ICN Profile Workshop for Snowy 2.0 and Inland Rail

Are you a local business interested in working on or contracting to Snowy 2.0 or other significant infrastructure projects in the Murray, Riverina and South East regions?

Come along to a supplier workshop being held in Wagga Wagga which will give you the tools to get involved in these projects.

The NSW Government, in conjunction with ICN, will host a workshop in Wagga Wagga to assist potential suppliers to access opportunities free of charge through Industry Capability Network (ICN) NSW, a business network that assists in matching suppliers with projects. Future Generation, the joint‐venture appointed to build Snowy 2.0 for Snowy Hydro, is partnering with ICN to promote opportunities to potential suppliers through the ICN Gateway. Inland Rail, the arm of the ARTC constructing the Melbourne to Brisbane line is also partnering with ICN to promote opportunities to potential suppliers through the ICN Gateway.

Local businesses who want to access supplier opportunities on Snowy 2.0 will need to be registered on the ICN Gateway gateway.icn.org.au Members of the Future Generation Project Team will provide an update on the status of the project at the workshop. There will also be members of the Inland Rail team to background this project.

ICN NSW will provide information at the workshop on:

• Creating an effective profile on the ICN Gateway

• Receiving notifications of projects and work packages

• Expressing interest in work packages Information will also be provided by Business Enterprise Centre and AusIndustry regarding assistance available to get your business "tender ready".

SOUTH WEST SLOPES FOREST INDUSTRY HUB LAUNCH A BOOST FOR NSW

Forest industries in the South West Slopes (SWS) region of NSW have been given a huge boost with the launch today at AKD Softwoods sawmill in Tumut of the SWS Forest Industry Hub. The work program of the Hub is underpinned by Federal government funding of $1 million over three years.

“We need to plant new production trees and invest in our forest industries to provide the necessary wood fibre to meet Australia’s increasing demand for renewable forest products’, said the Australian Forest Products Association (AFPA) CEO, Ross Hampton.

“Thanks to the great advocacy from the Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries Senator Duniam, the Government funding commitment, coupled with industry working together, will enable the SWS Regional Forest Industry Hub to make real progress on growing new production trees, planning new infrastructure investment and manufacturing innovative new products. Industry will look at the key constraints that need addressing and opportunities that we can grasp.”

The SWS region of NSW is based around the key regional areas of Tumut and Tumbarumba extending south into Victoria. The region has significant competitive advantages in forestry, including a critical mass of forest plantations, transport and processing infrastructure as well as a skilled forestry workforce and supportive local governments.

“AFPA is proud of the rollout of Regional Forestry Hubs around Australia and appreciates the Government’s ongoing support for the Hubs program. The SWS Forest Industry Hub and the participating companies are a great example of our renewable forest industries potential and the positive impact we can have on regional jobs and economic growth,’ said Mr Hampton.

Engaging Youth in Regional Australia: Stakeholders' Views Report

The Engaging Youth in Regional Australia (EYRA) Study was funded by the Australian Research Council via a 2019-2021 Discovery Early Career Researcher Award. The report on the first stage of the research, conducted in 2019, was released in November. The first stage of the research involved initial visits and stakeholder roundtable discussions in each of the three regional areas of Australia involved in the study – Griffith NSW, Hedland WA, and Port Lincoln SA.

The three locations were chosen because each are experiencing net youth outmigration in the context of increasing economic investment. The study aims to better understand the reasons why young people leave these areas, choose to stay in their hometowns, or return to their hometowns having left for a period of time. This information will be provided to stakeholders when the project has been completed so that it might inform their youth engagement strategies.

Academically, the project will explore the concept of youth engagement and what this means to young people. From the perspective of human geography, which is concerned with the ways in which people and places relate, the project seeks to expand the concept of youth engagement to include the material and affective qualities of place.

The project will take place over four stages: stakeholder discussions, interviews with young people, collaborative filmmaking, and a co-produced exhibition in each town with young people involved in making videos. The exhibition will provide an opportunity for young people and stakeholders to discuss the findings of the project and for the community in each town to learn about the study.

Agrifutures Annual Report out now

AgriFutures Australia Annual Report 2018-19

The AgriFutures Australia Annual Report 2018-19 has now been released.

