RDA Riverina Committee Chair Position Available

We are seeking a highly-motivated leader with vision, drive and passion for regional development to volunteer to Chair our Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina committee.

The successful candidate must possess strong advocacy skills and be capable of leading the committee, setting the strategic direction and achieving outcomes. The appointment term is 4.5 years, in a hands-on role suited to local community and business leaders with expertise and a desire to generate economic opportunities in their region.

We believe that the stronger our RDA committee is, the stronger our communities become. So don’t miss your chance help support, inform and deliver on life-changing regional initiatives. Learn more or apply directly at rda.gov.au.

Women, people from Indigenous and diverse cultural backgrounds and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications close 23 November 2020.

Please spread the word and share our posts on social media. View the posts on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.

Apply here https://www.rda.gov.au/join-your-rda

Choose a safe place to beat the heat

As summer approaches rural communities in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area are being reminded to choose a safe place to beat the heat, and not to take the risk of swimming in irrigation channels.

Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) Chief Executive Officer, Brett Jones, said with most major channels across the MIA now automated, regulator gates are controlled remotely meaning flows and conditions can change quickly.

“Regulator gates can open without notice and create a trap, while siphons and pipes can create powerful suction or a water surge,” Mr Jones said.

“Also, channel lining projects over the past few years at Warburn, Lake View and Northern Branch Canals, including fencing, have significantly changed channel conditions in these areas.

“The new High-density polyethylene lined channels are very slippery compared to the old earthen or concrete sections.”

A Warburn channel, which was recently lined with High-density polyethylene

If you are fishing in channels please fish from a safe location. This includes staying away from roads, keeping out of the water and well clear of the edge.

Mr Jones also urged residents to take particular care of children around water hazards.

“Swimming or playing in irrigation channels is discouraged for good reasons,” he said.

"They may appear to be a tempting place to cool off on a hot day but it's simply not worth the risk.”

"There are many hidden dangers that make irrigation channels a treacherous place to swim including strong undercurrents, varying channel depths, snakes and submerged objects.”

MIA residents are advised to make use of safer alternatives for swimming such as local public pools and to make sure that children are taught early how to swim. Public pools provide qualified staff members that are on hand to supervise swimmers.

“Australians love the outdoors and swimming but accidents can and do occur,” Mr Jones said.

“No matter how experienced a swimmer you are, always be alert around water.”

The following general swimming precautions could help save a life: don’t swim in irrigation channels; avoid fast flowing water; beware of submerged objects; don’t dive into water of unknown depth; know where young children are and never leave them unattended around water; and never swim alone.

Regional Australia Institute launches Regional Activators Alliance

RAI announces new body to help drive National Awareness Campaign

The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) has officially launched the Regional Activators Alliance (RAA) – a new body designed to help create its National Awareness Campaign aimed at driving population to the regions.

RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the day marked a significant milestone in the Campaign to promote the opportunities to live, work and invest in Regional Australia.

“This Campaign is a once in a lifetime impact project that the RAI is incredibility honoured to be developing. Promoting Regional Australia is a shared responsibility, and RAA members will be at the forefront of this powerful national movement to change the narrative,” Ms Ritchie said.

“Today, I am delighted to welcome RAA members to the table, I know that their passion, insights and knowledge will be invaluable and they will help to amplify the Campaign reach. In addition, they will also provide a direct connection to driving local campaigns in the regions - this is vital,” Liz Ritchie said.

The latest September job vacancy figures show a new record of more than 50,000 roles currently advertised in Regional Australia. The regional parts of some States have seen a 25 percent increase on this time last year, which was prior to COVID. This is in stark contrast with our mainland capitals which have reported a 27 percent decrease.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack officially launched the Regional Activators Alliance via Zoom on Wednesday 28th October 2020.

“I have always said regional Australia is big enough in which to get a good cup of coffee, but small enough to care – and now is the time to make the move,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“There are jobs, there is a better lifestyle and there is the opportunity to build a fresh start – Regional Australia is the best place to live, work and raise a family,” the Deputy Prime Minister concluded.

