The Bald Archy Prize returns for 2025

Source: The Bald Archy Prize returns for 2025 | Council News

The Bald Archy Prize is back!

Submissions are now open for the very best satirical art for the 2025 Bald Archy Prize, with a $10,000 first prize up for grabs.

The late Peter Batey OAM, who began the Prize in 1994, always insisted it be open to every artist, irrespective of style or age.

Museum of the Riverina Manager Luke Grealy is encouraging artists from all over Australia to enter.

“We’re calling for artworks that demonstrate wit and irreverence, farce and black comedy, and preferably featuring an Australian identity who is distinguished in art, science, letters, politics, sport or the media,” Mr Grealy said.

“The Bald Archy Prize was started by Peter as a send-up of the prestigious portraiture award, the Archibald Prize, and since then has become an iconic event on the Australian art calendar.

“It appeals strongly to those who wouldn’t normally visit an art gallery.”

Federal Government to Provide $80 Million in Financing to Support Rex's Regional Routes

Source: Govt announces $80m to keep Rex regional flights afloat - Inside Local Government

Federal Government to Provide $80 Million in Financing to Support Rex's Regional Routes

The Federal Government has announced it will provide up to $80 million in financing to help Rex Airlines maintain its regional routes during an extension of its voluntary administration process. The funding will support the airline’s critical services to regional communities across Australia.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, Catherine King, confirmed Rex’s administrators will seek approval from the Federal Court to extend the voluntary administration until June 30, 2025. This extension will allow Rex to continue operations and repay secured creditors following the sale of Pel-Air Aviation to Helicorp Pty Ltd.

The government has also granted early access to the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) for former employees of Rex Airlines, ensuring they can access their entitlements while the company remains in administration. Additionally, Rex’s administrators and main creditor, PAG, will pay the entitlements of redundant employees from the regional arm of the business.

A government ticket sales guarantee will remain in place until June 2025 to reassure passengers, with no claims made so far. Minister King reaffirmed the government’s commitment to regional aviation, encouraging passengers to continue supporting Rex’s services.

NSW to Waive School Fees for children of parents holding Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas and living in Regional NSW

Media Release: Workers filling regional skills gaps given access to free public schooling

The NSW Government will waive tuition fees for children of parents holding Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas and living in defined areas of regional NSW. This policy, aimed at addressing skills shortages in regional areas, will allow families to access free public education, saving up to $7,400 per year in fees.

The move targets skilled workers in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and construction, such as nurses, veterinarians, and dental technicians, encouraging them to relocate to regional NSW.

The reform also includes changes to enrolment policies, prioritising siblings of current students and improving access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students based on kinship or cultural needs.

Minister for Education Prue Car and Minister for Skills Steve Whan highlighted that the initiative will reduce financial strain on families and make NSW a more attractive destination for skilled workers, boosting regional economies and filling critical workforce gaps.

Funding to grow First Nations arts and culture in NSW

Source :Creative Nations NSW | business.gov.au

Applications are now open for Creative Nations NSW, a funding program designed to support and strengthen First Nations artists, organisations, and communities across New South Wales. With funding available between $10,000 and $100,000, this initiative is aimed at fostering the growth and sustainability of First Nations arts and culture.

The program is open to both individuals and organisations, and it offers financial support for projects that:

• Promote First Nations arts and culture

• Share the stories of First Nations elders

• Increase accessibility to arts and culture, including for people with disabilities

• Preserve and expand collections at cultural centres or keeping places

• Create and manage cultural festivals and events that celebrate the diversity of First Nations people

• Market and promote arts and cultural events to broader audiences

• Support cultural community gatherings and forums

Applications close on Monday, 2 December 2024, and are open to all NSW-based First Nations individuals and organisations.

For more information and to apply, visit the Creative Nations NSW website.

The 2024 Regional Development Australia National Forum

Dianna Sommerville - Chair RDA Riverina with Clare Chapple - First Assistant Secretary, Regional Development and Local Government Division DITRDCA at the 2024 Regional Development Australia National Forum held in Busselton Western Australia.

The 2024 Regional Development Australia (RDA) National Forum brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss key issues and opportunities facing regional Australia. Attendees included government officials, community leaders, business representative, and academic experts, all united in their commitment to fostering sustainable development in regional areas.

The forum featured a welcome address from The Hon Kirsty McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, a keynote address by the Mayor of The City of Busselton, Phil Cronin, panel discussions on Net Zero and Energy Transition, Housing and Skills as well as Innovation and Connectivity.

Highlights included the presentation of the successful development of Emergency Mobile Roaming by RDA Grampians and Herding Cats to Create a Defence Industry Precinct by RDA Central and Western Queensland. These innovative regional projects emphasised the importance of local solutions to local problems. The event also provided networking opportunities, enabling attendees to forge connections and partnerships.

