Understanding people and communities in rural and regional Australia

The University of Canberra Regional Wellbeing team invites everyone to participate in this year’s Regional Wellbeing Survey. By participating, you help make a difference to communities across Australia, as well as being eligible to enter their prize draws to win one of 29 prizes worth a total of $9,200.

This year there is a special focus on understanding how events including COVID-19, drought, bushfire and floods are affecting people and communities across Australia (as well as asking some of the usual questions). You can do a short or long version of the survey, depending on how much time you have available.

Your contribution makes a difference. A range of community, farming and health organisations use this data and findings. Find out more at www.regionalwellbeing.org.au.

Complete the survey online using www.regionalwellbeing.org.au

It is recommended that you complete the survey on a computer or iPad/tablet if possible, rather than on a smart phone.

Want a paper survey or help? Call 1800 981 499.

In 2020 it’s more important than ever for us to understand how the wellbeing of different people and communities is changing. The team will be producing their first report on impacts of events of 2020 in December 2020, followed by more during 2021.

All survey participants aged 18 or older who complete the survey either online by going to www.regionalwellbeing.org.au or return a completed paper survey will be eligible to enter the draw to win prizes in (i) 11 weekly draws (valued at $200 each), and (ii) a grand prize draw for one of 18 prizes to the total prize pool value of $7000. Winners will have their choice of a WISH, Coles-Myer, Bunnings or Flight Centre gift card, or to donate their winning value to Australian Red Cross, Blaze Aid, WIRES or a charity of choice (limited to organisations formally registered as charities).

The survey is voluntary, confidential and anonymous, and closes on 30th October 2020, at midnight.

National Youth Policy Framework Consultation Survey

The Commonwealth Department of Health’s Youth Taskforce is pleased to announce the National Youth Policy Framework Consultation Survey is now live on their website!

The purpose of this consultation is to give young Australians an opportunity to help shape the development of the Framework and share their views on what is most important to them. Further, this consultation will help the Youth Taskforce to better understand how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting young Australians, information that will be invaluable as the Youth Taskforce continues to develop and refine the Framework.

The survey is accessible to all young Australians aged 18 to 29 and is the third consultation round since the Youth Taskforce began its work in June 2019. 

The survey can be accessed directly here and some information on the consultation at the Youth Taskforce website.

The survey will be open until Monday 12 October 2020.

Bridge Hub 2020 Water Challenge - Research Stream Finalists Announced

Bridge Hub has announced the eight research finalists from Australia and New Zealand who have progressed to the next round of the Bridge Hub 2020 Water Challenge Research Stream.

The purpose of the Bridge Hub 2020 Water Challenge is to uncover the best and brightest research, the most innovative ideas and the best startups that positively impact water sustainability within our agrisystem. The Water Challenge was launched in July by the Hon Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and the Hon Phil Twyford, Minister for Economic Development in New Zealand.

Finalists will now progress to the next round which includes a two week workshop series being delivered in partnership with Callaghan Innovations and the Canberra Innovation Network (CBRIN). CSIRO, the Australian Research Stream sponsor and Zespri, the New Zealand Research Stream sponsor will be involved in the next round of judging to take place.

One Australian research winner and one New Zealand research winner will each receive a cash prize of $25,000. Blue River Group will invest up to $100,000 into the commercial outcome of the prize winning research from each country.

The eight research finalists are:

Nitrate removal to safeguard water quality
Associate Professor David Leung
University of Canterbury, NZ

EFF-GO - 21st Century Solution for 21st Century Waste
Dr Peter Dyer
Callaghan Innovation, NZ

Real-time control of irrigation through acoustic sensing to prevent runoff and pollution
Dr Chandra Ghimire
AgResearch Ltd, NZ

Membrane Subsurface Irrigation
Professor Gregory Leslie
The University of New South Wales

Advanced Capture of Water from the Atmosphere
Prof Chiara Neto
The University of Sydney

Waste to plastic: converting agricultural wastewater to high value bioplastics
Damian Laird
Murdoch University

Microalgae harvesting using tuneable polymers
Professor Long D. Nghiem
University of Technology Sydney

Aquaporin Solutions
Dr Caitlin Byrt
Australian National University

The Water Challenge has created a cohort of individuals and organisations across research, industry and government who are committed to addressing the many water issues we face across the agrisystem. Importantly, the cohort is truly international, with involvement from Australia, New Zealand and Israel.