RAA is made up of 36 representative organisations from across the country. These include local Councils, Regional Development Australia regions (RDAs), economic development groups and industry representatives.

“Regions need people to fill jobs, grow businesses, and invest in their communities. We know the COVID experience has changed the notion of how we work and this presents an incredible opportunity for us,” Ms Ritchie said.

The RAI is analysing population movement from our capital cities to the regions - a trend that has already been set over a decade as outlined in our Big Movers Report released earlier this year.

“We are seeing that many areas are reporting significant drops in regional rental vacancies figures, with some going below 1%,” Ms Ritchie said.

“Interest in Regional Australia is certainly significant at the moment and with the help of RAA, we will create a strong brand campaign to elevate the regions even further, “Liz Ritchie said.

The RAI has announced that communications agency Redhanded has been selected to help develop the Campaign. It will gauge the sentiment of metropolitan Australians through qualitative research and will focus on the development, implementation, and evaluation of an integrated marketing communications campaign.

“The project has been backed by the Federal Government, with funding allocated in the 2020 Budget. We thank the Federal Government for supporting our vision,” Liz Ritchie said.

The National Awareness Campaign also has the support of the Regional Australia Council 2031 (RAC2031). All aspects of the project will focus on RAI evidence-based research relating to four key pillars: Jobs, Population, Liveability and Leadership.

“Regional Australia is ready to grow, and RAA will play a critical role in this transformation,” Liz Ritchie concluded.

The National Awareness Campaign will be launched in early 2021.

Regional Activators Alliance Members

 Advance Cairns

 AgKnowledge Services Australia

 BDO

 Central NSW Joint Organisation

 City of Ballarat

 Committee for Greater Shepparton

 Cradle Coast Authority

 Findex

 Glen Innes Severn Council

 Greater Hume Council

 Greater Whitsunday Alliance

 Gunnedah Shire Council

 Heritage Bank

 Hughes et al

 Kardia HR

 Mid-Western Regional Council

 Moree Plains Shire Council

 Multicultural Australia

 RDA Goldfields Esperance

 RDA Limestone Coast

 RDA Orana

 RDA Riverina

 RDA Southern Inland

 RDA Wheatbelt

 Regional Investment Corporation

 Rockhampton Regional Council

 Singleton Council

 Southern Grampians Shire Council

 Spencer Gulf Cities

 Tatiara Shire Council

 Temora Shire Council

 The Bridge hub

 Townsville Enterprise Limited

 TSBA

 Western Downs Regional Council

 Wimmera Development Association

2020 Premier's NSW Export Awards - Share your story of resilience

Businesses across the state will have a chance to boost their company profile and demonstrate their resilience in the face of adversity with submissions now open for the 2020 Premier’s NSW Export Awards.

This year, the awards will celebrate the resilience of businesses who have survived and thrived on the global marketplace despite the impact of COVID-19.

NSW Treasury’s Executive Director, Trade Kylie Bell urged eligible businesses to submit their export stories before submissions close on Sunday, 25 October 2020.

“NSW is home to some of the most adaptive and successful exporting businesses in the world. These awards will recognise how these businesses have been able to respond in such challenging times and stay connected with international buyers, maintaining and in some cases creating jobs and helping the entire economy recover from COVID-19,” Ms Bell said.

“Helping businesses succeed in the global marketplace is a cornerstone of the Government’s strategy for recovery and it is more important than ever to celebrate businesses – big or small – who have persevered or pivoted into export markets.”

Export Council of Australia Chair Dianne Tipping said 2020 had been a challenging but interesting year for Australian businesses.

“We wanted to partner with the NSW Government to encourage businesses to share their story of resilience through existing exports or breaking into export markets for the first time,” Ms Tipping said.

“These awards are about showcasing the remarkable resilience, ingenuity and courage shown across the NSW exporting community.

