New South Wales based craft maltsters ‘Voyager Craft Malt’ awarded world’s best Pale Ale Malt

Stu Whytcross and Brad Woolner of Voyager Craft Malt

Riverina based Voyager Craft Malt - who grow, source, and process the essential ingredient in beer and whisky-malt - have been announced as Malt Cup winners in the Pale Ale category for 2022 in Bozeman Montana, USA February 18th thanks to the Craft Maltsters Guild.

This is the first time that the Gold Award has been awarded to a maltster outside of the USA and represents a significant achievement for the small Whitton-based maltsters.

The competition saw 58 entries from malthouses around the world compete through a rigorous analysis process over several months, where their malts were judged through a combination of lab and sensory panel evaluations.

“We’re absolutely stoked to have taken out this award with our Organic Veloria Pale Ale malt. We know the high quality of malts we were up against, particularly from the USA, so to have made it through to the final rounds is an honor in itself; so to win it gives us tremendous satisfaction.” -Voyager Co-Founder Stu Whytcross said.

“We get a great sense of pride and enjoyment when beers or spirits that contain our malts win awards, but the Malt Cup is awarded on the quality of the malt alone, so it gives us, and our growers a great sense of achievement to take out the Gold.”

“I’d like to think that it also serves as great recognition for the many brewers and distillers around Australia that have chosen to use this malt to produce quality beers and spirits.”

Co-founder Stu Whytcross says the quality of the barley used is a major factor in malt quality, and to celebrate this achievement alongside their growers has been something quite special.

“Making great malt, starts with amazing barley. The Riverina has such a great climate for producing quality barley year in year out.”

Another factor that makes this win fulfilling for Voyager is that the particular parcel of Schooner barley that took the title, was grown on the regenerative farm of Chris and Samantha Greenwood in the small Riverina town of Coleambally.

“It makes the award that little bit more satisfying and reinforces our commitment to move towards sourcing all our grain from regenerative agricultural practices.” Whytcross said.

Visitors to the Whitton Malt House – award winning tourism facility and restaurant situated along side Voyager’s processing facility - can try a vast selection of craft beers and whiskies that have been made with this gold medal winning malt.

For more information please contact Voyager Craft Malt Co-Founder, Stu Whytcross 0427683272 sales@voyagercraftmalt.com.au or Whitton Malt House Manager, Diana Williams 0438 777 078

2021 Regional Telecommunications Review released

The 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review: A step change in demand is now available.

The Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee has completed its Regional Telecommunications Review into the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia and the report was tabled in the Australian Parliament on 14 February 2022.

The Committee held 24 virtual public consultations, targeting regions across Australia, and received over 650 written submissions from members of the public, community organisations, businesses, and local, state and territory governments.

The report, 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review: A step change in demand is available here.

Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships (RRES) - Round 6

Image Source: https://www.qtac.edu.au/rres-program/

The Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships (RRES) program is now open, helping Australians in regional and remote areas to access higher education

It supports people studying from Certificate IV through to PhD level with grants up to $18,000 each.

The Rural and Regional Enterprise Scholarships program was announced in 2016 and has provided scholarship funding to more than 4,000 students.

 Applications for Round 6 of the RRES Program are now open for students:

• commencing a new course of study in 2022

• studying on campus, online or via distance education

• studying from six months full-time up to eight years part-time.

Eligible students may receive up to $18,000 each (e.g. for a full-time, four-year qualification). Shorter, part-time qualifications are paid on a pro-rata basis. An extra $500 is also available to support an internship.

CWA Sconversations | Join Us For A Sconversation On Rural Mental Health

CWA Uranquinty Evening is hosting a Sconversation on Rural Mental Health on Friday 18 February 2022 at the CSU Riverina Playhouse in Wagga Wagga. 

A Q&A-style forum with an expert panel, Sconversation, aims to generate conversation and build a community of support and action around mental health – one of the most important issues affecting our regional and rural communities. Excitingly, it will also be delivered on an interactive livestream platform to allow the conversation to reach into rural and remote communities throughout Australia.