For further information please contact Dianna Somerville, Community Manager Bridge Hub: di@thebridgehub.co

Farmers wanted for pilot regional connectivity program

Zetifi is working with Birchip Cropping Group and Wimmera Development Association along with local councils and primary producers around Australia to put forward a new solution for solving connectivity problems on and off-farm using long-range Wi-Fi networks.

Their technology can provide better internet and Wi-Fi coverage for voice, data and video around your farm using a secure private network while improving connectivity around your region with an integrated long range public hotspot.

Zetifi are submitting an application for funding under the Federal Regional Connectivity Program to provide subsidised infrastructure that will benefit farms and regions in areas with poor connectivity.

If you are interested in being involved as a host farm for a ZetiCell fill in your details at the link below, they will use this information to complete a desk check and come back to you with a proposal that if accepted can be included in their application for grant funding.

New Snowy Valleys Tourism Video Released

A new promotional film inviting and encouraging holidaymakers and day trippers to visit the Snowy Valleys is being launched this week.

The four-minute short film captures the spirit of the region, and is aimed to emotionally connect with viewers, showcasing a region that was ravaged by bushfires but is bursting back to life.

The narrative is about beautiful landscapes, rugged adventure and peaceful wanderings and invites people to ‘come find us’ in the Snowy Valleys; the perfect place to escape from the stress of the everyday, with so much space to enjoy.

Snowy Valleys Council Mayor James Hayes said, “The film is about letting the wider population know that despite the challenges we suffered in the summer bushfires, and then further with COVID-19 restrictions, our region and its businesses are open again and ready to welcome Covid safe visitors”.

The film shows the many attractions and vistas that the Snowy Valleys is becoming known for including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, exploring, the freshest tastes direct from the farm gate, award winning cold climate wines, and the natural beauty of the quiet landscapes.

“This new film touches on all of those experiences, and much more and we are very excited to be welcoming visitors again,” said Clr Hayes.

Four shorter versions of the film, each with its own theme, will also be released in coming weeks. The films will be supported by social media and print marketing.

The tourism film project was funded as part of the NSW Government’s New Council Implementation Fund round one.

Council’s Executive Director Community and Corporate Paul Holton said the visit Snowy Valleys film is being released now to captialise on VisitNSW’s current Love NSW campaign.

“We know there are travel restrictions between states at the moment so we are especially targeting people from across NSW and the ACT to consider the Snowy Valleys in their future travel plans and as a destination for their next holiday,” Mr Holton said.

“We will be showcasing all the films on our own social media channels and on the Visit Snowy Valleys website, as well as partnering with Destination NSW, Thrive Riverina and Country Change to hit a wide audience,” Mr Holton explained.

“We are also encouraging local businesses and operators to share the films and other Snowy Valleys content through their own social media channels and we hope that regional media outlets will also help to share the message about coming to find us in the Snowy Valleys”.

People can view and share the promotional film via the Visit Snowy Valleys social media sites and it will also be housed on the visit snowy valleys website in the coming days.

Riverina Skills Audit - Phase 2

Earlier this year we began the first phase of our Riverina Skills Audit with a survey. We had a great response to the survey and received important information that we need to understand the skills needs of employers in our region.

We are now at the second phase of this work. This will be a series of focus groups and interviews with members of the business community in the Riverina. We are now recruiting additional participants for these focus groups.

We are looking for business owners and recruitment managers from businesses and organisations across the Riverina in any industry. These focus groups will take about 1 hour of your time and will be conducted online.

Game Set Match! Evonne Goolagong World Premiere to headline new Wiradjuri Festival

The glittering World Premiere of Sunshine Super Girl, a brand new theatre work celebrating National Living Treasure and sporting legend Evonne Goolagong-Cawley, will be the centrepiece of the inaugural Yarruwala Wiradjuri Cultural Festival, in Griffith this October.

