Business help to prepare and recover from a disaster

Ensure you have a plan of action in the event your business is affected

Australia has seen an increase in the frequency and severity of natural disasters in recent years. Despite this, research conducted by the NSW Small Business Commission in 2020 indicated just one in four small businesses have a current business continuity plan in place to help them prepare and navigate the recovery process.

Preparation is key to building resilience and coming through natural disasters in the best possible shape. All small businesses should have a plan in place and be aware of the steps they can take to mitigate damage, as well as what support is available to them afterwards.

The NSW Small Business Commission has developed a range of free, customisable resources to help small business owners both prepare and recover from disasters, including a five-step guide to preparing for disasters, how to build a Business Continuity Plan, how to make insurance claims and a guide to recovering from disaster.

Related links:

• Get ready for disasters kit

• NSW small business storms and flood support

National Awards to celebrate council achievements

Entries are now open for the 2023 National Awards for Local Government, which will recognise outstanding innovation implemented by councils that has enhanced local communities.

Now in its 37th year, previous National Award winners have been celebrated for incredible initiatives such as the Better Bin System created by the City of Vincent in Western Australia, making its waste services more sustainable, and the Blue Light Learner Driver Program by Paroo Shire Council in Queensland, supporting youth to obtain driving licences while fostering better relationships with police.

There are 11 award categories: Women in Local Government, Waste Management, Road Safety, Regional Growth, Productivity through Infrastructure, Indigenous Recognition, Disaster Preparedness, Creativity and Culture, Cohesive Communities, Career Starter, and Addressing Violence against Women and their Children.

All elected local government organisations, local government associations and other recognised organisations that provide direct services to Australian communities are eligible to enter.

Entries will close on 13 March and can be submitted online at: https://nalg.awardsplatform.com.

Muslim Host Training Program

The growth of the Muslim population and their increasing disposable income have resulted in a large number of Muslims taking up travel for leisure, business, healthcare and religious reasons.

This increase has seen Muslim travellers becoming one of the fastest growing travel segments in the tourism industry.

Australian Tourism Export Council and Tourism Australia have created a  ‘Muslim Host - Market & Culture Ready' training program aimed at providing insights on how to service the needs of the Muslim traveller. 

The 60-minute program is online and interactive, with self-paced learning modules.

Additional resources include the Muslim Host Handbook, a supplementary guide on how to service inbound Muslim travellers. There’s also a dedicated community page to asks questions, make comments and share experiences.

National Road Safety Action Plan to reduce road trauma

The first National Road Safety Action Plan (2023–2025) for the National Road Safety Strategy 2021–30 has been agreed by Australian, state and territory road and transport ministers to support the shared goal of reducing road trauma across Australia.

The Action Plan focuses on delivering tangible and measurable actions, clear responsibilities and timeframes, with consistency and linkages between the Strategy and Action Plan.

It sets out the actions the Australian, state and territory governments will take to implement the nine priority areas in the strategy over the next three years.

Important Australian Government actions include:

• improving regional and remote road safety through targeted road safety infrastructure programs,

• progressing the uptake of new vehicle safety features and technologies through new Australian Design Rules, and

• building and upgrading heavy vehicle rest areas.

The development of the Action Plan included extensive consultation between the Australian, state and territory governments, the Australian Local Government Association, and a broad range of road safety stakeholders.

An annual progress report against the Action Plan will be provided to infrastructure and transport ministers and publicly released each year, providing transparency on the road safety activities of all governments.

Local governments manage 75.3 per cent of all roads across the network. This Action Plan includes actions from the Australian, state and territory governments to support and build the capacity of local governments to deliver stronger safety outcomes on their networks.

The Action Plan recognises the importance of robust road safety data, committing the Australian, state and territory governments to developing a National Road Safety Data Collection and Reporting Framework.

This framework will provide a clearer way to build a national data set for road safety that provides insights into where serious injuries and deaths are occurring and their contributing factors.

The Action Plan also includes the development of a National Research Framework to improve coordination, test new concepts and ideas, develop best-practice approaches and consider emerging issues. This process will commence with a review into the research, funded by the Australian Government, which is currently being undertaking by institutions across the country.

For more information, visit roadsafety.gov.au.