The event is being supported by Charles Sturt University, Riverina Bluebell, Wagga Wagga City Council, Regional Development Australia - Riverina and Women in Business Wagga Wagga All proceeds will be donated to Rural Outreach Counselling and Wagga Wagga Women's Health Centre. 

The Sconversation panel includes:

• The Hon. Bronnie Taylor MLC
  Minister for Women, Regional Health and Mental Health

• Danica Leys
  CEO, CWA of NSW

• Derek Schoen
  Director, Beyond Blue

• Leanne Sanders
  CEO, Visual Dreaming

• Jenivy Sewak
  Community Health Promotion Officer, ACON

Transgrid - Energy Connect Project Update

EnergyConnect is an energy infrastructure project that will lower power bills for homes and businesses and create 1500 jobs, primarily across regional NSW.

The project is a key element of the Australian Energy Market Operator's Integrated System Plan. As a result, the NSW Government has declared it Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI).

EnergyConnect includes a new 900km electricity transmission line, known as an interconnector, that will connect power grids across three Australian states, driving competition in the wholesale electricity market.

The interconnector is being built between Wagga Wagga in New South Wales and Robertstown in South Australia, with a connection to Red Cliffs in Victoria.

Transgrid is partnering with ElectraNet to deliver EnergyConnect, with Transgrid building the NSW section.

Project benefits

• Lower bills: NSW households will save $180 million a year on power bills.

• New jobs and opportunities: EnergyConnect will create 1500 new jobs and opportunities for a wide range of businesses.

• Economic growth: The project will generate $4 billion in economic benefit - much of it in regional NSW.

• A cleaner future: EnergyConnect will help connect more solar and wind generation to help reduce carbon emissions.

Why is the project needed?

The Australian energy landscape is transitioning to a greater mix of low-emission renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar.

Several factors are driving this transition, including:

• access to new generation sources as coal-fired plants close

• government commitments to reduce carbon emissions

• the potential for renewable generation to lower energy prices

• demand for a more reliable energy supply.

At the same time, consumers are demanding lower power bills and more secure and reliable service.

EnergyConnect will deliver the infrastructure required to support this evolution by connecting the energy grids of NSW, SA and Victoria. These connections will expand the wholesale electricity market across the three states, meaning increased reliability and security of electricity supply and lower power bills.

Operating at total capacity, EnergyConnect will be capable of supplying 8.5 per cent of the total average maximum daily demand in NSW.

Latest update 

NSW Eastern-Section

Transgrid have lodged an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the NSW-Eastern Section of EnergyConnect with the NSW Department of Planning and Environment (DPE).

DPE has placed the EIS on public exhibition until 15 February 2022.  

To support the exhibition, Transgrid will be hosting community information sessions along the Eastern Section, from 31 January to 11 February 2022.

In addition, they have developed an interactive EIS map and a community guide to support community engagement.

We encourage you to have your say by making a submission to DPE.

Calling composers living in regional Australia | Applications open for opportunity to develop your career as a screen composer

Screenworks’ annual Screen Composing Bootcamp is designed to support the professional development of two regionally-based composers. The program is open to composers from anywhere in regional Australia. The program is delivered by Screenworks with support from APRA AMCOS and the Australian Guild of Screen Composers.

Award winning professional Screen Composer Leah Curtis (Killing Ground, Exitus Roma) and an additional mentor, to be announced, will provide one-on-one mentoring to the two selected participants. The mentors will assist with skills development, as well as provide opportunities to increase the experience and confidence of the participants in order to advance their capacity for composing music for the screen. At the completion of the program, each participant will receive $1500 to aid them in advancing their screen composing careers. 

“Each year, the Screen Composing Bootcamp provides an extraordinary opportunity for two emerging regional musicians to connect with professional composers so that they are able to develop skills and find ways to build their screen composing careers while living regionally”, explains Screenworks CEO, Ken Crouch. 