The Town Team Movement was presented by Jimmy Murphy its founder. It is a grassroots initiative aimed at revitalising communities and enhancing local spaces through collaboration and active participation.

The RDA National Awards were presented at the forum dinner. These awards celebrate outstanding contributions to regional development across Australia, recognising individuals, organisations, and projects that have made significant impacts in their communities. They showcase innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices, with categories including leadership in regional development, community engagement, and best practice initiatives that tackle local challenges.

Winners are acknowledged for their efforts to enhance economic growth, social wellbeing, and environmental sustainability, serving as inspiration for others in the field.

Overall, the RDA 2024 National Forum successfully reinforced the importance of a united approach to regional development, setting the stage for continued collaboration and action going forward.

Smart Money Moves workshop for small business Wagga Wagga

Smart Money Moves: Grasping the break-even point for small business

This workshop, facilitated by Enterprise Plus Business Advisor, Court Sayer-Roberts, is specifically designed for small businesses catering to both newcomers and established businesses.

The primary focus of this workshop is to delve into the concept of the Break-Even Point (BEP) and its significance in ensuring the sustainability and profitability of a business.

Through this hands-on learning and interactive workshop, you will not only grasp the importance of the BEP in determining the minimum sales required for a viable business model but also enhance their ability to make informed financial decisions. 

Free training to keep small business cyber safe

A free education tool is now available to help all Australian small business stay cyber-safe and protect against financial loss.

More than third of all cyber-attacks (43%) target Australian small businesses, and each attack costs on average $46,000 in lost revenue.[1]

The Cyber Wardens is an on-line program will help empower small business owners and their staff to create a cyber safe environment. Cyber Wardens will be equipped with essential digital security skills and essential information to protect against cyber threats and recover from a cyber-attack.

By bolstering the cyber capabilities of people working in small business, it empowers them to help protect, prevent and become more resilient cyber threats. The course will give Cyber Wardens the skills to support the business to recover from a cyber-attack, or the theft of data or intellectual property.

The program is a free online course delivering accessible content which simplifies cyber security. There is no complex jargon nor specialist knowledge needed, just practical tips and quick wins that any Australian small business can put in place.

Cyber Wardens will learn:

• Effective steps to defend against digital break-ins

• how to spot common tricks and scams hackers use

• better ways to identify and protect your important business information.

 Cyber Wardens is an initiative of the Council of Small Business Organisations of Australia (COSBOA). The COSBOA want to inspire every Australian small business to train and support their own Cyber Warden. This is achieved by offering quick, accessible and free training to small business owners and employees to help them defend against cyber-attacks. The program is supported by the Australian Government and an industry alliance led by Telstra, CommBank and the Australian Cyber Security Centre. 

• Learn more: Cyber Wardens

• Enrol Now: Simplified Cyber Security for Australian Small Business (cyberwardens.com.au)

Mobile Network Hardening Program open

Shared from Mobile Network Hardening Program | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

MNHP Round 3 is providing $20 million (GST exclusive) in grant funding for Resilience Upgrades to mobile telecommunications infrastructure to reduce the risk of outages and improve restoration times during and after a Natural Disaster. Applications are invited from the telco industry for Resilience Upgrade projects from the:

• $10 million (GST exclusive) ‘Regional and Remote Australia’ stream for Resilience Upgrade projects in regional, remote and very remote Australia; or

• $10 million (GST exclusive) ‘Peri-urban Fringe’ stream for Resilience Upgrade projects in the peri-urban fringe of 19 capital and major regional cities.

  The Mobile Network Hardening Program is an Australian Government initiative funding upgrades to improve the resilience of Australia's mobile network telecommunications infrastructure in regional and peri-urban Australia to:

• prevent outages during a natural disaster;

• strengthen the resilience of telecommunications facilities to allow them to operate for longer during natural disasters; and

• support the rapid restoration of services following an outage.

Funding for the Program was provided in the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which was announced in the 2022–23 Budget.

Round 3

Round 3 opened for applications on 25 October 2024, with the Grant Opportunity Guidelines, Application Form and supporting documents available on GrantConnect. Applications for co-funding are open to Mobile Network Operators, Mobile Network Infrastructure Providers and Network Management Providers.

Applications must be lodged by Friday 20 December 2024 (5:00pm AEDT). 

Applications must be submitted in accordance with the Guidelines. Applicants are encouraged to review the Round 3 Project Noticeboard proposals (see below) when preparing their applications. You should also review the Guidelines and complete the Application Form, including providing the requested supporting documents.

