Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council to Demerge

Minster for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman has today (24th August 2022) made the decision to demerge Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

Mrs Tuckerman said she considered the recent reports published by the Local Government Boundaries Commission, which examined the demerger proposal under Section 218CC of the Local Government Act 1993.

“This is a complex decision which I’ve made after considering both the report and dissenting report,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

Mrs Tuckerman said her decision was based on the merits of the proposal put forward by Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council and the subsequent recommendations and examination by the independent Boundaries Commission.

“There are countless examples across the state of amalgamated councils performing strongly by lowering costs and delivering better infrastructure and services for residents,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“It is disappointing that Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has not been able to achieve this outcome.

“I’d like to thank Cootamundra-Gundagai councillors and staff for serving their communities. I will make a further announcement on next steps and transitional arrangements in due course”

“Finally, I’d also like to acknowledge the Local Council Boundaries Commission for its work”

Mrs Tuckerman said it is anticipated council elections for the de-amalgamated shires will be held in line with the local government general elections in September 2024.

Australian Government releases Jobs and Skills Summit Issues Paper

The Jobs and Skills Summit (the Summit) will bring together Australians, including unions, employers, civil society, and government, to discuss our shared economic challenges and propose both immediate and long-term solutions. The goal of the Summit is to find common ground on how Australia can build a bigger, better trained and more productive workforce; boost real wages and living standards; and create more opportunities for more Australians.  

Australia’s economy and labour market face complex challenges. While the unemployment rate is at historic lows, a tight labour market has also brought challenges including widespread and acute skill shortages. Even before COVID-19, nominal wage growth had been weak and real wages had not risen significantly for around a decade. The ongoing effects of COVID-19, high inflation, rising interest rates, global economic uncertainty and disrupted supply chains further compound these challenges, which are holding back the potential of our economy and country. 

At the same time, there is a huge opportunity to maximise jobs and opportunities from the increasing use of renewable energy, tackling climate change, digitalisation, growth in the care economy and developing our advanced manufacturing capabilities. If we work together to address these opportunities and challenges, we can meaningfully increase living standards for more Australians. 

The Summit will cover five broad themes: 

• Maintaining full employment and growing productivity.

• Boosting job security and wages.

• Lifting participation and reducing barriers to employment.

• Delivering a high-quality labour force through skills, training and migration.

• Maximising opportunities in the industries of the future.

Throughout the Summit there will be a strong overarching focus on women’s experiences of the labour market and ensuring women have equal opportunities and equal pay.  

This Issues Paper outlines the labour market challenges associated with these five themes. It is intended to provide Summit participants and the broader community with a common understanding of these issues so that we can begin working towards solutions to our shared economic challenges and ensure the labour market delivers good outcomes for all.

The Summit is the first stage in the process. Ideas raised at the Summit may also be explored further through the White Paper on Employment (the White Paper), which will map a comprehensive blueprint for Australia’s future labour market. 

RDA Riverina Board meets in Lockhart

The RDA Riverina Board and Staff met in Lockhart on 11th August 2022. The Board and Staff were hosted by Lockhart Shire Council who provided a tour of the Galore Hill nature reserve and lookout.

Following the tour, the Board met with Mayor Cr Greg Verdon, General Manager Peter Veneris, and Economic Development Officer Matthew Holt. Gordon Hinds from Better Energy presented on renewable energy projects in Lockhart Shire.

RDA Riverina thanks Lockhart Shire for their hospitality.

Spotlight on regional Australia ahead of Jobs and Skills Summit

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain is making sure the skills shortage affecting regional Australia is a key focus of the Australian Government’s upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit.

Minister McBain is meeting with representatives from the Regional Development Australia (RDA) network and peak bodies from the local government sector throughout this week to talk through the challenges regional industries are facing in attracting and retaining skilled workers.

Key issues and themes from these roundtables will inform discussions at the Albanese Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit, to be held at Parliament House in Canberra on 1–2 September.

Skills shortages, housing supply, and how to retain and attract diverse and talented workers to regional areas are just some of the topics being explored across the online roundtables.

Minister McBain has also met with this year’s Rural Youth Ambassadors and spoke about barriers and opportunities in ensuring young people have the skills required to fill important roles in our regional communities both now and into the future.  

The Jobs and Skills Summit will bring together Australians, including unions, employers, civil society and governments, to address our shared economic challenges.

The Summit will inform the Employment White Paper, which will help shape the future of Australia’s labour market. The wider community will be able to make submissions over the next 12 months. 

For more information, visit www.treasury.gov.au/employment-whitepaper/jobs-summit.

Quotes attributable to Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“The Jobs and Skills Summit is about addressing significant staff shortages and building better-trained, more productive workforces.