It was ‘Love All’ when Griffith Regional Theatre secured the highly sought after rights to premiere Sunshine Super Girl, by Yorta Yorta Gunnakurnai playwright and director Andrea James, produced by Performing Lines, with Melbourne Theatre Company and major national festivals amongst the other contenders.

Griffith Regional Arts and Museum Manager, Raina Savage never doubted the work would premiere on Wiradjuri country.

Ms Savage said, “Evonne was born in Griffith, and when we consulted the Wiradjuri community about the project, they were adamant that her story should open where it had its roots, on her traditional country.”

Sunshine Super Girl is a quintessentially Australian story about an Aboriginal girl from the bush who, with the support of a small farming town and her loving family, became a world tennis champion and household name at the tender age of 19.

Evonne won 92 professional tournaments and was a finalist in 18 Grand Slam events and seven singles – winning Wimbledon twice, the French Open once and the Australian Open four times. Her heart-warming story is a celebration of spirit and passion over privilege and discrimination; and a tribute to a great Wiradjuri woman who overcame racism and disadvantage and inspired a nation.

The Sunshine Super Girl World Premiere on Wednesday 7 October is the jewel in the crown of Yarruwala Wiradjuri Cultural Festival, an exciting new festival promoting and celebrating Wiradjuri arts and culture in the Western Riverina. A spectacular Wiradjuri Cultural Ceremony will welcome VIP guests onto country for the event.

Griffith Mayor, Councillor John Dal Broi is looking forward to what he expects to be an exciting celebration of Wiradjuri arts and culture.

“The Yarruwala Wiradjuri Cultural Festival will be a fantastic event and I am extremely pleased that our Theatre and community get to be part of it,” he said. 

Meaning ‘very strong, powerful’ in the Wiradjuri language, the full Yarruwala Festival Program was launched in a live-streamed gala event at Regional Art Gallery on Saturday 15 August curated by Creative Director Kerry Johnson. Due to COVID-19, the launch was a digital event.

The festival program features Aboriginal arts and cultural experiences and events in the Griffith, Leeton, Murrumbidgee, Narranderra and Jerilderie LGAs.

Creative Director Ms Johnson said, “The festival is a ground-breaking cultural occasion to bring the communities together, as we celebrate Evonne Goolagong-Cawley’s life-time achievements. An integral element will be to look back to our roots, remember the sacrifices and be inspired to continue the legacy.” 

Sunshine Super Girl premieres on Wednesday 7 October, with performances on 8th -10 October at 7.30pm, and matinee on Saturday 10 October at 2pm.

Tickets for Sunshine Super Girl are available from Monday 27 July through Griffith Regional Theatre Box Office at 1 Neville Place, Griffith, or contact the theatre on 02 6962 8444.

For any inquiries please contact Raina Savage raina.savage@griffith.nsw.gov.au or Aanya Whitehead at Western Riverina Arts rado@westrivarts.com.au

RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting takes part in SEGRA Conversations 25 - More Jobs than People

In this webinar recording, RDA Riverina CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting and Megan Dixon, Director of Regional Development, RDA Orana joined SEGRA for a conversation on the challenges of attracting and retaining a skilled workforce. Both RDA Riverina and RDA Orana have established programs for growing their regions. This webinar identifies the key elements of these programs and explores how they might work for your region.

Rachel Whiting has lived in regional communities in NSW, Western Australia and Queensland throughout her professional career. Her passion and enthusiasm for development in regional and rural communities is evidenced in the success stories of the organisations she works for and in partnership with. Rachel has worked extensively with not-for-profits both as a board member and as management. In her spare time, Rachel has also been breeding horses for the Olympic disciplines for 20 years and is involved in Arts Practice and Facilitation. Rachel is an Adjunct Professional Staff Member at Charles Sturt University, a Fellow of Leadership WA, holds a Master of Communications from Charles Sturt University, a Graduate Certificate in Animal Studies from UQ and a Bachelor of Education majoring in Visual Arts and English from QUT.