Have your say on Australia's aviation future

Australia’s aviation industry is set to receive long term policy directions for growth and innovation, driven by the Albanese Government’s Aviation White Paper.

A safe, efficient, sustainable and competitive aviation sector is critical to the economy and the standard of living of all Australians.

Aviation connects Australians with the world and communities to each other. It brings essential imports to our country and connects high-value exports with markets overseas. It allows us to visit family and friends interstate and it provides a vital link to regions and remote Australia.

The terms of reference outline several issues for the White Paper to examine, including:

• aviation’s role in economic development, trade and the visitor economy – general, domestic, regional and international aviation;

• the role of airlines and airports in supporting regional economies;

• appropriate consumer protections and access to services;

• how to maximise the aviation sector's contribution to achieving net zero carbon emissions, including through sustainable aviation fuel and emerging technologies;

• how to support and regenerate Australia’s general aviation sector; and

• airport development planning processes and consultation mechanisms that consider the impact and changing nature of aircraft noise and related expectations on the role of noise sharing and noise mitigation.

Individuals and organisations are able to make a submission on any aspect of the terms of reference before 10 March 2023. Further public consultations will occur on the Green Paper, to be released later this year.

For the full terms of reference, further information on the Aviation White Paper, or to make a submission, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/aviation/aviation-white-paper.

Community Consultation on connectivity coverage closing this week

Regional communities and telcos have until the end of this week to make a submission into the design of two programs funded by the Australian Government which will help improve communications.

The Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) Round 3 will deliver funding to place-based solutions to connectivity challenges, and extend new handheld mobile coverage to regional, rural and remote areas.

The $150 million funding pool will also provide dedicated funding towards projects in First Nations communities, in line with the Government’s commitment to closing the digital inclusion gap.

Consultation on the program guidelines is closing this Friday 10 February 2023. 

Griffith named three times over as one of Australia's best street art drawcards

Griffith’s street art festival, the laneway in which it is held and one of the murals created during the festival have all been named among the best public art experiences in the nation.

The Banna Lane Festival has been shortlisted for the 2022 Australian Street Art Awards’ Best Street Art Festival or Event gong, while Banna Lane is up for the Best Street Art Laneway title.

One of the murals found along the laneway, ‘Nonna’s Table’ by Claire Foxton, has also been named as a finalist – in the Best External Mural category.

The Australian Street Art Awards, established in 2018, recognise destinations like Griffith that are using public art to attract visitors, boost their economy and engage their community.

Awards Director Liz Rivers said “The Awards provide a platform where trailblazing destinations – regional towns and city precincts – can be recognised for their contribution to both the world of street and art tourism.

“Each of the communities acknowledged through these Awards have made their mark as a must-see destination for art lovers,” she said.

The Australian Street Art Awards was the tourism industry’s first, and remains the largest, recognition program for excellence and innovation in art tourism.

“While the Riverina has long been known as a foodie destination, being shortlisted in these Awards cements Griffith’s reputation as an aspirational destination for everyone who also loves to discover visually stunning experiences,” Ms Rivers said.

With rigorous judging of submissions by tourism leaders collated, plus second-tier auditing and due diligence now complete, Griffith's three-time finalist success has the credence of the tourism sector.

The judges commented that this year’s entries were of a very high calibre, with all nominees demonstrating determination and commitment to improving their community through the adoption of a swathe of creative projects.

Judges’ feedback to nominees will include ways to finesse their offering and attract more visitors through their public art.

Gold, Silver and / or Bronze winners in all 11 Australian Street Art Awards categories will be announced during an online celebration of creativity on Friday 10 February.

Japanese Encephalitis Vaccination Eligibility Expanded

Japanese encephalitis is a rare but serious illness caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). It is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes.

Before last year, Japanese encephalitis virus had rarely been found in Australia with previous cases noted only in Northern Australia, Cape York and the Torres Strait.

It is not known how Japanese encephalitis virus came into mainland Australia, but the movement of infected mosquitoes or migratory water birds may have played a part in the virus' spread, combined with significant rain events.

Japanese encephalitis virus has now been detected in pigs and humans in Western and Southern NSW, as well as in Queensland, Victoria, the Northern Territory and South Australia.