The Government is providing up to $20 million (GST exclusive) for Round 3, which will fund mobile telecommunications Resilience Upgrades in areas impacted by, or at risk of, Natural Disasters in: 

• regional and remote Australia, and 

• the peri-urban fringe of 19 capital and major regional cities. 

The focus on areas impacted by, or at risk of, Natural Disasters reflects the increasing exposure of many regions to these events, and the need for communities to access resilient mobile communications services during and after these events.

The peri-urban fringe is where the bush meets the edges of the suburbs, creating risks of Natural Disasters for those living and working in these areas.

Expansion of Round 3 to include peri-urban areas ensures these communities will also have access to resilient mobile communications services during and after Natural Disasters.

The Welcome Experience - Wagga Wagga

Exciting News from Wagga Wagga!

We’re thrilled to share the highlights from our inaugural meeting hosted by Regional Development Australia and held at Transgrid Wagga Wagga.

This gathering brought together key partners, including NSW Police, NSW Fire & Rescue, NSW Rural Fire, NSW Health, NSW Community and Justice, NSW Education and Wagga Wagga City Council.

Focus on The Welcome Experience

A special highlight of our meeting was The Welcome Experience, an initiative by NSW Primary Industries and Regional Development aimed at supporting new residents in their transition to life in regional NSW. This comprehensive program offers a variety of resources, including:

• Community Orientation Sessions: Helping newcomers familiarise themselves with local services and attractions.

• Personalised Support: Ensuring that individuals and families have the assistance they need as they settle in.

• Networking Opportunities: Connecting newcomers with local groups and resources to foster community ties.

During our discussions, we explored innovative ways to enhance The Welcome Experience, making it even more effective for families and individuals looking to settle in Wagga Wagga. Together, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.

Thank You!

A heartfelt thank you to all who participated in this important meeting. We are excited about the journey ahead and the positive impact we can create together.

Stay tuned for more updates on our initiatives and how you can get involved!

For more information about The Welcome Experience, visit NSW Government - Welcome Experience.

Country Change Spring 2024 Magazine Launch

Regional Development Australia are launching Country Change Spring 2024 Magazine:

A guide to discovering the unique lifestyle, community spirit and career opportunities beyond the city limits.

Community views sought for next round of Mobile Black Spot funding

Media release shared from minister.infrastructure.gov.au/rowland/media-release/community-views-sought-next-round-mobile-black-spot-funding

Local communities can help to identify potential locations for the next round of Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) funding through a Project Noticeboard opened by the Albanese Government today.
 
The Albanese Government’s MBSP invests in telecommunications infrastructure to deliver new and improved mobile coverage and competition across Australia.
 
Round 8 of the MBSP – which will open for applications from industry later this year - will provide $55 million in Government co-funding, targeted at natural disaster-prone locations in regional and rural Australia to better assist local communities during and after emergencies.
 
The online Project Noticeboard allows local Councillors and State, Territory and Federal Parliamentarians to identify potential projects. Telco industry applicants are encouraged to review these submissions when preparing their applications. 
 
The Project Noticeboard will close three weeks after the MBSP Round 8 opens for applications.
 
Funding for the MBSP was confirmed in the October 2022–23 Federal Budget as part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia.
 
In total, the Albanese Government is investing $2.2 billion in regional communications – the most significant investment since the inception of the National Broadband Network.
 
Under the MBSP to date (Rounds 1 to 7), Commonwealth funding has generated a total investment of more than $1 billion, to deliver up to 1,400 new mobile base stations across Australia.
 
To view the Project Noticeboard, or to make a submission, please visit: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-services-and-coverage/mobile-black-spot-program/register-your-project-proposal-mobile-black-spot-program-round-8
 
For more information on the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, visit: infrastructure.gov.au/bcp
 
For more information on the Mobile Black Spot Program, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/mbsp     
 
Quotes attributable to Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:
 
“Reliable, resilient mobile coverage is absolutely essential. The Albanese Government is working with industry and communities around Australia to deliver new and improved mobile coverage.
 
“Round 8 of the Mobile Blackspot Funding Program will focus on regional and rural locations that are prone to natural disasters to better protect communities during their greatest time of need.
 
“I welcome input from local communities through the online Project Noticeboard on how to best target the up-coming funding round which will open later this year. 
 
“I encourage people to speak with their local Councillors or State, Territory and Federal Parliamentarians to make their voice heard.”

Wagga Wagga City Council seeking feedback on the draft Lake Albert management plan

Image source: https://news.wagga.nsw.gov.au/news-articles/2024/october-2024/draft-lake-albert-management-plan-on-exhibition

Wagga Wagga City Council is inviting the community’s input on its proposed 10-year plan of management for the Lake Albert precinct.

The draft Lake Albert Plan of Management is now on public exhibition and is open to public submissions until 7 November through an online submission on our Have Your Say Wagga Wagga website.

