC to bring pre-season matches to Wagga Wagga

Wagga Wagga is set to host another top level national league football match this year following a partnership with Sydney FC to play A-League and W-League pre-season games in the city.

Wagga City Council resolved at its Monday 8 July Ordinary Meeting to enter into an agreement with Sydney FC to play a W-League (women) pre-season game this year and an A-League (men) trial match in 2020.

Both matches are expected to be against Newcastle Jets at McDonald’s Park – the same ground which hosted more than 10,000 fans at the highly-successful NRL Raiders-Penrith match in Wagga earlier this year.

NAIDOC 2019: Voice. Treaty. Truth.

Voice. Treaty. Truth. were three key elements to the reforms set out in the Uluru Statement from the Heart. These reforms represent the unified position of First Nations Australians.

National NAIDOC Co-Chair Pat Thompson says that for generations, Indigenous Australians have sought recognition of their unique place in Australian history and society today.

“For generations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have looked for significant and lasting change. We need our fellow Australians to join us on this journey – to finish the unfinished business of this country.”

“The 2017 Uluru Statement from the Heart built on generations of consultation and discussions among Indigenous people - we need to be the architects of our lives and futures,” she concluded.

National NAIDOC Co Chair John Paul Janke believes 2019 is also a unique opportunity to hear this nation’s Indigenous voice with the year being celebrated as the UN’s International Year of Indigenous Languages.

“It’s time for our knowledge to be heard through our voice. – an Indigenous voice of this country that is over 65,000 plus years old.”

“They are the first words spoken on this continent. Languages that passed down lore, culture and knowledge for over millennia.”

“They are precious to our nation and need to be celebrated but it’s our voice that needs to be listened too,” he said.

The 2019 theme acknowledges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have always wanted an enhanced role in decision-making in Australia’s democracy.

The theme also aims at highlighting our various First Nations’ desires for lasting and effective agreements such as Treaties- which cannot be achieved unless we have a shared, truthful understanding of the nature of the dispute, of the history, of how we got to where we stand.

“The history of our First Peoples is the history of all of us, of all of Australia, and we need to own it - hearing this history is necessary before we can come to some true reconciliation, some genuine healing for both sides.”

“Then we can move forward together.”

“So, Let’s work together for a shared future,” the Co-Chairs concluded.

Find out more about the 2019 theme on the NAIDOC website.

Box Office Hit Director to tutor early career regional screen directors

Pictured: Kriv Stenders

Kriv Stenders (Danger Close, Red Dog), one of Australia’s most renowned and critically acclaimed Screen Directors will be a guest tutor at Screenworks Directing Intensive in Byron Bay on 24th and 25th August 2019. Along with a leading Australian Documentary Directory who is yet to be announced, the two Directors will advise selected early career regional screen directors on technique, skills and project development for drama and documentary film and television.

Applications are now open for early career screen directors living in regional NSW, regional Queensland and Western Australia to apply for Screenworks Directing Intensive.  This two-day program is delivered in partnership with the Australian Directors’ Guild (ADG), Linnaeus Estate Education Fund and with support from Create NSW, as well as support for individual participants from Screen Queensland and Screenwest. The deadline for applications is 22nd July 2019.

Twelve early career screen directors will be selected to develop their skills under the tutelage of two of Australia’s most respected screen directors. The guest tutors will address creative process and techniques for directing documentary and drama for film and television. This is a supportive environment where the participants can develop their skills and test ideas under the guidance of highly experienced industry professionals

“We are looking forward to connecting Kriv Stenders with our 2019 participants,” explained Screenworks CEO, Ken Crouch.  “His talent is legendary; with the success of his feature film Red Dog putting him the top10 all time box office hits for Australian feature films and the release of his highly anticipated new feature Danger Close: The Battle for Long Tan we believe he will bring extraordinary advice to the twelve regional screen directors.  We are very grateful to the ADG for sourcing him for this workshop.”

 To be eligible for Screenworks Directing Intensive, applicants must demonstrate some experience directing content for screen and must be living in regional NSW, regional Queensland or Western Australia (preference will be given to regional Western Australian applicants).

2019 Regional Tourism Awards Finalists Announced

One hundred and one leading tourism businesses, events, and visitor experiences have this week been announced as finalists in the 2019 Regional Tourism Awards, including six businesses from the Riverina.

Regional Tourism Awards Chair, Jane Barnes, announced the final contenders that include destinations, events, restaurants, wineries and accommodation providers among an impressive cohort.

“This year’s finalists showcase the best of the regional New South Wales’ tourism industry and some amazing individuals and operators. Each of these finalists is now in the running to be named a winner at our four award celebrations to be held in a few weeks’ time”, said Ms. Barnes.

“The Regional Tourism Awards are an invaluable opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate business excellence across the sector”.

A key program on the regional tourism industry calendar, these awards have been credited for elevating regional tourism businesses to achieve state-wide and national acclaim.

Winners of the Regional Tourism Awards gain finalist status upon entering the NSW Tourism Awards, and if successful, go onto the Australian Tourism Awards.

Each region will be hosting an event to celebrate the finalists and award winners in each category in late July and early August.

Congratulations to the following Riverina businesses who are now in the running to win at the gala awards ceremony in Dubbo on July 27th:

Altina Wildlife Park - Darlington Point

Belisi Farmstay Tours – Wagga Wagga

Bundyi Cultural Tours – Wagga Wagga

Cameo Inn Motel – West Wyalong

Couraybyra Wines – Tumbarumba

Food I Am – Wagga Wagga

Special congratulations go to Couraybyra Wines who were part of RDA Riverina’s first Tourism Accelerator program.

Charles Sturt University Cyber Security Conversations

Charles Sturt University and NSW Cyber Security Network invite you to free information session on Cyber Security for your business and home!

Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly common and pose one of the major risks that a business can face these days. With an increase in the number and frequency of attacks on small businesses, cyber-attacks are now a serious issue for businesses of all sizes and failure to report data breaches may result in serious consequences.

Charles Sturt University is the first regional University to join the NSW Cyber Security Network. Through joining, Charles Sturt University is looking to facilitate the growth of cyber-capability in regional NSW by collaborating with the local industry and businesses.

Come along to a free information session to learn more about cyber security, the threats facing small to medium enterprises and how to protect your business!

Date: Tuesday 16 July 2019

Time: 6:00pm start

Venue: Agritech Incubator, Carpark 11, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga Campus, NSW, 2678

Light Refreshments will be provided.

Building better tourism businesses for our region

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.

NSW Budget Highlights for the Riverina

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

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.  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.

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.

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.

2019 Murray-Riverina Regional Business Awards

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.

2019 Regional Innovation Awards

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.

2019 Griffith Business Awards NOW OPEN

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

Office of Environnment and Heritage: Small business energy coaching pilot

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.