Not all mosquitoes in NSW carry the Japanese encephalitis virus, but some do carry JEV as well as other diseases such as Barmah Forest, Ross River and more rarely, the virus that causes Murray Valley encephalitis. The best thing you can do is take steps to prevent being bitten.

The Japanese encephalitis vaccine is safe and effective for people aged 2 months and older. Vaccination is recommended for those at the highest risk of catching Japanese encephalitis.

Once fully vaccinated, it can take between 2 to 4 weeks for your body to develop a protective immune response to the disease, so if you’re eligible, you should get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Who is eligible for a free Japanese encephalitis virus vaccination

In NSW, a free Japanese encephalitis virus vaccination is available for people aged 2 months or older who live or routinely work in any of the below Local Government Areas and:

• Regularly spend time outdoors placing them at risk of mosquito bites, or

• Are experiencing homelessness, or

• Are living in conditions with limited mosquito protection (e.g. tents, caravans, dwellings with no insect screens), or

• Are engaging in outdoor flood recovery (clean-up) efforts, including repeated professional or volunteer deployments.

LGAs of high JEV concern

• Albury

• Balranald

• Berrigan

• Bland

• Bogan

• Bourke

• Brewarrina

• Broken Hill

• Carrathool

• Central Darling

• Cobar

• Coolamon

• Coonamble

• Dubbo Regional

• Edward River

• Federation

• Forbes

• Gilgandra

• Goulburn Mulwaree

• Greater Hume

• Griffith

• Hay

• Junee

• Lachlan

• Leeton

• Lockhart

• Moree Plains

• Murray River

• Murrumbidgee

• Narrabri

• Narrandera

• Narromine

• Parkes

• Temora

• Unincorporated Far West Area

• Wagga Wagga

• Walgett

• Warren

• Warrumbungle

• Weddin

• Wentworth

How to get Japanese encephalitis vaccination

If you are eligible for a free JEV vaccine, speak to your General Practitioner (GP), pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service about getting vaccinated today.

People who meet the above criteria should make an appointment with their GP, pharmacist or Aboriginal Medical Service and let them know it is for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine as they may require a few days' notice to order the vaccine.

Boosting Newell Highway flood mitigation south of Forbes

The Australian Government will contribute $50 million to improve flood mitigation on important sections of the Newell Highway between West Wyalong and Forbes.

The new funding is in addition to the NSW Government’s existing $200 million commitment, bringing total project funding to $250 million.

The Australian Government funding for this project will be delivered through the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative, which helps connect regional businesses to local and international markets, and better connect regional communities.

This additional funding will enable well-known flooding issues on this important section of the Newell Highway to be addressed.

For more information on the project, visit nswroads.work/ww2f.

More information on the Australian Government’s ROSI initiative is available at https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/national-initiatives/roads-of-strategic-importance.aspx.

ENGIE | The Plains Renewable Energy Park

The Plains Renewable Energy Park is a newly proposed large-scale development that aims to harness wind and solar energy to provide cheap, reliable and clean electricity for homes and businesses in NSW. The renewable energy park will include the construction of an integrated wind and solar farm and will operate alongside agricultural activities. 

Located south of Hay, The Plains is strategically positioned within the South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), which was identified by the NSW Government due to the abundance of high-quality wind and solar resources, proximity to transmission infrastructure, relative land-use compatibility and a strong pipeline of potential projects.

The Plains is currently in the initial stages of consulting with local community members and conducting feasibility studies.

Key figures

• Typically, renewable energy projects can take between three and seven years, from initial concept through to construction, with The Plains currently developing an initial concept

• To support the transition to cleaner and cheaper energy, The Plains Renewable Energy Park aims to have a generating capacity of 400 megawatts, which is the equivalent of powering 260,000 homes 

• To achieve a 400 megawatt capacity, preliminary estimates indicate the development may include up to 240 wind turbine generators and approximately 600,000 to 800,000 solar panels

• Wind turbines are normally up to 280 meters tall.

ENGIE have developed a short Community Benefits survey to capture feedback on what’s most important to the local community, future engagement activities and project benefits. Provide your feedback and help shape programs and initiatives that truly benefit the local community.