“Each part of Australia has unique challenges, but there are some key themes that occur right across the board and it’s these issues that the Jobs and Skills Summit needs to address.

“Living in a regional area, I see every day how staff shortages are affecting our communities.  Whether it’s hospitality businesses closing their doors early, huge waitlists to get a tradie on a work site, delays in planning and development approvals or hundreds of job advertisements going unanswered, our regional communities are struggling with the lack of skilled staff.

“I’m working hard to hear from as many organisations and stakeholders as possible. I’ve specifically sought information from young rural Australians because often we talk about barriers to employment and training without actually listening to the young people who are tackling these issues every day.

“Regional and rural young people have fantastic ideas and they’re extremely innovative so I’m keen to tap into their collective knowledge and experience and give them a clear opportunity to contribute to the Jobs and Skills Summit.

“These roundtable discussions are an important part of making sure the voices of regional and rural communities and the local government sector are heard at the Summit.”

Fiona Phillips MP announced as Chair of the New South Wales Black Spot Consultative Panel

Fiona Phillips, Federal Labor Member for Gilmore, has been announced as the Chair for the New South Wales Black Spot Consultative Panel.

Black Spot Consultative Panels provide the opportunity for stakeholders to have a say in the project selection process, and ensure that nominations of the highest priority and importance to the local community are recommended for approval.

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown said “The Australian Government has committed $110 million per year to the Black Spot Program to improve road safety across the nation.

“This Government is investing in road safety right across the nation to ensure Australians get home safely every trip.”

The panel that reviews priorities for the program in New South Wales includes the representatives from the National Roads and Motorists’ Association, the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, NSW Police Force, the Federation of Parents & Citizens Associations of NSW, the Traffic Management Association of Australia, Local Government NSW and Transport for NSW.

Federal Member for Gilmore and Chair of the New South Wales Black Spot Consultative Panel Fiona Phillips said “I am privileged to have been named as the Chair of the New South Wales Black Spot Consultative Panel.

“I look forward to working with the panel that reviews priorities for the program in New South Wales including representatives from the National Roads and Motorists’ Association, the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, NSW Police Force, the Federation of Parents & Citizens Associations of NSW, the Traffic Management Association of Australia, Local Government NSW and Transport for NSW.

“Black Spot projects deliver safer roads throughout New South Wales.”

Apply now for Ready To Launch: an immersive 10-week program that will take your business idea to launch phase

Got a business idea but unsure where to start?

Apply now for Ready To Launch: an immersive 10-week program that will take your business idea to launch phase.

At the end of this course, you will have:

·  A lean business canvas (your roadmap to launch)

·  Your idea validated by the market (your original idea may morph during this process)

·  A pitch video that you can use as a tool for marketing and communicating your idea

·  A transformed entrepreneurial mindset

·  A community of fellow founders cheering you on.

This is for you if:

·  You have a business idea but not sure where to start to get it off the ground

·  You're already a founder and want to pivot into something new.

If that's you, you've landed in the right place.

Starts: Monday 12th September 2022. All sectors welcome to apply.

Applications close 5.00pm AEST 26 August 2022 (limited places).

For further information and to apply, click here https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/D2ZN35K.

E: innovate@csu.edu.au

First steps underway toward a new local TV prominence framework

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, has today tasked the Future of Broadcasting Working Group to contribute to the initial design work for a new prominence framework, a key election commitment of the Albanese Government.

The new – and legislated – framework will ensure Australian TV services can easily be found on connected TV platforms.

Minister Rowland also said the Albanese Government will commence a parallel engagement process with a range of additional parties at this early design stage.

These parties will include operating system and set-top-box providers such as Google, Apple, Amazon, Foxtel, Telstra and Fetch.

These are the first steps in the development of the prominence framework and will be followed by a wider public consultation process.

Informed by the views of stakeholders and interested parties, the Government intends to make a final decision on the form and construction of a framework by mid-2023, and move through to the drafting of legislation.

The Future of Broadcasting Working Group, an industry-led forum, was established in early 2022 to consider future television technologies and related market reforms.

It is comprised of free-to-air broadcasters, consumer bodies, transmission infrastructure providers and smart television manufacturers.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“This is the first stage of an ongoing process to improve the prominence of local TV in Australia and I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Working Group today to set out our views and seek their input toward the new framework.

“Broadcasting services play a crucial role in supporting our sense of cultural identity and informing and entertaining all Australians; from news services to sport to entertainment and more.

“I am committed to modernising regulation for a sector that continues to deliver value for Australian citizens and consumers, and the economy broadly, and I welcome the views of industry ahead of a broader public consultation process later this year.”

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