Passionate about regional Australia, Megan Dixon has lived and worked in the Northern Territory and regional Queensland and New South Wales, holding various positions that have all been focussed on regional economic development. Now the Director of Regional Development Orana, based in Dubbo, Megan has spent the last four years focussed on workforce development and labour shortages, working strategically and through partnerships on the push/pull ecosystem that drives skills and labour shortages in inland Australia.  

‘Help Harvest NSW' launched to help secure Ag workers to bumper harvest

Farmers will be able to capitalise on what is predicted to be the best harvest in many years, with the launch of a new one-stop resource which will help the agriculture industry overcome a COVID-induced labour shortage and get unemployed Australians into critical work.

Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall announced the launch of the ‘Help Harvest NSW’ website, which will connect unemployed Australians with farm work opportunities across the State as part of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan.

With NSW at the forefront of this year’s big winter crop comeback after drought and horticulture about six weeks from harvest, Mr Marshall said it was critical to act now as there would be a shortage of between 3,500 and 5,000 workers needed in the state.

“Farmers are desperate to find contractors and employees willing to work to make the most of the bumper harvest we’re about to have,” Mr Marshall said.

“A high volume of primary industries labour generally comes from overseas and due to COVID-19 international travel restrictions there simply isn’t the number of farm workers the ag industry needs at the moment.

“The Help Harvest NSW website will help to overcome this challenge by connecting job-seeking Australians with agricultural work opportunities in NSW.

“I want to see more Aussies climb off the couch and get out into the regions where there’s plenty of good paying work on until the end of the year.

“At a time when we are just beginning to emerge from drought, our State’s farmers cannot afford to miss out on the financial uplift that comes from a strong harvest.”

With higher than average unemployment due to COVID-19, Mr Marshall said that ‘Help Harvest NSW’ was a way to get the State’s workforce moving again.

“Never before and never again will Australians have a better chance to take up farm work, earn a decent wage and see first-hand our beautiful regions where the food we buy every day from the supermarket is produced,” Mr Marshall said.

“My message to the increasing number of people looking for a job at the moment is this: get off your bum and get into agriculture – we need you.

“Take a look at Help Harvest NSW and see what job opportunities are around the corner.”

To explore ‘Help Harvest NSW’ visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/help-harvest-nsw.

Applications Open | School of Rural Medicine | Charles Sturt Orange Campus

Regional students strongly encouraged to apply for the new Doctor of Medicine – applications now open

After years of lobbying, planning and building, the School of Rural Medicine is about to become a reality, opening its doors at Charles Sturt University’s Orange Campus in February next year. Thanks to the support of our communities, we will now be able to “grow our own” doctors right here in regional NSW.

Applications for prospective students for the Doctor of Medicine are now open. Applicants from rural and regional backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply through the rural entry admission scheme. Rural and regional students will need to submit a community member confirmation form as part of their UAC application.

Students have until Wednesday 30 September to apply for the course through the Universities Admission Centre (UAC). Under the Rural Entry Admissions Scheme, the ATAR requirement for rural and regional applicants is 91.5. For non-rural applicants, the ATAR requirement is 95.5

The first cohort of 37 students will commence their studies in Orange in February next year. All of the teaching and clinical placements for the course will take place in rural and regional areas of NSW. The curriculum for the course has been designed for rural contexts, taking into account the healthcare needs of rural communities and the capabilities of local health services.

Students will be taught in a supportive community environment, which includes state-of-the-art teaching facilities, small class sizes, and a personalised teaching approach.

The program will also include a multidisciplinary approach where students are provided with opportunities to learn and train alongside Charles Sturt’s allied health and nursing students. Many of the lecturers, tutors and supervisors will be practising rural and regional medical doctors and allied health professionals.

This is a very exciting time for Charles Sturt University. Establishing a full Doctor of Medicine degree in the heart of regional NSW is a game-changer for health in our communities.

Australian border travel exemption categories now include agriculture and primary industries

Australia has strict border measures in place to protect the Australian community during COVID-19.

The Home Affairs Department has a webpage for those who fit the critical skills sectors and would like to apply for a travel exemption. Exemptions have been extended to include those with critical skills in agriculture and primary industries. A person does not need to hold a visa when they apply for an exemption, however they will need to have a valid visa to travel.