“As with all of our programs, we know that this program gives regional people opportunities that they wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to help advance their careers”.

For more info and to apply, visit www.screenworks.com.au

NSW Growing Regions of Welcome - Griffith Survey

Is Griffith ready to welcome newcomers to our community? What can Griffith do to encourage people to work, live and stay for the long term? We’d love to hear from the community, so let us know what you think!

Survey Link: https://bit.ly/GriffithNSW-Grow

Griffith is a vibrant, innovative hub in the Riverina but like many other regional communities, we are facing significant challenges. However, we have an opportunity to tap into the talents and aspirations of migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum who can help regional communities recover, adapt, innovate and prosper.

The NSW Growing Regions of Welcome (NSW GROW) Pilot Program was launched in June 2021 to and aims to connect candidates in western Sydney with lifestyle and employment opportunities in regional NSW. The Pilot Program includes Griffith, Leeton and Temora.

For more info about the program, head to https://multicultural.nsw.gov.au/nsw-grow or contact Oumi Karenga-Hewitt at projects@rdariverina.org.au

VISY Tumut Cadet Program Opportunities

VISY’s world-class kraft paper mill in Tumut is recruiting for a 13 month Cadetship Program. The Program is open to recent HSC graduates who have studied science, metal/woodwork, or computers.

Free Online Information Sessions | Building Better Regions Fund Round 6

RDA Darling Downs and South West are hosting online information sessions on the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) Round 6 for leading business, community groups and non-profit organisations via ZOOM.

The $250 million for Round 6 of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) supports the Australian Government’s commitment to creating jobs, driving economic growth and building stronger regional communities into the future. 

BBRF Round 6 will be delivered like its previous five rounds, with Infrastructure Project and Community Investment streams. Grant Opportunity Guidelines are currently available, consistent with the existing BBRF framework, to assist potential applicants.

There are two streams of funding available under the program:

1. The Infrastructure Projects Stream; and the

2. Community Investments Stream.

At this webinar, RDA Darling Downs and South West will share with you important information and handy tips on how to get your application ready.

Things that will be discussed include:

• Application Criteria, guidelines and key elements of applying for funding for your project

• Guidance on developing a strong application

• Best practice principles and advice on where to gather supporting information such as economic data

• Tips for getting your application approved

• Beneficial Q&A session

Regional Wellbeing Survey 2021

Regional wellbeing 2021

The University of Canberra Health Research Institute conducts an annual survey of regional wellbeing. This year they have a special focus on understanding how the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are affecting people and communities across Australia, on the ‘shift to the regions’ occurring in many parts of Australia, and on resilience to the cumulative effects of experiencing multiple events such as drought, flood, storm, fire and pandemic within a short space of time. You can do a short or regular length 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 their data and findings. Find out more at www.regionalwellbeing.org.au.

You can complete the survey online by going to www.regionalwellbeing.org.au

Want a paper survey or help? Call 1800 981 499

All survey participants aged 18 or older who complete the survey either online or returns a completed paper survey will be eligible to enter the draw to win one of 18 prizes worth a total of $8000. Winners will have their choice of (i) a Flight Centre, Coles-Myer, WISH, Bunnings, iTunes or Google Play Store gift card, with the winner to choose which gift card they prefer, or (ii) to donate their winnings to a registered charity of their choice.

The survey is voluntary, confidential and anonymous. The prize draw closes on 14th January 2022, at midnight.

Australian exporters to make substantial gains in the UK thanks to new FTA

The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) was signed on 17 December and is expected to enter into force in the course of 2022.

This ambitious agreement will help Australian goods and services exporters to diversify and grow their UK market share and make it easier to attract investment in Australia. It will also enhance provisions for workers in both countries to live and work temporarily and support the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

Listen to a high-level briefing on the key sectoral outcomes by Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner in the UK and Australia’s Chief FTA Negotiator, for more detailed information: https://youtu.be/Kj1y60Pkf4I

Over 99% of tariffs eliminated on Australian goods exports

Tariffs on over 99% of Australian goods exports to the UK (by value) will be eliminated on entry into force. The agreement also opens up opportunities with strong outcomes across key export sectors such as beef, sheep meat, wine, dairy, rice, and sugar. Tariffs on honey, olive oil and most processed foods will be eliminated on entry into force.