“These stories will encourage others to continue in their efforts to ensure that we can continue on the road to recovery through trade.”

Selected businesses will be featured on the Global NSW website and the Australian Export & Investment Awards website and will be shared and promoted nationally.

To tell the story of your business or a business you know, visit: https://www.exportawards.gov.au/.

Harvest Trail | Relocation Assistance to Take up a Job

Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job (RATTUAJ) is an Australian Government program that assists eligible participants to relocate to take up an offer of employment. Relocation assistance helps participants accept work outside of their area by removing the financial barriers that can prevent people relocating.

From 1 December 2020, all job seekers participating in employment service programs will be immediately eligible for the Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job program.

From 1 November 2020, relocation assistance will be available to people who relocate to harvest and regional areas to take up short-term agricultural work, including Australians who are not receiving income support and those with the right to work in Australia.

Relocation Assistance to Take Up a Job (RATTUAJ) provides financial assistance to long-term unemployed job seekers and other designated Participants to relocate to take up ongoing, full time work, and can help Employers attract staff outside their local area. RATTUAJ can provide up to $9000 (GST exclusive) to assist the Participant with moving.

Scholarships to upskill event managers in Regional NSW

The NSW Government will fund 12 Diploma of Event Management scholarships to help upskill and create more job opportunities for those living in regional communities across the state.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the initiative is part of the NSW Government’s $6 million Regional Conferencing Strategy and Action Plan, which includes a partnership with Meetings & Events Australia (MEA).

“The business events sector presents a major opportunity for the visitor economy of regional NSW, particularly as we steer our path to recovery,” Mr Ayres said.

“We know that the best way forward is to help to create more jobs and these scholarships will do exactly that - giving people the tools and extra support needed to kick-start their careers in the field of event management.

“I congratulate the 12 scholarship recipients who are already making valuable contributions to their local communities and wish them every success as they begin their diploma studies and continue their journeys in the events sector.”

MEA Chief Executive Officer Robyn Johnson said she was looking forward to welcoming the third intake of regional students at a time when creating skills is key to enhancing career opportunities.

“In the past year, we have seen a number of former scholarship students graduate with their MEA Diploma of Event Management with the skills gained from undertaking the course adding great value to their regions, which is a testament to this wonderful program,” Ms Johnson said.

The 12 recipients were selected by a panel, which included representatives from the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW, MEA and the six Destination Networks.

The MEA scholarship program recipients are:

1. Aaron Bykerk – Albury

2. James Rodgers – Branxton

3. Joe Ann Williams – Nelson Bay

4. Jumana Schriefer – Coffee Camp

5. Kelly Brown – Burrill Lake

6. Kersti Martin – Thirlmere

7. Leesa Peck – Moonbi

8. Magdalena Mager – Casino

9. Miriam Hewson – Adelong

10. Sara Wightman – Queanbeyan

11. Shannan Botten – Broken Hill

12. Stevie Smith – Cobargo

RDA Riverina would particularly like to congratulate the Riverina Murray region recipients Miriam Hewson of Adelong and Aaron Bykerk of Albury.

Survey | Women from culturally diverse backgrounds: Understanding your interest in being a leader in sport

There is a large underrepresentation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) women in leadership positions across multiple sectors. To increase organisational performance, social responsibility, membership and gender equality in the sport sector, there is a need to increase the number of CALD women as leaders. 

Sports leadership roles exist in all levels of sport, from small community clubs to large international organisations. To help create diverse and inclusive workplaces in sport, there is a need to understand what prevents or encourages women from culturally diverse backgrounds to be a leader.

This survey focuses on women from diverse backgrounds who:

• Want to become sport leaders

• Are current sport leaders

• Are not interested in becoming leaders in sport

Does this sound like you? If it does, your input is encouraged and will be combined with hundreds of others. Findings will be transferred into strategies to assist sport organisations become more inclusive.

Applications open now - EDA seeking Economic Development Trainers

• Are you an experienced and professional trainer, passionate about economic development?