All travellers arriving in Australia, including Australian citizens, are subject to mandatory quarantine for 14 days at a designated facility, such as a hotel, in their port of arrival.​ See Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for travellers. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. To find out more about quarantine requirements, contact the relevant state or territory government health department.

Travel exemption requirements for individuals in critical sectors or with critical skills

The Commissioner of the Australian Border Force may grant an individual exemption if you are a non-citizen:

• travelling at the invitation of the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority for the purpose of assisting in the COVID-19 response

• providing critical or specialist medical services, including air ambulance, medical evacuations and delivering critical medical supplies

• with critical skills required to maintain the supply of essential goods and services (such as in medical technology, critical infrastructure, telecommunications, engineering and mining, supply chain logistics, agriculture, primary industry, food production, and the maritime industry)

• delivering services in sectors critical to Australia’s economic recovery (such as financial technology, large scale manufacturing, film, media and television production and emerging technology), where no Australian worker is available

• providing critical skills in religious or theology fields

• whose entry would otherwise be in Australia's national interest, supported by the Australian Government or a state or territory government authority.

An individual can submit a request for a travel exemption under this category or a business can submit a request on their behalf. The applications of multiple travellers within the same group/business can be linked, so that the requests are considered together.

Please request an exemption using the form below and provide appropriate evidence to support the claims. Requests may be finalised without further consideration if insufficient evidence is provided. All documents need to be officially translated into English.

An exemption should generally be applied for at least two weeks, but not more than three months, before planned travel. Urgent business travel will be considered inside this timeframe.

Seasonal and Pacific workers to help fill labour gaps

Australia's farmers and regional businesses will be able to recruit much-needed workers from the Pacific and Timor-Leste under arrangements agreed between the Australian Government and the States and Territories.

The agreement struck today paves the way for the resumption of recruitments under the Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP) and Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS), which connect Pacific and Timorese workers with Australian businesses and fill rural and regional workforce shortages when Australian workers are not available.

The arrival of new workers under these programmes had to be paused in March because of necessary COVID-19 travel restrictions, which are protecting the health of Australians, Pacific Islanders and Timorese.

The Australian Government is focused on ensuring Australian growers and other critical industries have access to the labour force they need. Filling these positions will not come at the expense of getting Australians into jobs. Approved Employers can recruit through the Pacific labour mobility programs only if they can demonstrate they cannot find suitable Australian workers.

The agricultural sector is facing unprecedented pressure on labour supply as a result of COVID-19. These new arrangements will help ensure that States and Territories can address labour market shortages affecting Australian farmers and other regional businesses.

The programmes support food production in Australia so that farm produce does not go to waste, and help ensure the agricultural sector continues to play a key role in Australia's economic recovery.

States and Territories can opt in to these arrangements. Any recruitment will be subject to States and Territories demonstrating sufficient health and quarantine system capacity.

There will be stringent health conditions in place to ensure any recruitment follows required directives and does not put at risk the health or safety of Australians and Pacific workers. Workers will comply with required quarantine periods.

The approach is being informed by a trial recruitment of Pacific workers in the Northern Territory to address labour shortages affecting mango farmers.

Pacific labour mobility will contribute to the economic recoveries of Australia, the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

Our labour mobility programs deliver direct and tangible benefits to our Pacific family, providing income, skills and valuable remittances to support the economic development of our region.

We will work with the Pacific and Timor-Leste governments who want to resume participation to ensure the schemes operate safely.

This announcement builds on the visa changes the Australian Government announced in April to enable temporary workers in Australia to continue to support critical sectors like agriculture, following the disruption of international travel due to COVID-19.

It also follows the announcement earlier this month of a trial in the Northern Territory to address labour shortages affecting mango farmers.

Industry and regions invited to connect to Inland Rail

Image Source: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/build-your-case-for-connecting-to-inland-rail-virtual-information-session-tickets-116063488017

The Australian Government is calling for ideas to improve freight transport and supply chain connections with Inland Rail, delivering easier and more efficient access to the line, encouraging the shift from road to rail and building competitiveness in our regions.

From 17 August to 18 September 2020, industry, governments and communities are invited to submit an expression of interest for the Government’s $44m Interface Improvement Program.

