A new tourism destination opens it's cellar door in the Snowy Valleys and visitors are in for a surprise

Ladbroken Distilling Co. opens tasting room to visitors to and celebrates its first year of trading with the launch of the “Cocktail Club” speakeasy.

From humble beginnings as a home-based craft business launched 1 year ago the husband-and-wife team at Ladbroken Distilling Co. are thrilled to be opening their Tumbarumba distillery tasting room.

Visitors step into a different world when they open the shiny copper door and can expect to be taken on a taste adventure with tasting flights and samples available of the various spirits crafted on site. The space is compact but includes a tasting bar, a viewing window into the production area and large apothecary of ingredients on display so everyone has the chance to see the distillation process and botanical ingredients up close.

“I love the gasp of surprise that people make as they come in. The sumptuous décor makes it a warm and cosy place to gindulge in a new experience and learn a bit about our craft” said Robbie Ladbrook, who develops all the recipes for the gin range and runs the tasting room on the weekends.

“We are thrilled to be launching the ‘Cocktail Club’ on our first-year anniversary which will see the venue operate like a prohibition style speakeasy from 4pm-6pm on Saturday evenings (from July 16) serving up full serve drinks and cocktails using our gin”.

“It’s great to be able to finally welcome people to our site and introduce them not only to our craft and spirits but also show them the different plants that we grow on site and use in our gins. We find that people are dropping in because they are curious and because we are located right in the middle of town, they can walk to us as they wander along the creekscape visiting the sculptures or exploring town. We also have pooch friendly seating outdoors in the gazebo area and bike parking for those who have finished riding the rail trail,” said Robbie.

Reservations for the Cocktail Club can be booked online along with Distillery Discovery Experiences which are conducted each Saturday at midday allowing participants to discover first-hand how the spirits are made and bottled.

Visit www.ladbroken.com for more information and bookings.

“The venue is a welcome addition to the numerous award-winning cellar doors and foodie experiences already operating in the Snowy Valleys and Riverina region,” said Sarah Hope, Business Development Manager, Destination Riverina Murray.

Independent Review to Rejuvenate Infrastructure Australia

The Australian Government has today appointed Ms Nicole Lockwood and Mr Mike Mrdak AO to lead an independent review of Infrastructure Australia.

This review will consider Infrastructure Australia’s role as an independent adviser to the Commonwealth on nationally significant infrastructure priorities and advise on what changes may be needed to IA’s focus, priorities and – if necessary – legislation.

This review is an important first step in restoring Infrastructure Australia to its rightful place as an expert advisory body of national significance. The Government looks forward to a revitalised IA helping the Commonwealth deliver a better future for all Australians through its infrastructure policy and investment decisions.

The review’s Terms of Reference are set out below. A draft report is expected within three months, and a final report shortly thereafter.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King

“Infrastructure Australia was created to provide expert advice to government regarding infrastructure priorities across the nation.

“In recent years, the organisation has been allowed to drift with partisan board appointments and a lack of clear direction. It’s clear a review has been necessary and that’s why Labor committed to one before the election.

“In Nicole Lockwood and Mike Mrdak, we have two of Australia’s pre-eminent infrastructure experts who will conduct a thorough and independent review of Infrastructure Australia and make recommendations to get it back on track.

“Our nation has big challenges ahead, whether that be in dealing with population growth, managing skills shortages, decarbonising the transport and infrastructure sector or dealing with the uptake of electric vehicles.

“This review and the changes it proposes will be essential in ensuring that the Australian Government receives the expert and non-partisan advice it needs to build a better future.

“I thank the board members, some of whom have agreed to step down, for their understanding and contribution as the Government reviews and refreshes Infrastructure Australia.

Review information

Nicole Lockwood

Ms Lockwood is the Chair of Infrastructure Western Australia, a member of the Boards of the Green Building Council of Australia, the WA Association for Mental Health, and is also a non-executive Director of NBN Co. 

Mike Mrdak AO

Mr Mrdak is President and CEO for Australia and New Zealand of NEC.  He is a previous Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, and of the Department of Communications and the Arts.