Within the report, you'll see how diverse levied industries such as chicken meat, rice, export fodder, thoroughbred horses, honey bee and pollination, ginger, tea tree oil, pasture seeds, buffalo, kangaroo, goat fibre, deer and their bodies, panels and stakeholders guide research, development decisions and expenditure.

In 2018-19, AgriFutures Australia managed 105 new projects across all four arenas. The total investment of the new projects is more than $15 million.

For more information go to: Annual Report 2018-19

RDA Riverina STEM Showcase

The Riverina was selected in 2019 as one of the new regions for the NSW Department of Education SISP Program (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics, Industry, School, Partnerships).

In November RDA Riverina invited over 1000 students to attend a STEM showcase. The event was part of a 2 day program showcasing Women in STEM within the region including talks from influencers to students about career opportunities in STEM fields.

Guests Included:

Youth Ambassador - Tamara Baker, 15 year old STEM guru and hacker, who shared her story and passion
Dr Alison Southwell from CSU Wagga Wagga, focussing on Agriculture and Rural Science
Dr Pip Southwell from Charles Sturt University Three Rivers University Department of Rural Health
Dr Sibohan Cole from Wagga Wagga Base Hospital
IT Professional Tegan Le Page from Leading Edge Computers, Griffith
Kylie Burret, Designer of the Splat 3D
Peggy Mangovski, Diversity Leader for the STEM Industry School Partnerships Program

Each session was finished on a high with a live science demonstration wowing the audience. Students all received complimentary water, Rice Snacks from SunRice, a 3D Splat Tool and a piece of fruit kindly donated by Joes' Citrus.

RDA Riverina would like to thank all of our amazing supporters including Charles Sturt University, Deakin University, NSW Department of Education, Grow Our Own - Western Riverina, MASE, Three Rivers UDRH, Leading Edge Computers, Solar Mad, I2R Industries, and SunRice.

Know Your Drone

Australians are flying drones in record numbers. It's important we all understand the rules that keep us safe.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has launched a new website for people who fly for fun. It includes an interactive quiz to test your knowledge and information on Australia’s drone safety rules in 20 languages.

CASA-verified drone safety web and mobile apps provide location-based information on where you can and can't fly your drone. Drone flyers should also check local by-laws before they fly.

Stay up to date with the latest news and information for drone flyers in Australia, subscribe to the drone mailing list.

Be safe this Summer – Know Your Drone. For more information, go to www.knowyourdrone.gov.au

Skills training for drought affected farmers and businesses

The NSW Government is subsidising skills training for farmers and regional businesses impacted by the drought to support off farm income and diversification of business practices. 

Access to this funding aims to provide support to farmers and businesses to manage the impact of the drought.

What kind of training is available?

A wide range of training is available, including but not limited to the following areas:

• Heavy Vehicle

• Forklift tickets

• Confined spaces

• Dogging

• Auto electrics

• Drone operations

• Business Management

• Chainsaw operations

• Excavator tickets

• Elevated work platform

• Small Engine Maintenance

• Work Health & Safety

• Book Keeping

• Farm Management

Training is available through the Smart and Skilled Targeted Priorities Prevocational and Part Qualifications program.

For information on training that will suit your specific circumstances please call your local Training Services NSW Office on 13 28 11.

What does it cost?

Part qualification training is available under the NSW Government's Smart and Skilled program. Part qualification training is fully subsidised (i.e. fee-free).

Under this initiative, access to fully subsidised training for individuals affected by the drought who meet the eligibility criteria has been made a priority.

Who is eligible?

To be eligible an applicant must:

1. Meet Smart and Skilled eligibility criteria.

Individuals must be:

• 15 years old or over

• no longer at school

• living or working in NSW, and

• an Australian citizen, Australian permanent resident, humanitarian visa holder or New Zealand citizen.

2. Reside in a postcode within Regional NSW (defined as all of NSW excluding Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong metropolitan areas).

3. Be a business owner or farmer in a drought affected area or a contractor or worker who has been displaced as a result of the drought.

Why is this support available?

Due to the severity of the drought, the farming and agriculture sector are experiencing income losses or business closure. Access to funding aims to provide a pathway to alternative income sources or new career options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to frequently asked questions can be found here.

As part of the NSW Government's Drought Strategy, other support is available including the Farm Business Skills Professional Development Program. Information on this can be found here.