Tariffs on Australian wine, Australia’s largest dutiable export to the UK by value, will be eliminated on entry into force, removing customs duties worth around $43m each year.

Beef tariffs will be eliminated after 10 years with immediate access to a duty-free transitional quota of 35,000 tonnes rising to 110,000 tonnes in year 10.

Sheep meat tariffs will be eliminated after 10 years, with immediate access to transitional duty-free quota of 25,000 tonnes rising to 75,000 tonnes in year 10.

Sugar tariffs will be eliminated over 8 years with immediate access to transitional duty-free quotas of 80,000 tonnes rising to 220,000 tonnes in year 8.

Tariffs on dairy will be eliminated over 5 years with immediate access to duty free transitional quotas for cheese (24,000 tonnes rising to 48,000 tonnes), butter (5,500 tonnes rising to 11,500 tonnes) and other dairy products (20,000 tonnes per annum).

Tariffs on most seafood exports will be eliminated on entry into force, including all finfish and fresh and frozen rock lobster. The remaining tariffs will be eliminated over 3 years.

Tariffs on most fruits and vegetables will be immediately eliminated, including almonds, macadamia, other nuts, avocados, cherries (excluding sour cherries), dried fruits, citrus fruits, carrots and table grapes. Tariffs on apricots, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, asparagus, beans, tomatoes, apples (excl cider apples) and pears (excluding perry pears) will be eliminated over 3 years. Remaining product tariffs will be eliminated over 7 years.

For other products, tariffs will be removed on short and medium-grain milled rice and there will be a permanent annual duty-free quota of 1,000 tonnes for long-grain milled rice. Tariffs on broken rice will be removed over 4 years with an immediate duty-free transitional quota of 11,500 tonnes per year.

$250 million to build better regions, create jobs and boost local economies

The Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to back regional Australia by providing another $250 million to fund the infrastructure and services our communities need to grow and prosper.

Applications are now open for Round 6 of the Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), paving the way for new projects that regional communities deserve to be funded and delivered.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is focused on ensuring our regions remain strong and grow into the future.

“Regional Australians deserve the same services and opportunities that people in metropolitan cities have and the Building Better Regions Fund helps make this happen,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“That’s why we’ve committed another $250 million for projects and initiatives that will transform communities, create new jobs and drive economic growth across regional Australia.

“Backing regional communities will help secure our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring regional Australians can get ahead.

“This latest investment in new projects will build on the 298 fantastic regional projects that shared in $300 million in funding under the last round of the Building Better Regions Fund.

“Our Government is committed to delivering the best outcomes for regional and remote Australia, which is why we are continuing to support the businesses and people who call regional Australia home.”

Funding under Round 6 takes the Government’s total investment through the BBRF to $1.38 billion.

The BBRF supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities. Funding the infrastructure and services that communities need for the future will create jobs and help them rebound strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Projects will be funded under two streams. The Infrastructure Projects Stream supports the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure.

The Community Investments Stream funds community development activities including, but not limited to, new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, leadership and capability building activities.

Infrastructure Projects Stream: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/building-better-regions-fund-infrastructure-projects-stream-round-6

Community Investments Stream: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/building-better-regions-fund-community-investments-stream-round-6

Applications close on Thursday, 10 February 2022.

Shop local and keep giving with Creative Riverina this Christmas

This Christmas, find a one-of-a-kind gift that keeps on giving and support local artists with the new website creativeriverina.com.

Framed by Gregory Carosi and Timothy Crutchett
Photo by Gregory Carosi

Creative Riverina – an online community and arts directory that connects the public with artists and artistic organisations throughout the Riverina now includes artists with products ready to sell - just in time for Christmas.