The program is a chance to:

• Explore freight connections to make the most of Inland Rail

• Develop ideas that improve industry and local links to the line

• Be matched with business advisors that are appointed and paid by the Government

• Explore costs and benefits to communities and regions through feasibility studies and strategic business cases

• Attract investment through developing a business case that follows best practice infrastructure investment planning processes.

The Inland Rail Interface Improvement Program is administered by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications and helps people to prepare for the new freight line.

The program uncovers and develops a range of ideas that could improve connections to Inland Rail, giving people specialist support to build their business case and attract investment. It does not fund the capital costs of implementing projects.

Industry, governments and communities can submit their expression of interest from 17 August 2020.

Take 3 steps to apply:

• Read the guidance and see examples at www.InlandRail.gov.au

• Make sure your idea supports the program principles

• Get the information you need together and submit by 18 September 2020.

JobTrainer Skills Package for economic recovery and growth

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced $1 billion to support over 340,000 new training places across the country. The fund will give the trainees access to new skills by upskilling and retraining them for sectors with increased job opportunities.

Courses will be free or low cost and will help school leavers and jobseekers access pre-apprenticeships and full qualifications creating a pathway to growth sectors. 

The Federal Government has committed $500 million in 2020-21 for the fund, contingent on a matched contribution from states and territories. 

The JobTrainer Fund has been proposed to operate from September 2020 to 30 June 2021. 

The JobTrainer Fund is expected to support around 340,700 additional training places. The exact number will depend on the type of training undertaken and in negotiation with states and territories. 

Funding will be available for nationally accredited qualifications and skillsets in sectors that are identified as 'genuine need'. These areas are based on a list agreed by the National Skills Commission. 

Both short courses and full qualifications will be covered by the fund. 

The Supporting Apprentices and Trainees measure provides a wage subsidy to help employers keep their apprentices and trainees in work. The initial program was announced in March 2020 to help continue development of skilled labour during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As part of the JobTrainer announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a further $1.5 billion will be made available to expand and extend the subsidy.

The wage subsidy is not available to apprentices and trainees who are receiving JobKeeper payments during the same period. However, where a business stops receiving JobKeeper, they will then be eligible to apply for the subsidy if they had an apprentice or trainee engaged on 1 July 2020. 

New Health Service in Wagga Wagga: Free Perinatal Mental Health Support for New Parents

Expectant and new parents experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety (PNDA) can now access GP-referred, free psychological counselling sessions at Gidget House Wagga Wagga, which officially opened at the Tresillian in Murrumbidgee Family Care Centre, 54 Yentoo Drive, Wagga Wagga, on Tuesday 21st July 2020 at 10.30am.

The new Gidget House, which offers free counselling services by appointment, and employs local psychologists, was opened by Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW, Industry & Trade, the Hon John Barilaro MP, and Minister for Mental Health, Women and Regional Youth, the Hon Bronnie Taylor MLC.

Gidget House Wagga Wagga joins its NSW regional sister-services at Tresillian family centres in Dubbo, Coffs Harbour, Taree and Queanbeyan. Other Gidget House services are located in North Sydney, Manly at Royal Far West, Merrylands at Stockland, Randwick at Karitane, North Sydney at the Mater Hospital and St Leonards at North Shore Private Hospital. The Foundation have recently launched Gidget Houses in Toowoomba at St Vincent’s Hospital (QLD) and Clayton at Jean Hailes (VIC).

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said that Gidget House is a wonderful and valuable service for local families in Wagga Wagga and surrounds.

“As a father of three daughters, I know first-hand how important it is to have access to a place like Gidget House for new parents and young families,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Everyone’s parenting journey is different, but it is critical that young mums and dads have access to help when they need it. That is why the NSW Government has backed Gidget Foundation Australia with significant funding and I want to thank and congratulate the Foundation on the amazing work they do,” he said.

Minister for Mental Health & Women, the Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC, said there can be no doubt that babies are a blessing, but when a baby arrives it can also be one of the most challenging times in a mother’s life.