Independent Review of Infrastructure Australia

Terms of Reference

1. The Review will examine Infrastructure Australia’s (IA’s) role as an independent adviser to

the Commonwealth on nationally significant infrastructure priorities, and its capacity to deliver on this role.

2. The Review will make recommendations on reforms that may be required to ensure IA is able

to fully deliver on its responsibilities, including but not limited to:

a. Functions

i. the advice and products for which IA is responsible, and whether these

remain fit-for-purpose

ii. how IA’s work relates to the work of state-level infrastructure bodies, and iii. how IA’s work addresses the priorities and requirements of the Australian

Government.

b. Governance and administration

i. the optimal size, mandate, responsibilities, and composition of the IA Board,

including the experience, skills, and expertise of members

ii. whether IA’s administrative arrangements are appropriate to support delivery

of its role and functions, and

iii. IA’s relationship with the responsible Minister.

c. Legislation

i. any legislative changes that may be required.

3. The Review will be conducted by Independent Reviewers and supported by the Department

of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.

4. The Review will provide a report to the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional

Development and Local Government.

Boosting data for SkyMuster NBN users in regional and rural Australia

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP welcomes NBN Co’s enhancements to Sky Muster Plus satellite services, which has the potential to provide a major boost to over 108,000 households and businesses in regional and rural Australia, allowing them to do more with their data.

This will improve the quality of life for people living and working in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia by reducing data constraints associated with accessing fast and reliable broadband.

For the first time, Sky Muster Plus customers can now access video streaming and Virtual Private Networks (VPN) for 16 hours a day, between midnight and 4pm, without it counting toward their monthly data allowance. Other online activities including emails, internet banking, online shopping audio streaming, video calling, and Wi-Fi calling will continue to be unmetered for the full 24 hours a day.

This change will enhance the service and productivity of businesses, and reduce cost of living pressures – particularly for the increased number of Australians continuing to work and study from home.

It also responds to continuing consumer demand for more data, including accessing more streaming and video-on-demand services, accessing live-stream and pre-recorded remote learning resources without interruption, and seamlessly connecting with family and friends.

This announcement delivers on the Labor Government’s commitment to increase NBN Satellite data allowance, unmetering Skymuster usage between midnight and 4 pm.

The enhanced product offering follows the Government’s $480 million investment into upgrading and expanding the NBN fixed wireless network, which will free up satellite capacity.

In addition to the initial enhancements announced by NBN Co last week, further enhancements to Sky Muster data inclusions will occur once the fixed wireless upgrade is complete.

For more information on NBN, visit https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/internet/national-broadband-network

NSW Settlement Strategy Survey

Have Your Say in the NSW Settlement Strategy

Help improve the settlement journey of refugees, asylum seekers, and people from similar backgrounds.

Multicultural NSW is creating the state's first Settlement Strategy to improve settlement journeys for individuals and families in NSW.

They want to hear from refugees, asylum seekers, and people from similar backgrounds living in NSW and the organisations and services that provide support to them. We encourage you to have your say by completing this online survey.

Your feedback will help them improve settlement journeys and experiences in the areas of:

• Education and training

• Employment

• Health and wellbeing

• Housing

• Language services

• Transport

• Civic participation

• Family and social support

• Justice and law

• Finance

The survey closes 5pm on Sunday 31 July.  
Survey responses are confidential and will not be shared with anyone.

Low unemployment no cause for celebration in Riverina

The latest unemployment data released by the National Skills Commission shows unemployment in the Riverina remains low, with an average of 2.4% across the region. The highest rates were recorded in the Hay and Narrandera Shires (3.7%) with the lowest rates recorded in the Bland Shire (1.4%) and Lockhart Shire (1.5%).

Overall, unemployment rose slightly in the March quarter, but the rate is still one of the lowest recorded in the past decade. RDA Riverina CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting says it’s no cause to celebrate, however, as the issue is that the Riverina has more jobs than people to fill them.

“In 2020, we surveyed Riverina employers and found that almost half could not find the staff they need and left roles unfilled, while almost 80% had trouble recruiting.