Bella Ingram
Photo by Brittany Hefren

Browse and buy from painters, musicians, ceramicists, fashion designers, writers, crafters, and more from across the Riverina NSW, with products, artworks, books, music, experiences and workshops available for purchase now on Creative Riverina. 

Tim Kurylowicz, Executive Director of Eastern Riverina Arts, said "Buying a local artwork or creative experience ticks every box. There's still time to purchase something wholly original, free from postage delays, and most importantly, knowing your dollar stays local."

F.Stop Workshop
Photo by Brittany Hefren

Georgia Crowden, an emerging Wagga Wagga artist, has her work available on the Creative Riverina website and at Renew Wagga’s Thomson Street Makers’ Market on Saturday 18 December from 4pm to 8pm.

She said: “I always aim to shop locally; it's wonderful to go in-store and talk to someone who feels like a friend. The connection from others living in the same community is unmatched when buying from large companies and I want to support other creatives.

This season, I'm creating charming, hand-printed wrapping paper and tags that give a sense of personality to the gifts they hold. I'm producing a small number of prints (printed by f. stop) from my sketchbook, giving others a chance to take home a piece of affordable art. I think it's important to have accessible local products at different price points so everyone can participate in supporting local.”

Middlemost
Photo by James Farley

Whether it’s a piece of art, a song, a performance, or poetry, a work from a Creative Riverina artist is a chance to consciously choose and give a distinct, thoughtful gift.

Beyond the joy of giving and receiving a one-of-kind artwork or experience, a gift from a local Riverina artist keeps giving. 

Supporting local artists means more money is kept in the Riverina – something that benefits the whole community. Shipping delays from outside the local region are avoided. Local artists welcome and appreciate the support at the end of another year that has thrown challenge after challenge. Plus, there’s pride in sharing the talents of the Riverina. Artists listed come from right across the Riverina including Cootamundra, Gundagai, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Adelong, Batlow, Lockhart, Bland, Coolamon - just to name a few of the areas represented. Start your local creative shopping journey at www.creativeriverina.com

Creative Riverina is an initiative Eastern Riverina Arts with the support of Western Riverina Arts and South West Arts, not-for-profit regional arts organisations supporting, connecting and celebrating the arts across the Riverina.

Stage 2 of the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub opens

L - R: Councillor Greg Conkey Mayor of Wagga Wagga City Council, Chair of RDA Riverina Dianna Somerville, CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting of RDA Riverina, the Hon West Fang MLC and Dr Joe McGirr, NSW Member for Wagga Wagga.

Stage 2 of the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logisitics Hub (RIFL) opened on Wednesday 24th November 2021.

The Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistis Hub (RIFL) has been a key infrastructure priority of RDA Riverina since 2013. Funds were received from the Australian Government back in 2012 as part of the RDAF. These funds ($14.5 M) contributed to the Bomen Enabling Roads project, a game-changer for RIFL and now the Bomen SAP. RDA Riverina continues to support this project and other enabling infrastructure or business and industry growth in our region. 

RDA Riverina CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting was at the opening of stage 2 on  Wednesday along with RDA Riverina Chair Dianna Somerville, board member David Bardos, Councillor Greg Conkey Mayor of Wagga Wagga, the Hon Wes Fang MLC and Dr Joe McGirr Member for Wagga Wagga.

RDA Riverina congratulates the agencies involved, including Margaret O'Dwyer, Jane Barnes JP, AMICDA, Joe Fealy, James Bolton, Dominic Kennedy, Phillip Thompson, Michael Keys, Azaria Dobson, Tristan Kell, Inland Rail - ARTC, Department of Regional NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet (NSW), Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, and Wagga Wagga City Council.  

Telstra boosts mobile site power resiliency ahead of disaster season

Telstra has boosted battery back-up power at 341 mobile tower sites in regional Australia, extending power reserves from three hours up to 12 hours for some of the country’s most remote towns. The upgrades were made with assistance from the Australian Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program.