ABC Heywire winners celebrate stories of life across regional and rural Australia

Strength, perseverance, and optimism feature strongly in the stories from the 2023 ABC Heywire winners.

Since its inception in 1998, Heywire has become a powerful platform for rural youth, putting them at the centre of the conversations that shape their communities.

Hundreds of Australians aged 16 to 22 from regional, rural and remote areas entered the competition by speaking openly and candidly about life beyond our major cities, through written stories, photos, videos or audio recordings.

From dreams of representing Australia in the Paralympics, to supporting young people living with a chronic illness, speaking up against racial discrimination, rebuilding after disaster, using art as a vessel for healing and listening and learning from country, the 39 Heywire winners' stories explore their capacity for resilience, amplify their voices and foster their ability to advocate for the issues that matter.

Heywire winner Jo is a proud sistagirl from Ngukurr, a remote Indigenous community in the Northern Territory. She wants her story to help other LGBTQIA+ young people feel less alone, "I hope it will inspire all people who have faced the same challenges as I did."

Judith Whelan, ABC Director Regional & Local, congratulated this year's competition winners on their engaging and authentic stories.

"The stories from this year's Heywire winners provide a real window into the lives of young people living in regional Australia. What is uplifting about them is that they celebrate regional communities and the things that make them unique.

"Their stories speak of the challenges of life outside our big cities but also reveal inspiring ideas on how their communities can make the most of their strengths and potential."

The Hon Kristy McBain, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories said, "I congratulate all 39 Heywire storytelling competition winners for sharing their stories, which demonstrate the great resilience of these young leaders living in Australia's regions and the adversity they've overcome."

"Heywire plays an important role in empowering young regional, rural and remote Australians to share their stories and ideas to the nation, encouraging their journeys as they continue to enact the change they want to see in our country.

“Young people are the leaders of tomorrow, which is why the Australian Government is proud to be an ongoing sponsor of the program — investing in young leaders and their ideas to ensure a strong future for regional Australia."

Advocates, pilots, LGBTQIA+ allies, Indigenous youth leaders, photographers, medical students, law students, musical theatre performers, rouseabouts, and artists are just a few examples of the winners who have worked with the ABC to produce their stories for radio and online, the results of which are available via the ABC Heywire website.

Heywire winners share individual stories specific to their lived experience of the place they call home. The experience of growing up in Lockhart River, Queensland, with 3G is different to a childhood on a farm in Wagin, Western Australia and different again to coming out at an all-boys country boarding school in Tamworth, NSW.

Because of this complexity, the 2023 winners are passionate about creating common ground. Heywire winner jack, from Tamworth, Wiradjrui Country, said: "After the past three years we need to rebuild our lives again to some normality, not alone but together."

He spent his lockdown wrestling with his identity and knows firsthand the importance of finding a safe community and feeling connected.

Charlee from Heyfield, Victoria, Gunaikurnai Country, agreed: "I want other young Australians to realise they aren't alone, that the youth of Australia have a voice." Charlee is using her voice to advocate for more support for people suffering from chronic illness in regional, rural or remote Australia. "I want others to read my story with a new perspective on chronic pain."

ABC Heywire is supported by: The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts; Department of Health and Aged Care; Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Department of Employment and Workplace Relations and AgriFutures Australia.

The Riverina region winner was Shayan, from Wagga Wagga, who stays connected to their culture by making Persian a part of their post-migration life: https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/heywire-winner-shayan-nsw/101685886

You can read the fresh perspectives of young people from right across regional, rural and remote Australia here: https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/winners/

A Migration System for Australia’s Future – Public Submissions

On 2 September 2022, the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon. Clare O’Neil MP, announced a comprehensive review of Australia’s migration system to ensure it better meets existing challenges and sets a clear direction for the coming decades.

On 7 September 2022, the Minister appointed three eminent persons to guide a review of Australia’s migration system. This review will inform a Strategy: A Migration System for Australia’s Future (the Strategy).

On 15 November 2022, public submissions were opened on the Department of Home Affairs website, and a Discussion Paper was published to inform submissions. Submissions will close on 15 December 2022. Submissions can be lodged on A Migration System for Australia’s Future – Public Submissions.

Targeted consultations with stakeholders are anticipated to take place in late January - early February 2023 to test and refine ideas for reform.