“This comes down to several factors including our ageing workforce and industry increasingly needing more workers. For example, we have up to 8000 construction jobs across the region and neighbouring regions and not enough skilled workers to meet that need.

“For the past 5 years, RDA Riverina has focused on developing strategies that will help meet the medium and long-term employment needs of the Riverina.”

Working with businesses to establish their needs and develop programs to assist them, RDA Riverina has developed Country Change to attract people from other places in Australia, Grow Our Own to build the skills of young people from within the region, JobsRiverina to help job seekers easily find work opportunities and Skilled Migration to help attract migrants to fill employers’ needs.

In 2021, RDA Riverina became a ‘Backbone Coordinator’ for the NSW Government’s $3 million Growing Regions of Welcome (GROW) program designed to help new migrants and refugees in Western Sydney find new opportunities to live and work in the regions.

“Leeton and Temora are both pilot towns for the Growing Regions of Welcome program in the Riverina, which will not only help address some of our skills shortages but also add to the cultural fabric of our communities. It is our hope that the Riverina becomes a prime choice for overseas workers.

“While it’s definitely a good thing that unemployment rates remain low, we need to consider the much broader employment problem we face here and continue to do all we can to bring skilled workers to the Riverina and grow our own talent and opportunities.”

Alarm bells sound in regional NSW as infrastructure skills crunch looms large

Alarm bells are ringing across regional NSW as an absence of large infrastructure project coordination is exacerbating the housing and skills crises in towns and cities across the state, according to a new report from Business NSW.

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW today launched its new report Down to the Wire: Managing the upcoming infrastructure workforce crunch in Riverina Murray, New South Wales which highlights the challenges of delivering more than $20 billion worth of projects in the region and finds that the risks are applicable across the state.

“There is a real risk that NSW will miss out on maximising the benefits from an unprecedented infrastructure pipeline across the state,” said Business NSW Regional Manager, Riverina Murray, Anthony McFarlane.

“The worst case scenario is that the local regional economies in NSW are stretched to breaking point in coming years, with skilled workers poached from local businesses as more projects come on-line and housing shortages become more acute.

“As a case study for regional NSW, there is a real risk that the six biggest infrastructure projects in the Riverina Murray region, collectively estimated to be worth well over $14 billion, are likely to face further cost increases over the coming years as inflationary pressures and workforce shortages compound.

“While it is positive that this region is becoming a centre of excellence for Renewable Energy, we are concerned about the lack of coordination between these projects, which if left unmanaged will cause significant challenges for local communities and lead to further cost escalation and delays.

“The Riverina Murray is already struggling to meet businesses’ need for skilled workers, and to provide sufficient housing.

“These pressures, whilst being acutely felt in this region, can be found in almost any region in NSW. The Riverina Murray is the canary in the coal mine for regional NSW and how we can manage the influx of demand for housing and skilled workers and the negative impact that can have on local communities.

“There is a real opportunity for the new Federal Government to address these challenges and, in its review of Infrastructure Australia, create a regional Infrastructure Coordinator General function genuinely empowered to manage the demands from different government departments and non-government infrastructure providers to maximise each project’s legacy for local communities.

“This role could also support engagement and co-design between industry and education in the region and address any inadequacies in relevant education and training offerings,” Mr McFarlane said.

About Business NSW 

Formerly the NSW Business Chamber, Business NSW is the peak policy and advocacy body which has been representing businesses in NSW since 1826.  

Media Contact – Anthony McFarlane 0439 389 486

NSW GROW Pilot Program Launches In Leeton

NSW Coordinator General for Settlement Professor Peter Shergold addresses the crowd and dignitaries including Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole at the launch of the NSW GROW Pilot Program at the Historic Hydro Motor Inn, Leeton.

NSW Government connects newcomers with new opportunities in regional communities

Migrants and refugees are being offered new opportunities to resettle in regional communities and thrive, thanks to the NSW Government’s Growing Regions of Welcome (GROW) Pilot Program.

In the Riverina this program is being implemented by Regional Development Australia Riverina as the Backbone organisation.

Launch of the NSW GROW Pilot Program in Leeton

Officially launched this week, the NSW GROW pilot program is a $3 million investment by the NSW Government, empowering newcomers in Western Sydney to restart their lives in the Murray and Riverina regions.