Telstra’s Group Executive for Networks & IT Nikos Katinakis said the project, which included the addition of smart charging and monitoring capability, was delivered ahead of schedule.

“The Australian Government committed $11.4 million to the project, with the expectation it would be completed by the end of 2021,” Mr Katinakis said.

“We delivered the project in eight months, so we were well-prepared ahead of disaster season.

“Our teams did a phenomenal job managing the logistical challenges of COVID restrictions and border closures – transporting more than 8,600 new battery cells weighing a total of 500,000 kilograms across the country was no small feat.”

Minister for Emergency Management and Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said these upgrades were part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s plan to improve telecommunications resilience across regional and remote Australia.

“Our priority is to provide Australians with better access to reliable communication services, which is why we committed $11.4 million to boost the battery back-up power of these 341 mobile tower sites – all of which were funded under Rounds 1 and 2 of the Liberal and National Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program,” Minister McKenzie said.

“Access to telecommunications is vital before, during and after an emergency, so having longer lasting backup power sources will be critical to ensuring the community and emergency services remain connected during a natural disaster.”

Mr Katinakis said the upgrades were part of a raft of measures Telstra takes to prepare for disaster season in Australia.

“In our long history we’ve had lots of first-hand experience dealing with natural disasters,” he said.

“Our teams work year-round to get ready, and we have State and hazard-specific plans in place to prepare for, respond to and recover from these events.

“Throughout the year we also use network data, customer feedback, and the experience of our field technicians to proactively strengthen our fixed and mobile networks. Our monitoring systems now capture around 100 terabytes of network data each day which helps us identify potential issues before they affect our regional customers.”

While these battery upgrades will provide vital power resiliency, Mr Katinakis said it was not technically possible to provide power back-up for extended power outages, and mains power suppliers also played a critical role in ensuring local communities stay connected.

“Mains power outages cause the vast majority of interruptions to our services during emergencies. In fact, a report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found that almost 90 per cent of network outages over the Black Summer bushfires were caused by a lack of mains power,” he said.

“When the mains supply of electricity fails, our battery back-up or generators kick-in. But batteries and generators are not a silver bullet, especially when trying to protect this equipment during fire and floods and in the face of lengthy mains power outages of the kind we often experience during disasters.

“We have more than 10,900 mobile network sites that require power and the power requirements at these sites are enormous. A typical regional mobile site uses the same amount of power as over 60 family sized refrigerators operating 24/7. This places logistical limits on the types of back-up power and how long it can reasonably maintain operation during a failure of mains power.”

Mr Katinakis said Telstra would continue to do what it can to boost power resiliency at these sites.

“Over and above the STAND program, we have replaced batteries at over 2,100 network sites nationally since July 2019, and this will continue into the next financial year,” he said.

“Staying in touch is something most of us take for granted during the best of times, and we understand its importance during the worst of times.”

More information:

• How individuals can prepare for disaster season

• How small businesses can prepare for natural disasters

Have your say on the the draft long-term strategy to rebuild and grow the visitor economy

Earlier this year, an independent panel heard many ideas on how to provide quality experiences for visitors, prosperity for businesses and employment opportunities for thousands of Australians in the visitor economy.

In November the Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, released their Report as well as THRIVE 2030: a proposed long-term strategy to turn those ideas into action and deliver THe ReImagined Visitor Economy.

The visitor economy was Australia’s fourth largest export sector before the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, it was worth $166 billion and employed 660,000 people.

COVID-19 has compounded the challenges facing the visitor economy and has changed the landscape. Long-term strategic planning to rebuild and grow the sector is needed.

How to share your feedback

There are 2 ways to share your feedback:

1. Send your written submission to visitoreconomy@austrade.gov.au by 5pm on 23 December 2021, or

2. Complete a 5-minute survey by 5pm on 3 January 2022.

New resources to help small businesses tender for NSW government work

Small businesses across NSW can now access free online training and an informative guide to help them improve their tendering skills and bid for NSW Government contracts.