• Are you a skilled economic development practitioner, wishing to share your experience and expertise to build capacity within the profession?

Economic Development Australia (EDA) is seeking trainers to deliver the EDA National Economic Development Education and Training Program in cities and regions across Australia.
 
Consisting of core and elective modules, this training provides knowledge, skills and insight, using practical case studies, a global perspective and adaptable tools to help economic development professionals build strong and resilient local economies.
 
The EDA National Education and Training Program features two streams:

1. EDA Economic Development Professional Accreditation Stream 
   (registrations open now)

2. EDA Economic Development Elected Official and Community Leader Stream 
   (registrations open soon)

The first course, to be delivered via live video from October 2020 is already fully booked and registrations for the February 2021 course are filling fast. As COVID-19 restrictions ease, EDA will commence face to face delivery of the training program in each state. Therefore, EDA is now seeking expressions of interest from suitably qualified professionals to deliver the EDA National Education and Training Program.
 
Successful candidates will be invited to attend the ‘EDA Train the Trainer’ Workshop on Tuesday December 1, 2020. Candidates successfully completing the workshop will then be registered by EDA as a Training Expert and engaged as a contractor to deliver EDA Training Modules, as required.

Local Land Services helping people who are new to rural living

As more and more city people consider moving to regional areas prompted by COVID 19 circumstances, many are considering buying a rural property and escaping to the country. 

For many of us, the idea of ‘getting away from it all’ and becoming a part of a rural community is a lifelong dream. 

Acreage can be rewarding but people need to have the skills and knowledge to look after their land and animals properly, so the great Aussie dream does not turn into a nightmare. 

Local Land Services has responded to this need by releasing a toolkit of new and updated resources to help people successfully make the shift to country life. 

The new resources include the 2020 update of the Rural Living Handbook which is a starter guide to getting the most out of a rural property.

It covers a range of topics as diverse as emergencies, rural crime, owning livestock, farm safety, developing a property and what each landholder’s General Biosecurity Duty is. 

The handbook includes a ‘Before you buy’ checklist that lists the sort of questions a prospective rural property owner should ask prior to purchase, to avoid potential problems. 

The handbook is not designed to include everything a new or prospective rural resident may want to know but is intended to be a springboard for further personal research. 

Each section includes lists of useful resources and websites as well as contact details for organisations that provide support to rural landholders.  

“The landholders we help are pretty diverse, from large-scale primary producers to people who have a lifestyle block or hobby farm,” said Peter Evans, Senior Land Services Officer at Local Land Services. 

“We tailor our help to what they need with the end goal of making sure our farms and environments are productive and healthy.” 

“We understand it is not always easy to know what to do or the right people or organisations to go to for help, if you have never lived in a rural area before.” 

The Rural Living Handbook is the most up to date version of a guide that was originally compiled nearly 20 years ago for councils throughout Sydney’s drinking water catchment. 

It was largely based on the work of Jack Miller, a Landscape Planner at Goulburn Mulwaree Council who said he is pleased the handbook is just as relevant today as in 2004. 

“Back then, we saw a need for some basic information for people who were moving into our local government area who did not know much about rural life,” he said. 

“Over the years this publication has been reproduced in a number of formats in NSW and interstate and I am really pleased to see Local Land Services release this updated edition.” 

The Rural Living Handbook is available to read or download online at www.lls.nsw.gov.au/rural-living-handbook  and in printed form from selected Local Land Services regional offices.

A range of digital resources for new rural landholders or those on acreage can be found by searching the Local Land Services website www.lls.nsw.gov.au

There is the online information hub called ‘Every Bit Counts’ specifically aimed at ‘blockies’ and small area farmers and the Big Shift for Small Farms podcast which is designed to equip and connect small farmers with topics like ‘Startup farming’ and ‘Urban farming’. 