For further information, see: A Migration System for Australia’s Future (homeaffairs.gov.au).

Our Spaces: A short film about the sharing revolution happening in our homes

A key focus for RDA Mid North Coast this year has been looking at different grassroots solutions to the problem of affordable housing, including the idea of people sharing their spare bedrooms.

On behalf of RDA Mid North Coast, we’re sharing their recently released film: Our Spaces: A short film about the sharing revolution happening in our homes. For the film, the RDA engaged a filmmaker, and interviewed people who share their spaces in different ways, with interesting and beneficial outcomes. They also partnered with flatmates.com.au and asked people to take the flatmate pledge

'Our Spaces' examines housing opportunities that everyday people in the Mid North Coast have created in their own domestic spaces. While there is no doubt government support is required to alleviate the situation, there are also actions that everyday people can take. 'Our Spaces' showcases a series of options from having a flatmate to retro-fitting a home to purpose building to share. With over 81,000 Spare rooms across the Mid North Coast it's time to consider the role we all can play in turning around the housing crisis.

To watch the film, you can go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtU_qwXul6s or watch it below.

Heavy vehicle rest areas initiative steering committee | Expressions of interest opened for drivers

The Albanese Labor Government’s first Budget delivered an additional $80 million for new and upgraded heavy vehicle rest areas across the country, bringing dedicated heavy vehicle rest area funding up to $140 million over 10 years.

A steering committee will be established to guide the process and give truckies a voice in shaping the projects which are funded through this initiative.

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Carol Brown, announced Senator Glenn Sterle as the Chair of the committee.

The committee will share strategic advice and set priorities for heavy vehicle rest area projects, as truck drivers themselves know more than most about the missing gaps in our rest area network.

Senator Sterle bought his first truck at 20, after spending time as a furniture removalist offsider during the school holidays. Senator Sterle then spent 12 years driving road trains between Perth and Darwin.

Senator Sterle is well known around Parliament for delivering the very chairs he now sits in while representing the people of Western Australia in the Senate.

The selection of Senator Sterle as the Chair is a fantastic first step in delivering this $140 million package.

Senator Sterle will be joined on the committee by five long-haul truck drivers and four representatives from industry organisations.

The drivers will be selected through an expression of interest process.

The Government are looking for drivers with long-haul experience and who know what drivers need. Anyone with an interest in rest areas and a desire to improve conditions for themselves and fellow drivers is encouraged to complete an expression of interest.

Funding for the package will be delivered through the existing Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.

Interested long-haul drivers can express their interest via: HVSPP-eoi.docx (live.com)

NSW Government Vision for Regional Communities

Investment in housing, growing and upskilling the health workforce, ensuring access to quality learning at every stage of life and improving transport and digital connectivity will be key focuses of the NSW Government’s new vision for the regions.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole today unveiled Our Vision for Regional Communities – a new strategy to ensure regional NSW remains the best place to live, work, play and raise a family.

“This is a vision for the regional NSW we are building with our local communities, backed by real actions we know will make a real difference to people’s everyday lives,” Mr Toole said.

“Over the past decade, we’ve invested billions in the infrastructure our regions need and in growing regional economies.

“This vision shows how we’ll build on that foundation and ensure regional communities have access to the education and health services they deserve and attract the workforce we need to deliver those services.

“It will ensure families can find a home by tackling housing pressures and deliver the infrastructure and services they need in their local community.”

Mr Toole used the strategy’s launch to announce:

• A new welcome experience to be piloted across eight regional locations to support key workers to relocate to the regions and put down roots

• A $5 million investment in scholarships to upskill existing health workers and attract new staff to regional communities

• A trial of contactless payments on regional bus services in Dubbo and Bathurst to make services easier to use

Our Vision for Regional Communities is backed by a detailed three-year action plan that outlines key initiatives that will bring the vision to life.

Initiatives already underway under the plan include:

• A $2.4 billion investment in strengthening the regional health workforce including new approaches to training and incentives

• A $174 million investment in key worker housing that will deliver hundreds of new homes for teachers, police and health workers over the next four years

• A $98 million investment in a new $250 travel card for regional apprentices and university students to ease the cost of travel for training and classes

• A $160 million investment in social and sporting infrastructure, and community programs like bike paths, playgrounds and community centres through the Stronger Country Communities Fund

• A $59 million investment in the next generation including $40 million for local initiatives shaped by youth for youth

“We are not just investing for now, we’re investing for the future,” Mr Toole said.