The NSW Small Business Commission has collaborated with TAFE NSW to launch online training courses as well as a written guide to help small businesses understand and navigate the tendering and contract processes involved in working with the NSW Government. 

The NSW Government spends about $40 billion each year on the procurement of goods, services and construction, with nearly half of that going to small and medium businesses.

Tendering for Government work can, however, be challenging for small businesses. The new resources are designed to help them gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to tender for NSW Government work and can also assist them in tendering for private sector and local government contracts.

The 45-page guide, Selling to the NSW Government: A Guide for Small Business, includes templates for key tendering documents, such as a business’s capability statement and referee report.

The online training modules and the guide can be accessed via the NSW Small Business Commission Selling to the NSW Government page.

Experience Development Fund - Now Open

The Experience Development Fund is now open!

The NSW Government has announced that $2.5 million in Experience Development funding is available in 2021-22 to support the development of new tourism attractions and experiences in NSW.

Funding of between $80,000 and $150,000 excluding GST is available, per applicant, on a matched dollar-for-dollar basis for eligible project costs.

The Experience Development Fund is available for creating new tourism attractions or experiences that directly aligns with the NSW strengths identified in the Visitor Economy Strategy (VES) 2030. Local Councils, Industry Associations and new or existing tourism operators based and operating in NSW, including Greater Sydney, can apply. NSW Government owned, operated or managed businesses are not eligible applicants. Destination Networks are also not valid to apply for funding. All applicants must be registered for GST.

For every dollar in funding you are requesting, you will need to have your own funds to (at least) match the funding being requested on a dollar for dollar basis.

Applications Close at midnight on January 16th

PCYC Wagga Wagga Flythrough

PCYC Wagga Wagga held a ceremony on Friday 12th of November to officially mark the start of construction of their new Community, Sport, Recreation and Youth centre.

Watch a flythrough of their new buiding below!

EOIs open for 2022 Inland Growth Summit

The Inland Growth Summit is back for 2022 & RDA Orana are looking for speakers!

Expressions of Interest are now open to speakers for their 2022 Summit on February 2 & 3, 2022. The theme for 2022 is 'Working Together' with five main topics including:

1. Rebound & Resilience

2. Workforce of the Future

3. Infrastructure for Development

4. Industry & Innovation

5. Collaboration for Success

Do you have an interest in the development and recognition of Inland Australia just like us? Maybe your organisation is creating change and movement for the benefit of our inland regions or researching the brightest solutions to some of our critical issues? If the answer is yes, then RDA Orana would love to hear from you!

The Inland Growth Summit, hosted by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana has been running since our inaugural event in 2019. They believe the economic contribution from our inland regions is something to be celebrated, while also acknowledging some of the barriers to further progression that we face and can overcome together.

Rebound & Resilience

This session will be centering around the economic contribution of Inland Australia in the face of the COVID pandemic and its integral role in the rebound for the benefit of all Australians. It will also include rebound and resilience through natural disasters, fire, flood and drought, livability, and planning for the future.

Workforce of the Future

Inland Australia is experiencing critical labour shortages and is in most cases the number one barrier to business expansion and growth across industry. How do we work together to plan and secure long-term solutions for population growth and the concept of growing our own?

Infrastructure for Development

In this session we will ask the question, how do we invest in infrastructure for impact? What security and investment are required to build Inland Australia, our industries and communities require for a prosperous future and capitalise on opportunities?

Industry & Innovation

Inland Australia is the place of opportunity! In this session, we want to look at how we can continue to develop a resilient, diverse, and strong industrial base. Successful case studies on innovation within industry and harnessing opportunities will be spotlighted, so we can celebrate those who are leading the way.

Collaboration for Success

How do we work together to create a strong and united voice for Inland Australia? What does true collaboration mean in real life between government policy, infrastructure plans, and the great divide between our coastal counterparts? How can we truly collaborate to highlight and differentiate Inland Australia as the powerhouse it is? These are the questions we are looking to explore in this session of the event.