As part of the program, a Western Sydney Regional Employment Hub coordinator will provide a gateway between participants and employers, and help migrants and refugees make informed decisions about relocating and help facilitate the move.

Backbone Coordinators

Backbone coordinators support the design and implementation of plans to attract and retain people arriving from western Sydney.

Monique Lerchner, Backbone Coordinator for the Riverina

In the Riverina, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina have employed Monique Lerchner in the Backbone Coordinator role.

Building on past work by Faye Anderson (Migrant Economic Participation Coordinator), Monique is working with Multicultural NSW and the Red Cross to resettle newcomers from Western Sydney into the region to meet the economic and social needs of the local LGAs and communities.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the program would build on current regional moving trends by focusing specifically on refugees and migrants.

"It'll also assist with some of our skill shortages, and bring some of those skills into regional NSW," he said.

Rachel Whiting, the CEO of RDA Riverina says the level of job vacancy advertisements in the Riverina has reached a 10-year high. “We have more jobs than people in the Riverina. NSW GROW is another strategy to contribute to RDA Riverina’s workforce development plan for the region.

Welcoming Communities

The pilot program focuses on two Riverina locations, chosen based on their history of providing welcoming communities for refugees and migrants and the availability of government services and support: Leeton and Temora. A recent report by Charles Sturt University, the University of South Australia, and the Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga found that in 2016 Leeton had the highest proportion of Afghan people in regional NSW based on its overseas-born population.

The research covered in the report focussed on 80 Hazara Afghan refugees who had either settled or lived in Leeton, and found that overall, refugees had a very positive experience. Leeton council has also worked with businesses and residents to attract migrant workers through a structured, targeted program.

Temora Shire has successfully attracted newcomers through over ten successive years of participation in the Country Change program, attributing their success to a combined community approach.

Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure said the program is about enabling newcomers to make an informed choice by showcasing the opportunities available in these communities.

“This is especially the case for refugees who may be unfamiliar with what our great multicultural state offers ,” Mr Coure said.

“The NSW GROW pilot program provides avenues for people to find a home, work and connect with the communities in the Murray and Riverina.”

Workforce Development

Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development at RDA Riverina

RDA Riverina has developed several programs aimed at increasing the workforce from both within and beyond the region, however those programs are not enough to meet the level of demand identified by the Riverina Skills Study. 

Businesses in both Leeton and Temora are experiencing prolonged skills shortages in a range of industries. Although the economies of both shires are grounded in agriculture, there is sufficient diversity in business to provide a broad range of job opportunities for newcomers, including food production, manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, and hospitality.

While disruptions due to COVID-19 were still occurring Monique facilitated introductions between local businesses facing staff shortages with local migrants who were already in the region and open to new job opportunities.

The Welcoming Cities project conducted in early 2022 identified that there are many employers who are ready to participate in the pilot program to attract and retain newcomers for the long term in their workforce.

The Riverina presents a variety of career pathways and diversity of industry that may be more accessible than what is available to migrants in a more crowded Western Sydney jobs market. 

The backbone coordinator will identify which employers in Leeton and Temora align to the values of the program and enable them to attract and retain newcomers.

For more information about the NSW GROW program and to take part, visit http://www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au/nsw-grow.

Western Riverina Careers Expo

Last week Grow Our Own attended and sponsored the Western Riverina Careers Expo at Leeton High School. The expo, which has been held annually since 2012, was an opportunity to showcase Grow Our Own, our industry partners and the diverse career opportunities available in the Riverina.

We were able to actively engage with over 200 students who, along with showing an interest in local careers, shared their career dreams with us! Aspirations covered a wide range of careers paths including (but not limited to): Nursing, Allied Health, Social Work & Child Protective Services; Aviation, Defence, IT & Programming; Marine Biology, Dentistry, Hospitality & Beauty; Teaching, Acting, Interior Design & Photography; Farming, Electrical, Engineering & Manufacturing.