“Our vision recognises that regional communities are diverse and need local solutions that work for them – and that’s what we’ll deliver.”

Our Vision for Regional Communities and Action Plan 2023-2025 is a future-focused strategy with key priorities across healthcare, education, communities and places and regional homes.

For more information about Our Vision for Regional Communities, visit: nsw.gov.au/ourvision

We Are Hiring!

Are you looking for a new challenge? Are you Interested in working as part of a close-knit, supportive team?

RDA Riverina is growing! We currently have three new positions listed on our careers page:

• Operations Manager
  We are seeking an Operations Manager, who will be responsible for varied operational tasks who loves jumping into systems and has the detail to get things done in a fast paced environment! Be the CEO’s right hand, assisting with representation of the organisation when required.

• Skilled Migration Officer
  Administer Visa Programs, implement new systems and programs, communicate with business and skilled migrants, provide opportunities for welcoming new migrants and families to the Riverina region. Join a supportive and agile team.

• Grow Our Own - Industry Liaison Officer
  Identify business and industries looking to recruit young people; develop effective relationships with industry partners and identify training pathways; develop and organise region-specific activities or career events; organise the industry component of excursions and incursions with schools

What is Economic Development?

Economic Development Australia (EDA) has premiered a new video helping people to understand what economic development is and its importance at the National Economic Development Conference (NEDC) last week.

“Australian economic development professionals have been at the forefront of driving economic recovery in cities and regions, following all the challenges we’ve faced over recent years. This video helps send the message about about how economic development professionals are driving the efforts to make our cities and regions better places to live and work,” - Jacqueline Brinkman, CEO EDA.

Check out the video below

Skilled inmate employment helps address timber supply crisis

A Mannus Correctional Centre works release program is providing inmates with employment opportunities, while helping meet an unprecedented demand for timber by filling a labour shortage in the state’s largest sawmill.

Hyne Timber Tumbarumba Sawmill, which has a long-standing relationship with Corrective Services NSW, expanded its employment of minimum-security inmates after bushfire and housing shortages left the mill unable to fill workforce vacancies or operate at capacity.

Mannus Correctional Centre classification and placement officer Anna Hjelmroth said inmates nearing the end of their sentence are allowed to apply for the coveted positions, which provide them with paid employment and work experience prior to their release.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity because they get to feel normal, reintegrate and take on that responsibility before leaving prison with a bit of money in their account to set up for a law-abiding life,” Ms Hjelmroth said.

“Inmates take really valuable skills to Hyne that they’ve gained here at Mannus by working in our onsite timber processing unit or gaining qualifications like a forklift ticket through our programs with TAFE NSW.”

So far, 11 inmates are working at the sawmill, including John* who earnt his place on the team 18 months ago.

“At Mannus I’ve learned how to operate machines and be part of a normal workplace,” he said.

“This job is giving me a good work ethic, confidence to go back into the working world and financial stability for when I get out.

“You feel good about yourself and I think it helps you progress back to a normal way of life.”

Hyne Timber Tumbarumba Sawmill site manager, Darren Wright, said inmate employees are proving essential to the sawmill, which produces a volume of structural framing onsite every day that could almost stretch from Tumbarumba to Sydney.

“We have a fit and able workforce just five minutes down the road, helping us fill many vacancies in spite of current recruitment challenges and our experience has been very positive,” Mr Wright said.

“Our Mannus Correctional Centre team members are hard-working, appreciative of the opportunity and paid equitably.”

CSNSW Commissioner Kevin Corcoran said empowering inmates through education and employment pathways is paramount to rehabilitation.

“Training and education for inmates empowers them to gain employable skills for when they are released and offers a better chance at successfully re-integrating into communities,” Mr Corcoran said.

Mannus Correctional Centre is an all-male, minimum-security facility, housing up to 160 inmates, who work in areas like the sheep and cattle yards, apple orchard and timber yard across the centre’s 4,000 acres.