“Sometimes we can forget that it can be a stressful, lonely and overwhelming time caring for a newborn. I acknowledge the wonderful staff from the Gidget centres; they are passionate about helping families in their hour of need and I’m proud to be part of a government that supports Gidget Foundation Australia,” she said.

Pregnancy brings joy along with challenges. Gidget Foundation Australia and Tresillian recognise the importance of emotional wellbeing for new parents, and the need to provide them with support and services.

Robert Mills, CEO of Tresillian, said “This program perfectly complements the work of our specialist staff at the Tresillian in Murrumbidgee Family Care Centre. The service, which operates through a partnership with Murrumbidgee Local Health District, assists parents with their baby or toddler when experiencing early parenting difficulties such as an unsettled baby, breastfeeding, toddler behaviour challenges and feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. The presence of a Gidget psychologist will deliver practical help and support to parents living in the Wagga Wagga community and its surrounds and, as a free service, will be available to all families, regardless of income.

ABC Landline: Timber Trouble

Timber Trouble: Race to salvage trees killed in bushfire

ABC Landline has released a program covering the impacts of bushfires in our Snowy Valleys communities.

The program features interviews with timber industry representatives, forestry workers and community members who have all been affected by the intense bushfires experienced in Summer 2019/2020.

NSW Business Conditions Survey

Will your business be ready when JobKeeper and other measures end? 

Business NSW is inviting all businesses across NSW to take part in this quarter’s Business Conditions Survey.

In just a few minutes you can help them better understand your current work environment and what is needed to make it easier for you to do business.

Business NSW will use your feedback to let key decision makers know the best ways they can support you and other businesses in NSW. 

Survey closes 5:00 pm AEST. Thursday, 16 July 2020

Agritech Incubator - Ready to Launch! Applications now open

Do you have a spark of an idea for an exciting new business or side hustle venture?

Not sure where to start or how to figure out if your idea is a go-er?

Strap in and prepare to explore the final frontiers of your idea and your potential as an entrepreneur.

Applications are now OPEN for the Charles Sturt University Ready To Launch online incubator program! A journey that will explore:

• Your Minimum Viable Product (MVP)

• How to apply lean startup principles

• Connections to proceed your business idea

• Testing to see if your idea has a market

• Create a business plan using a business model canvas.

Join the region’s most experienced entrepreneurs and become part of the dynamic startup network.

🚀Applications are now open! Places on this program are limited so get in quick.

🚀Launch date: Monday 17th August 2020

🚀Info here: https://bit.ly/2NJaxir
🚀Apply here: https://bit.ly/2VhSwMh

Building a drought resilient Australia

Regional Australia is set to benefit today as the Australian Government announced funding for nation-wide drought resilience.

The government has invested $3.9 billion, which will grow to $5 billion, in the Future Drought Fund (the Fund).

• $3.9 billion (growing to $5 billion) investment in the Future Drought Fund

• $100 million will be available annually for drought resilience projects

• Programs will start to roll out from July 2020 

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management, David Littleproud, said this long-term, sustainable investment will make $100 million available each year to help our farmers and communities become more prepared for, and resilient to, the impacts of drought. 

“Drought is an enduring feature of the Australian landscape. It has economic, environmental and social impacts on our farmers, communities and landscape,” 
Minister Littleproud said. 

“I’m excited to announce the Future Drought Fund’s programs are starting to roll out from July 2020. 

“These programs will give farmers and communities the tools they need to prepare for, manage and sustain their livelihoods during droughts.

“The programs have been developed based on expert advice from the independent Consultative Committee, led by Mr Brent Finlay, a fourth generation farmer, as well as valuable input from communities and industry during last year’s national public consultation tour on the Drought Resilience Funding Plan.

“The programs will help farmers to build resilience and prepare for future droughts.”

“We are funding farm business planning, greater access to information for decision-making, adoption of research and technologies, and building the drought resilience of natural resources such as soil and vegetation in agricultural landscapes.

“Communities will also benefit through improved regional planning, strengthening networks, leadership and community capabilities and small-scale infrastructure projects. 

“This is the first suite of programs to be delivered under this initiative initially for one year. We will continue to monitor and adapt programs to make sure they are building resilience and delivering for farmers and the community.  

