Riverina Economic Development Officers Forum, Griffith

RDA Riverina hosts quarterly Economic Development Forums, giving Riverina Economic Development Officers the opportunity to network and receive updates on economic development activities and trends across the Riverina.

In May 2022 we hosted a forum in partnership with AusIndustry and Griffith City Council at the Country University Centre, Western Riverina.

The forum featured highlights including a town tour presented by Brett Stonestreet, General Manager of Griffith City Council, and presentations on topics such as Inland Rail, EnergyConnect, TAFE Skills Training, Designated Area Migration Agreements, Business access to entitlement based programs, the Business Connect Program and finding philanthropic funds for the Arts and Culture sector.

RDA Riverina would like to thank our partners for their hospitality and support, and our speakers for taking the time to share their knowledge and expertise with attendees.

If you are interested in attending a forum or presenting, please contact our Senior Project Officer, Marg Couch here.

Inquiry into improving crisis communications to CALD communities

The NSW Parliament’s Legislative Assembly Committee on Community Services is running an inquiry on improving crisis communications to culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

The Committee welcomes public Submissions.

This is an opportunity to provide feedback on issues and improve crisis communications to better inform your community.

This inquiry has provided a Terms of Reference (translated into ten languages), with three core focuses, including:

1. Use of multicultural and CALD community groups and networks to distribute in-language information

2. Ways to improve channels of communication with CALD communities

3. Addressing racism and discrimination related to crisis communications.

Please share this with any interested networks. 

Submissions to the inquiry close on 17 June 2022 and can be e-mailed to communityservices@parliament.nsw.gov.au.

Regional Australia Institute Survey | The Road to Regionalisation

Australia has no single national framework which draws together the various different themes which are all part of unlocking regional Australia’s potential. The RAI wish to address this gap by creating a National Regionalisation Framework which will provide a set of critical targets and actions to strengthen regional Australia.

To inform this National Regionalisation Framework, the Regional Australia Institute is asking you to let it know what aspects of regional Australia must be strengthened, promoted or preserved. How can we continue to grow sustainably, optimising future opportunities, whilst ensuring the quality of life in our regions is not undermined? What are the best levers to achieve this? They will also host a webinar on Thursday 12 May to discuss regionalisation. Please register here.

To take the survey, click the link below.

Riverina Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA)

A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal agreement between the Australian Government and a regional, state or territory authority. It provides access to more overseas workers than the standard skilled migration program. DAMAs operate under an agreement-based framework, providing flexibility for regions to respond to their unique economic and labour market conditions. - Department of Home Affairs

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina are working on a DAMA for the Riverina region.

A DAMA will allow us to create some concessions or specific variations to the eligibility requirements for employer sponsored skilled migration, after negotiation with the Australian Government. These arrangements allow some flexibility to recruit staff members who may not quite meet the standard visa criteria but are still able to safely perform the functions of the intended role.

Not all concessions will be available for all roles, and for some roles there may be no available concessions. The DAMA Occupations List will summarise the ANZSCO occupations included in the Riverina DAMA and the concessions that are available for employers to request in their endorsement application.

A DAMA will not bring skilled migrants to our region without employer sponsorship. The employer still needs to be assessed as suitable for employer sponsor skilled migration and pay the necessary fees.

If you are an employer who may be interested in this program please take the survey below to provide your feedback.

2020-2021 Land Monitor Report

The Land Monitor report was first created by the HIA in 2013, now in its 8th year of production, it is a significant document for strategic planning in the city of Wagga Wagga.

RDA Riverina have been engaged to complete this work since 2020 in partnership with the HIA and Committee for Wagga.

The land monitor report’s purpose is to provide information to Wagga Wagga City Council about the current land releases in the LGA including available and projected land for housing development.

HIA and RDA Riverina presented the current data to council on Monday 14th March.

Telstra and TPG Telecom sign landmark network sharing agreement for regional Australia

Telstra and TPG Telecom have announced a ground-breaking ten-year regional Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) commercial deal which will provide significant value to Telstra’s wholesale mobile revenues, while providing TPG’s subscribers with 4G and 5G services within a defined coverage zone across regional and urban fringe areas.

Under the deal, TPG will gain access to around 3700 of Telstra’s mobile network assets, increasing TPG’s current 4G coverage from around 96% to 98.8% of the population.

Telstra will also gain access to TPG’s spectrum across 4G and 5G, which will allow it to grow its network, increase capacity and continue to provide the country’s largest and fastest network.

Under the MOCN arrangement, Telstra will share its Radio Access Network (RAN) for 4G and subsequently 5G services in the defined coverage zone, however both carriers will continue to operate their own core network where key differentiating functionality resides.

For Telstra customers, the additional spectrum will ensure regional and rural customers will now experience faster speeds and less congestion in more locations on their mobiles. And Telstra will continue to maintain our one million kilometres of coverage advantage which we know is critical for our customers living and working in those areas.

The agreement is subject to approval by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Emergency Relief for Newcomers Service (ERNS)

Are you an asylum seeker or Temporary Visa Holder* living in NSW and need financial support?

Settlement Services International (SSI) is funded by Multicultural NSW to provide emergency relief and caseworker support to vulnerable Temporary Visa Holders*, who are not eligible for Commonwealth Government income support, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

*international students are not eligible for this funding.

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.