Any NSW rural landholder wanting advice, assistance or to attend training such as webinars can call Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 or enquire at www.lls.nsw.gov.au/contact-us 

CASE STUDIES

Susie Crowe is one landholder who has been helped by Local Land Services and the Rural Living Handbook. 

She says she referred to the handbook a lot in the early days after she and her husband Greg bought a 134-hectare property at Wallerawang, west of Lithgow four years ago. 

They wanted the farm to pay for itself, but it was overrun with blackberries and they knew very little about how to achieve that goal. 

“We were consciously incompetent; we knew we didn’t know anything,” said Mrs Crowe. 

“When you’re starting out, you need to surround yourself with people you can trust, and Local Land Services provided such a diverse range of expertise.” 

David King also thanks Local Land Services for helping them gain farming confidence when they bought 33 hectares at Berry in the state’s south east. 

David says when he and his wife Kim moved from Sydney five years ago it was their first venture into farming and they had lots of problems at first and it has been a steep learning curve. 

“Local Land Services has been an enormous help, connecting us with training and advice to establish our beef, poultry and apiary enterprise,” Mr King said. 

“We attended as many courses, workshops and training sessions as we could on a range of topics including pest animals, agronomy, beekeeping, weeds, sheep and cattle handling and grazing management. 

“Without Local Land Services there’s no way we would be in the position we are now – we would have spent more money and made more mistakes. Their help has been invaluable.” 

Launch of new digital hub to support Australian small business owners

Everymind is pleased to announce the launch of the new Ahead for Business digital hub which supports small businesses to be mentally healthy.

Funded by the Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, the hub has been has been developed with and for small business, providing tailored resources, peer support, check-ups and personalised action plans and showcases their experiences through podcasts, videos, blogs and case studies.

Everymind Acting Director Associate Professor Carmel Loughland said as Australia’s largest employment sector, small businesses are a critical setting for a focus on mental health and wellbeing.

“We know that more than 4 million people experience mental ill-health each year and almost half of the population has experienced a mental illness at some point in their life,” Associate Professor Loughland said.

“Research has shown that small business owners have an increased risk of mental ill-health due to the unique range of stressors they face; such as long working hours, feeling obliged to work when sick, multiple responsibilities, and financial stress.”

The new Ahead for Business digital hub is part of a national strategy designed to support small business owners in every setting and features a set of new features including:

• Interactive toolkits: Designed with small business owners and policy makers in mind, these toolkits provide practical guidance on how to support small business owners and how small business owners can make the most of their existing networks.

• Adverse events spotlight: A centralised hub of support, information and resources for small business owners and those who support them to assist in navigating adverse events like COVID-19, drought and bushfires.

• Voices and stories from small business owners: A blog space featuring the voices and stories from small business owners across multiple settings and industries.

• Personalised dashboard: A secure, private portal where small business owners can save resources, results and information and track their progress over time.

• Connect and chat online: Access an anonymous, peer-focused online forum featuring topics and issues that matter to small business owners.

• Directory of support: A section which connects to service providers and organisations who provide mental health, business and industry support for small business owners.

• Identify your stressors: Access a range of digital tools and plans to identify personal stress points and understand current mental health and wellbeing status, including personalised resources.

• Tailored multimedia resources: A series of podcasts, videos and case studies designed to empower small business owners, and those who support them, to take action on their mental health and wellbeing.

Safe places for women and children escaping violence

About 700 new safe places for women and children escaping domestic violence will be built across the country under the Government’s $60 million Safe Places initiative for new and expanded emergency accommodation.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston and Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services Luke Howarth announced 40 projects would be funded, supporting about 6000 women and children each year.

Projects include building new two and three bedroom homes, transforming office buildings into self-contained apartments and establishing small group homes.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said this was an important investment to improve access to suitable accommodation for women and their children.

“The first priority of the Morrison Government is to keep Australians safe and secure but, sadly, we know that home is not safe for many women and children,” Minister Ruston said.