“I expect to make a further announcement on the allocation of the remaining funds after the roll out of these initial programs”. 

The Future Drought Fund is an important part of the Government’s Drought Response, Resilience and Preparedness Plan to deliver the support Australian farmers and communities need to be sustainable and productive.

Further details on each program will be available as implementation arrangements are finalised at http://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund

The eight programs, totalling $89.5 million, are:

The $20m Farm Business Resilience program will provide farm businesses with training to strengthen their strategic business management skills and develop a farm business plan to build risk management capacity and drought resilience.

The $10m Climate Services for Agriculture program will fund the development and delivery of interactive digital ‘climate information services’ for the agriculture sector to assist farmers to make real-time decisions.  

The $3m Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool will provide an online self-assessment tool for farmers to self-identify drought risks based on a range of social, economic and environmental indicators, and take action to build the drought resilience of their farm business. 

The $20.3m Drought Resilience Research and Adoption program will establish two regionally located Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs, and Innovation Grants will become available to research organisations, private sector, industry, not-for-profit organisations and community groups.

The $15m Natural Resource Management (NRM) Drought Resilience program will fund regional NRM bodies to undertake projects to build drought resilience of natural resources on agricultural landscapes, and there will also be grants available to organisations, farmer groups and individuals to undertake NRM projects to build the drought resilience of natural resources on small scales. 

The $3.75m Networks for Building Drought Resilience program will support community-driven projects that enhance drought resilience and strengthen networks, including small-scale infrastructure projects to make community facilities drought resilient. 

The $7.45m Drought Resilience Leaders program will develop leadership capability in communities and include a mentoring component to foster uptake of innovative practices to build drought resilience of farmers and their businesses.

The $10m Regional Drought Resilience Planning will provide funding to consortia of local councils or equivalent entities to develop Regional Drought Resilience Plans for agriculture and allied industries. 

Environmental Approval granted for Snowy Hydro 2.0

Australia’s largest ever renewable energy project, Snowy 2.0, has been given environmental approval by the Commonwealth government.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that Commonwealth environmental approval for the project has been granted after a “rigorous environmental process”.

”This marks the final step in the planning and approvals phase and the beginning of a new wave of jobs and investment for the region, which will guarantee clean, affordable energy and position our country for the future,” the Prime Minister said.

”Just as the original Snowy Hydro project brought jobs and prosperity to Australia after the Second World War, Snowy 2.0 will help Australia grow its way out of the economic challenges from the coronavirus.

“Already Snowy 2.0 is creating a jobs boom, with over 100 local businesses benefiting from the Government’s investment to date, with much more local investment to come.”

Over the life of the project Snowy 2.0 is expected to create 4,000 direct jobs, as well as many more indirect jobs as flow-on benefits are realised by local businesses and the broader region.

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said the rigorous environmental assessment underlined the importance of the bilateral assessment with NSW.

“Not only has the approval paved the way for critical infrastructure that will help the environment, it has ensured vital funding for protecting the area’s biodiversity,” Minister Ley said.

“The final Commonwealth review resulted in additional conditions around heritage, public transparency on data used to underpin mitigation strategies and the protection of native fish species.

“The approval process ensures the development is built and operated in a way that sensitively avoids, mitigates and rehabilitates environmental impacts while protecting the environment and its rich biodiversity as we move to a clean energy future.”

As part of the approval, Snowy Hydro will invest almost $100 million in biodiversity and environmental enhancements, including establishing an offset fund of up to $73.8m through the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to protect threatened species and deliver long-term conservation outcomes.

Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said Snowy Hydro 2.0 is a vital project for the National Electricity Market.

“Snowy 2.0 will provide an additional 2,000 megawatts of fast-start, dispatchable energy and provide 350,000 megawatt hours of large-scale storage, enough to power the equivalent of 500,000 homes for over a week during peak demand,” Minister Taylor said.

“It will reduce volatility in the market, support reliability and bring down power prices for Australian families and businesses.

“Snowy 2.0 is a key part of the Government’s agenda to deliver affordable, reliable power and ensure Australians get a fair deal on energy.”

More information about Snowy 2.0 is online at snowyhydro.com.au/our-scheme/snowy20.