Regional Wellbeing Survey

The University of Canberra conducts a Regional Wellbeing Survey each year. The aim is to support research that improves the wellbeing and quality of life of people living in rural and regional Australia. The results of the survey help to provide insights that support the development of strategies to build wellbeing, resilience and adaptive capacity in these regions.

The Regional Wellbeing Survey has six parts:

• Questions about the quality of life and liveability of your community.

• Questions about your health and wellbeing, and your household.

• Questions about the drought and its effects.

• Questions about land management and farming (with some parts only asked if you are a farmer).

Taking part in the survey lets you have your say on issues ranging from how your community is changing, your health, and your wellbeing. The survey is voluntary, confidential and anonymous, and you can choose to do a short or regular version. All survey participants aged 18 or over who complete the survey by midnight on Friday, 20 December can enter the draw with a chance to win one of 18 prizes to the total value of $7,000.

Call 1800 981 499 if you'd like to be posted a paper survey or for help with the survey.

There is no limit on how many people in each household can complete the survey if they wish.

Griffith Housing Strategy

Griffith City Council is pleased to announce that the Griffith Housing Strategy was adopted at Council on 26 November 2019. Grant funding from the Building Better Regions Fund enabled Council to commission a detailed analysis of the current state of housing availability in Griffith. This evidence-based study, undertaken by Dr Judith Stubbs suggests methods of increasing access to diverse housing options for key target groups in the city experiencing housing stress.

There has been extensive consultation with Councillors, key Council staff and major community stakeholders in Griffith to inform the study with two consultation sessions held with Councillors and two sessions held with key community stakeholders. A further forum for the community was also held during the consultation period. Following a 48 day exhibition period Council received 9 submissions, took this valuable feedback on board and amended the strategy accordingly. The final report to Council details the responses to the submissions and can be found on page 31 of the agenda from the Council meeting held on Tuesday 26 November download here.

Please download copies of the Griffith Housing Strategy and Background Report Paper below. A two page Summary of the Strategy is also available for download.

Download the Papers Here

Strategy Summary | Housing Strategy | Background Report

For further information please contact Griffith City Council's Economic Development Team 
Shireen Donaldson | shireen.donaldson@griffith.nsw.gov.au | 6962 8100
Karly Sivewright | karly.sivewright@griffith.nsw.gov.au | 0417 368 169

Better connectivity for regional NSW

The Department of Planning, Industry and Environment is conducting a community survey seeking feedback on digital connectivity issues in regional areas.

What's this about?

A comprehensive survey has been launched in conjunction with a series of community consultation events across regional NSW.

This initiative ensures these communities have a voice as the NSW Government commits to delivering improved digital infrastructure across the state under the Regional Digital Connectivity program. 

Face-to-face consultations will be held at up to 20 locations with known connectivity issues, to better understand the issues experienced.

The feedback received will ensure the delivery of a solution that will have a lasting impact for regional NSW.

Have your say

 There are two ways to submit your feedback:

Online: Complete the online survey
In person: Attend a community consultation. Find out more about dates and locations.

Have your say by Tuesday 31 December 2019

More Information

• Email: Project leader

• Phone: 1300 679 673

• Agency Website

National Ag Day Celebration

National Ag Day is led by the National Farmers Federation (NFF) and involves a broad coalition of industry groups, corporate business and government. The day aims to celebrate Australian agriculture and raise awareness of the role it plays. The theme for the 2019 event is ‘We Are Australian Farmers.’

AgriFutures Australia, the Graham Centre and RDA Riverina support Australian farmers through research, innovation and regional development to improve sustainability and profitability.

 In the new campaign, ‘We Are Australian Farmers’ the NFF is highlighting that we are all part of the cycle of Australian agriculture, in this cycle research and development is crucial to helping agriculture and our regional communities thrive.

We recognise that many farmers are battling tough seasonal conditions and we’re pleased to be able to show support for the sector and raise money for drought relief, with funds donated to the Country Women’s Association.

The event has been made possible with the support of Junee Rotary and CSU Cheers.

Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program

Expressions of interest (EOI) can now be submitted for the first round of applications under the Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program (II Program).

Individuals, businesses and organisations with good ideas on how to maximise the connectivity or enhance supply chain productivity from Inland Rail are invited to apply. We encourage supply chain managers, producers, local and state governments, local businesses, community representatives and freight and train operators to identify projects for consideration under the II Program.

•Applications for the October round close Thursday 5:00PM AEDT, 31 October 2019.