*Not his real name

$1.5 million partnership to deliver major jobs and skills boost for Riverina

A new partnership will secure substantial economic, employment and education benefits for Riverina communities as part of critical clean energy infrastructure projects in the region.

Transgrid and Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina have formed a $1.5 million Workforce Development Strategic Partnership to deliver a major jobs and skills boost as the region becomes a hub for the country’s renewable energy transformation.

It follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations to drive workforce development and economic growth initiatives for the Riverina as part of Transgrid’s EnergyConnect, HumeLink and VNI West projects.

Transgrid CEO Brett Redman said the energy infrastructure leader is delighted to provide $1.5 million for a range of RDA Riverina initiatives across the region.

Transgrid CEO Brett Redman and RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting sign the funding agreement in Wagga today.

“We are building the transmission super-highway which will transform the energy supply for millions of Australians and the Riverina is in the driver’s seat with our major clean energy projects centred on the region,” Mr Redman said.

“Transgrid’s EnergyConnect, HumeLink and VNI West projects will bring significant economic, employment and education opportunities to the Riverina and we are committed to making a positive difference for the local community.

“We are delighted to form this partnership to help create jobs, expand education and training opportunities particularly for youth, attract new workers, develop skills, and drive other workforce and economic growth initiatives to maximise the benefits for the Riverina.”

RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting, RDA Riverina chair Dianna Somerville, Transgrid first-year apprentice substation technician Joannah McDougall and Transgrid CEO Brett Redman at the RDA Riverina offices at Charles Sturt University, Wagga.

Transgrid’s $1.5 million funding boost will support RDA Riverina programs over the next three years including:

• Riverina Liveability Hub – expand its nation-leading Country Change campaign to attract people to the Riverina for work, education and recreation by including another six local government areas

• Riverina Workforce Hub – expand the JobsRiverina online employment site to include the Murray region to help local businesses attract new staff and skills, and

• Youth Pathways – expand its successful Grow Our Own program into the Eastern Riverina to encourage local businesses to invest in local people particularly youth through employment, training, mentoring and motivational opportunities.

RDA Riverina CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting welcomed Transgrid’s support for its detailed Workforce Development Plan.

“Transgrid has taken an opportunity to strengthen these existing projects, bolstering and expanding place-based solutions that benefit its projects and the greater community,” Ms Whiting said.

“Further developing existing projects and programs builds on established relationships and investments with local businesses and extended networks. This can only benefit local business and community.”

Under the MoU, Transgrid and RDA Riverina will work in partnership to:

• Maximise opportunities from energy infrastructure and Renewable Energy Zone projects

• Identify and develop strategies to address employment and skill shortages

• Offer and support skills and training initiatives, and

• Assist research and advocacy projects on issues of concern including housing and accommodation, labour and skills shortages, and infrastructure challenges.

Regional Investment Activation Fund Applications Open

The NSW Government’s $110 million Regional Investment Activation Fund will make regional NSW the location of choice for investors, facilitating new private sector investment to activate the potential of priority precincts and industries.

Regional Investment Activation Fund – grant funding opportunity

The NSW Government has designed the $110 million Regional Investment Activation Fund to unlock private sector investment through two targeted funding streams.

Both streams are now open for applications.

This grant funding aims to:  

• Drive increased productivity, innovation and business competitiveness in regional NSW

• Activate new industries

• Promote industry cluster developments

• Deliver new and sustainable employment opportunities.

This grant is administered by the Department of Regional NSW.

Stream One is an open, competitive grants program with a two-stage application and assessment process (Expression of Interest followed by Detailed Application). Eligible applications will be assessed on their comparative merits against the nominated eligibility and assessment criteria.

Stream Two is an open, non-competitive grants program where applicants can contact the Department to apply for funding. Applications will be assessed individually, without reference to the comparative merits of other applications. Stream Two aims to provide increased flexibility to secure investments that are time-sensitive and strategically significant for a priority industry or location.

The Department of Regional NSW will be holding an online industry briefing on Tuesday 11th October at 12pm.

This online industry briefing will help businesses understand the Regional Investment Activation Fund guidelines and funding available, including the eligibility criteria, assessment and selection process.