The Grow Our Own Team had a wonderful time and wanted to thank Nadine Goring and Leeton High School for executing such a fantastic event. The expo provided an opportunity for over 1,000 students (aged 15 – 18) from 11 Western Riverina high schools to connect with tertiary institutions, training providers, employers, and government organisations. We look forward to next year!

Nominations now open for the 2022 CROW Awards

Th Golden Crow Awards recognise growth, entrepreneurship and celebrate business success in the business community of Wagga Wagga. The awards first established in 1984 now are in their 38th year, with plenty of examples of successful businesses and individuals taking out our local award categories and going on to represent Wagga Wagga at regional and state levels.

Entering business awards is a rewarding experience. It provides an opportunity for businesses to reflect on their achievements, gain exposure and provides different opportunities for your business. It is FREE to enter the Golden Crow Awards.

You do not need to be a member of the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber to enter.

Applications close 24 June 2022.

State of the Industry 2021 Report Published

The State of the Industry 2021 report is now published. This annual report presents a snapshot of Australia’s visitor economy in 2021. 

Deeply affected by the pandemic, the visitor economy has shown resilience and persistence in 2021, with the rapid return of domestic tourism following lockdowns. The staged reopening of Australia’s border from the end of the year spurred rising optimism for 2022.

Department of Regional NSW | Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS) Survey

The Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) is currently developing updates for the Regional Economic Development Strategies (REDS). The REDS are important strategic documents that help to guide local economic development priorities in each community across regional NSW.

As part of this project, a business survey is being conducted to better understand key trends and sentiment impacting the businesses community across regional NSW. The survey also seeks input from the business community about key priorities for supporting job creation and economic growth.

The short 15-minute survey can be accessed here. The survey will remain open for responses until the end of June 2022.

DRNSW appreciates businesses taking the time to complete this survey, which will help inform future priorities for supporting regional economic development in NSW.

If you have any questions, please contact the DRNSW REDS team at REDSproject@regional.nsw.gov.au .

NSW Museum Strategy Survey

In October 2021, the NSW Government announced the development of a NSW Museum Strategy, to be delivered by Create NSW, which aims to help strengthen the NSW museums and heritage sector across the state while preparing for future challenges and opportunities.

Information about this announcement and the strategy can be found here: https://www.create.nsw.gov.au/news-and-publications/news/nsw-museum-strategy/

As part of the development of this strategy, Create NSW is surveying the museum and heritage sector to obtain your unique perspectives and insights in relation to the challenges facing the sector.

This survey is now live and will close on Friday 24 June 2022.

So that the NSW Museum Strategy can best address the needs of the sector, we strongly encourage input from your organisations.

Please visit this link to complete the online survey: https://createresearch.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5mzYFLMA2rhQddY?Source=CNSW

NSW GROW Western Sydney Regional Employment Hub Launch

Representatives from the Murray and Riverina regions recently attended the launch of the GROW Western Sydney Regional Employment Hub and participated in a discussion forum on resettlement opportunities for new migrants in the NSW Murray and Riverina regions.

NSW Growing Regions of Welcome (GROW) pilot aims to successfully connect migrants, refugees and asylum seekers in western Sydney who are interested in relocation for employment and a tree change lifestyle , with employers and a community welcome in the Murray Riverina Region.

At the launch, NSW Coordinator-General for Refugee Settlement, Professor Peter Shergold AC, and representatives from the Murray and Riverina regions provided details about the NSW GROW Pilot and the collaboration between the regions and Western Sydney.

Craig Sinclair (Economic Development Manager at Temora Shire Council) presented as Chair of NSW GROW Riverina, and Neil Barber (Regional Manager Migration Support Programs in Wiradjuri places / South West NSW at Australian Red Cross) presented on behalf of the Murray Taskforce. Monique Lerchner (RDA Riverina) also attended in her role as Backbone Coordinator for the Riverina region.

Pictured L-R: Nibras Rahbe, Natalia Ballotin-Hall, Carmen Lazar, Esiteli Nyikarukundo, Monique Lerchner, Professor Peter Shergold

Pictured L-R: Nibras Rahbe, Esiteli Nyirarukundo, Natalia Ballotin-Hall, Monique Lerchner

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.