 Multiple proposals are welcomed.

The Interface Improvement Program is funded over the 2019-20 and 2020-21 financial years. A second EOI round is expected to open in April 2020.

RDA Riverina Annual Report 2018/19 Released

RDA Riverina is pleased to present our annual report for 2018/19. Highlights of the report include Message from the CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting, Riverina population and statistics, Case Studies on Big Springs, Borambola Wines, Nest Cafe, De Bortoli Wines and Forough Ataollahi, as well as information on our Workforce Development Plan and collaborative work including Country Change and the Regional Resettlement of Refugees project.

AgriTech Incubator ATI Riverina: Ready to Launch Pitch Night

The latest participants from the AgriTech Incubator ATI Riverina: Ready to Launch program are wrapping up their 8 week pre-accelerator program, concluding with a pitch night on Monday 30th September.

We would be thrilled if you would join us to support these fantastic entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to the attending audience.

The participants represent a wonderfully diverse group with some great solutions to local and global issues. Their business ideas range from using animation to tell Wiradjuri stories to soothing sore ears while flying to using AI to find electrical issues and all manner of other great ideas!

Time:

6.00pm – Pitch by Incubator Program Participants

7.00pm - Light refreshments, networking and the opportunity to meet with Program Participants at their Demo tables.

Venue: Convention Centre, Building 230, CSU Wagga Wagga Campus

We are delighted to announce that Jo Palmer, New South Wales remote work advocate, Founder & Managing Director of Pointer Remote Roles, 2019 AgriFutures™ Rural Women’s Award National Winner (and AgriTech Incubator alumna) will be our guest speaker for the evening.

We look forward to seeing you at this event as we celebrate the success of the region’s future entrepreneurial businesses and innovative leaders.

Register today to avoid missing out - Limited seating.

2020 Jan Cathcart Scholarship

Jan Cathcart Scholarship - Investing in the Future of the Australian Rice Industry

2020 Applications Now Open – Up to $30,000 Available to Fund Tertiary Studies

Applications for the 2020 Jan Cathcart Scholarship are now open for women involved in the Australian rice industry, offering financial assistance valued at $10,000 a year for up to three years of tertiary study.

The scholarship, which honours the memory of long-term SunRice employee Jan Cathcart and her 43 years with the rice industry, provides numerous opportunities for recipients, from financial support, to work experience and employment placements with SunRice, and professional and personal growth.

SunRice Chairman Laurie Arthur encouraged women in the rice industry to apply, saying:

“The recipients of the Jan Cathcart Scholarship have all shown a desire to contribute to the rice industry, as well as agriculture as a whole, and we’re looking to support the professional development of women in these industries. This scholarship pays tribute to Jan’s enormous commitment to the rice industry by helping recipients in their studies and with employment options.”

Rural Aid - 10 Towns Makeover Initiative

10 TOWNS MAKEOVER INITIATIVE

Would your town like a makeover? Then Rural Aid and our Farm Army volunteers can help!

Rural Aid, our Farm Army volunteers and Corporate Partners can help.

As the worst drought in history continues to take its toll, Rural Aid is launching a campaign aimed at providing 10 country towns impacted by drought, with a makeover.

Established within Rural Aid’s ongoing Sustainable Community program, the 10 Towns will receive a minimum of $100,000 each over five years.

Working with town leaders the money will be spent developing plans, through facilitated workshops, to support the long-term sustainability of the town and local community. Rural Aid will partner with experts in rural/regional town renewal who will work with town leaders to develop the long-term renewal strategy.

Rural Aid’s Farm Army of volunteers (usually between 50 – 100) will also spend a week in the town undertaking a range of infrastructure projects which town leaders identify as important to the town and community.

NSW Small Business Month

NSW Small Business Month 2019 is coming!

NSW Government has announced their line-up of spectacular events kicking off on 1 October designed to support small businesses to start and grow in NSW. This year’s program includes a variety of free activities including webinars, business breakfasts, social media workshops, networking sessions and much more.

This year’s official sponsors of NSW Small Business Month include Facebook, DELL, NAB and Service NSW. Each sponsor is hosting a range of free events across the state that includes:

·         How to protect your business against cyber threats brought to you by Dell and hosted by David Koch from Sunrise, and will feature a panel discussion with Cybersecurity experts from industry and government.