“When women make the decision to leave it is vital that they have somewhere safe to go. This increase in emergency accommodation will support thousands of women and children as they rebuild their lives free of violence.”

Assistant Minister for Community Housing, Homelessness and Community Services Luke Howarth said, tragically, family and domestic violence was a leading cause of homelessness for women and children.

“These new places will not only ensure women and children have somewhere safe to sleep but will also provide access to specialist family and domestic violence services to help create real and lasting change in their lives,” Assistant Minister Howarth said.

“Importantly about half of these places will be remote and regional communities supporting those who have had limited safe housing options.

“The Government also favoured projects which provide longer term, self-contained emergency accommodation which will give women and their children increased stability.”

The $60 million Safe Places Emergency Accommodation program is part of the $78 million funding package which includes $18 million to continue the Keeping Women Safe in their Homes initiative.

This funding forms part of the $340 million Australian Government investment in the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children 2010–2022 which is provided in addition to our $150 million COVID-19 response package.

For more information on the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation grants, visit the Community Grants Hub.

South West Slopes Forestry Hub Community Survey

RDA Riverina is pleased to be a member of the South West Slopes Forestry Hub (the Hub).

The Hub was established to identify the constraints and impediments confronting the softwood industry in this region and potential opportunities to address those issues. It is part of the Australian government’s National Forest Industries Plan (a billion trees for jobs and growth program).  

The Hub is one of nine regional centres that will each receive $1million over three years to assist with expanding their local industries. The role of the Hub is to undertake the research and studies needed to identify industry constraints and recommend solutions to enable the expansion.

A key element of this is community engagement. Hearing the views of local people will help the Hub to understand the interests of the communities and increase awareness of the industry, the facts about softwood plantations and the sector’s contribution to jobs and community wellbeing.

The Hub has developed a strategic plan that will assist with planning the softwood industry’s future after the fires and through to 2050.

It is now developing a communication strategy and invites you to complete this short survey. Please tell us what you know and would like to know about the industry in your region and how you like to receive communication about these plans.

The survey closes on 18 October.

$2 billion to extend a range of COVID-19 health measures

On 18th September 2020, the Prime Minister and the Minister for Health announced that millions of Australians will continue to receive medical care and support in their own homes with more than $2 billion to extend a range of COVID-19 health measures for a further six months, to 31 March 2021.

Medicare-subsidised telehealth and pathology services, GP-led respiratory clinics, home medicines delivery, public and private hospital services will all be extended, as well as further investments in PPE.

Patients will continue to have access to Medicare-subsidised telehealth for general practitioner, nursing, midwifery, allied health and allied mental health services, where and when they need them.

Telehealth is also being extended for essential specialist services, such as consultant physician, geriatrician, and neurosurgery services. Bulk billing will continue to be available and regular billing practices will apply to all of these services.

Medicare-subsidised pathology and testing at the point of care will continue in 86 rural and remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. This enables early identification of cases and rapid response if COVID-19 is detected in these highly vulnerable communities.

Government support for the next generation of energy technologies

The Australian Government is supporting the next generation of energy technologies with an extra $1.62 billion for the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to invest, as well as expanding the focus of ARENA and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to back new technologies that will cut emissions in agriculture, manufacturing, industry, and transport.

The Government will provide ARENA with guaranteed baseline funding of $1.43 billion over 10 years. ARENA’s baseline funding will be supplemented in two ways:

1. Together with the Clean Energy Regulator, ARENA will be approved to deploy a portion of the $2 billion Climate Solutions Fund; and

2. ARENA will also become a clean technology grants hub for future initiatives, with a new $193.4 million provided to deploy targeted programs.

The Boards of ARENA and CEFC will continue to be accountable for individual investment decisions. The Government will introduce new legislation so both agencies can support new and emerging low emissions technologies (including zero and negative emissions technologies). That ensures they will be able to support critical technologies such as soil‑carbon sequestration, carbon capture and storage, production of green-steel, and industrial processes to reduce energy consumption.

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.