·         Boost with Facebook workshops across the state offering free digital skills modules tailored to help you build your online brand.

·         A Parramatta Small Business Breakfast Forum brought to you by NAB, featuring local entrepreneurs sharing their journey and the challenges they faced when starting their business.

·         Networking events supported by Service NSW covering topics from women business leaders in Port Macquarie, to startups in Newcastle, and inspirational Indigenous business thought leaders in Tamworth.

So what are you waiting for? Register for an event in your local area today and get your business going and growing!

Inland Rail Scholarships Program

The Inland Rail Scholarships Program aims to provide real world education opportunities for regional students considering an undergraduate degree at University of Southern Queensland, Charles Sturt University and La Trobe University.

Students commencing study in 2020 and 2021 can apply for 20 Inland Rail Scholarships, each valued at up to $20,000, or $5,000 for every year of study.

Inland Rail Scholarships are a great opportunity for students to launch their career paths in industries which directly contribute to their region’s prosperity and social cohesion.

Indigenous people and those experiencing financial hardship are particularly encouraged to apply.

The Scholarships Program is part of the Inland Rail Skills Academy, which is creating value for communities along the Inland Rail alignment by offering education and training programs which increase the number of skilled local residents.

Power infrastructure upgrade help available for regional businesses

Does your business need an electrical infrastructure upgrade to maximise growth? Help is available from the NSW Government.

Applications are open for the pilot NSW Regional Business Power Infrastructure Upgrade Program (RBPIUP) to help businesses to overcome electrical infrastructure impediments and boost growth.

The pilot program is targeted at regional businesses with projects that have the potential to result in substantial job growth and that will benefit the local economy and other businesses in their area. 

Who can apply?

To apply, businesses must:

• have a Australian Business Number (ABN)

• be registered for GST

• be located in Regional NSW, which excludes metropolitan Sydney and suburbs, Newcastle and Wollongong

• employ at least three full-time or part-time employees, who can include owners

• have been trading for at least two years.

What information is required?

A key component of the RBPIUP is that companies must be able to demonstrate that:

• there is an electrical infrastructure impediment to growth

• the proposed infrastructure has the potential to benefit more than one business

• the project will result in job growth

• the business has provided evidence that an energy efficiency options(external link) review has been conducted or they have registered for the Introduction to Energy Management course(external link) through Office of Environment & Heritage.

Which businesses will not be considered?

Businesses will not be eligible to apply if:

• the projects that require an electrical infrastructure upgrade compromise competitive neutrality

• suppliers of services for delivery of infrastructure have common ownership or control with the company applying for funds

• you need financial support for internal project costs – this fund is only available for external third-party costs.

Types of assistance

Applicants must contribute at least 50 per cent of the cost of a project and financial assistance of up to $100,000 (ex. GST) is available.

Applications are open

Application forms will only be provided following a discussion between a Department of Premier and Cabinet regional business development manager and a company principal. 

For more information call 1300 679 673 or email regionalnsw.business@dpc.nsw.gov.au. 

Completed applications should be supported by at least two years of financial statements for the business, projections for the next three years and evidence that an energy efficiency options review has been conducted.

Evidence of an energy efficiency options review should be in the form of a letter from a source independent to the business.

2020 Charity Brunch Community Grants

Does your community need financial assistance for a project that will help make a difference? 2020 Charity Brunch Community Grant Applications now open - https://www.eastershow.com.au/charity-brunch/

Established in 2009, the Charity Brunch is an annual fundraiser held during the Sydney Royal Easter Show. Hosted by Suzanne Ryan, funds raised at the brunch go toward a selected grass roots project in country NSW that will have a positive social and economic impact on the broader community around it.

The mission of the Charity Brunch is to support rural communities with the infrastructure to better the overall emotional, health and general well-being of the community.

To date, the Charity Brunch has raised over $255,000, with proceeds going to support communities including Parkes, Baradine, Inverell, Young, Bobadah, Condobolin, Binalong, Kempsey and Armidale with a variety of infrastructure and education needs.

The aim of the project is to bring together community and district rural residents at events that share information, offer social inclusion and provide physical and mental health education in an informal setting to help enhance farmer resilience and strengthen community connection.

Any questions regarding the Grant Application should be directed via email to: Charitybrunch@rasnsw.com.au

Charity Brunch Community Grant applications will close at 5pm on Friday 25 October 2019.