The management plan covers the Lake Albert precinct and includes Crown Land, Wagga Wagga City Council Land, and commercially owned parcels of land.

Council’s Recreation Coordinator Joshua Walsh says the comprehensive 10-year document outlines a strategic framework for the future management of the Lake Albert precinct.

“This is one of Wagga Wagga’s, and the region's, most popular gathering spots, offering a range of facilities for leisure, active recreation, community events and markets and it is a natural habitat area ,” Mr Walsh said.

“Our aim through the plan is to manage the Lake Albert precinct cooperatively with, and for, the benefit of residents, the community and the wider region, and to maintain and improve the amenity of the Lake Albert precinct, consistent with the established character of the area.

“It’s important to get our community’s opinion and perspective on this draft document as it will serve as a guiding resource for the future planning, design, and management of the land.”

Full story available on Wagga Wagga City Council’s website.

Mobile Network Hardening Program Round 3 - Register your project proposal

Shared from https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/mobile-network-hardening-program

The Mobile Network Hardening Program is an Australian Government initiative funding upgrades to improve the resilience of Australia's mobile network telecommunications infrastructure in regional and peri-urban Australia to:

• prevent outages during a natural disaster;

• strengthen the resilience of telecommunications facilities to allow them to operate for longer during natural disasters; and

• support the rapid restoration of services following an outage.

Funding for the Program was provided in the Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, which was announced in the 2022–23 Budget.

Round 3

The Government is providing up to $20 million (GST exclusive) for Round 3, which will fund mobile telecommunications Resilience Upgrades in areas impacted by, or at risk of, Natural Disasters in: 

• regional and remote Australia, and 

• the peri-urban fringe of 19 capital and major regional cities. 

The focus on areas impacted by, or at risk of, Natural Disasters reflects the increasing exposure of many regions to these events, and the need for communities to access resilient mobile communications services during and after these events.

The peri-urban fringe is where the bush meets the edges of the suburbs, creating risks of Natural Disasters for those living and working in these areas. Expansion of Round 3 to include peri-urban areas ensures these communities will also have access to resilient mobile communications services during and after Natural Disasters.

Round 3 will be delivered in two streams:

• a $10 million (GST exclusive) ‘Regional and Remote Australia’ stream for projects that deliver Resilience Upgrades in regional, remote and very remote Australia, including First Nations communities; and

• a $10 million (GST exclusive) ‘Peri-Urban Fringe’ stream for projects that deliver Resilience Upgrades in the peri-urban fringe of 19 capital and major regional cities (consistent with Round 2 of the Peri-Urban Mobile Program). 

• Eligible areas for the two streams are shown on the Round 3 - Eligibility Map.

The Grant Opportunity Guidelines are expected to be released in October 2024. 

Project Noticeboard

A Project Noticeboard for Round 3 is now available for local governments and state, territory and federal parliamentarians to identify potential projects or locations which would benefit from a Resilience Upgrade. 

Industry applicants will be encouraged to consider the proposed projects and locations on the Project Noticeboard when developing their applications. 

It is important to note that posting on the Project Noticeboard does not guarantee that an application for funding for a project, or a project in the nominated location, will be submitted, or that funding will be allocated to the proposed project or location. However, it can help communities advise the industry of risks in regional and peri-urban Australia, and demonstrate support for new proposals.

The Round 3 Project Noticeboard will close one week before applications close to allow applicants time to consider advice provided through the Noticeboard. 

HAVE YOUR SAY: Residents invited to provide feedback for housing needs in Griffith

Media release shared from https://www.griffith.nsw.gov.au/residents-invited-to-have-their-say-on-housing-needs-in-griffith

Griffith City Council invites residents to have their say and help shape our region’s housing future.

Griffith is growing, and the demand for diverse housing options across our region is becoming increasingly evident. To ensure we meet the evolving needs of our community, Council has engaged consultants, PSA Consulting, to conduct a comprehensive review of the Griffith Housing Strategy, originally prepared in 2019.

Council’s Economic Development Coordinator, Karly Sivewright, is urging all Griffith residents to share their thoughts and insights on how Council can effectively plan for housing growth and change in our community.

“Your feedback will play a crucial role in identifying community priorities and shaping the discussions that will guide the future of housing in our region,” Ms Sivewright said.

“We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to complete the survey and share their views on housing in Griffith.”

The survey is a valuable opportunity for residents to voice their opinions on a range of housing-related topics. The insights gathered will help Council develop a new housing strategy that aligns with the needs and desires of our community, ensuring that Griffith continues to be a great place to live, work, and thrive.

The survey is quick and easy to complete, taking only a few minutes. Whether you're a homeowner, renter, or looking to move to the area, your voice matters in this important process.
Participate in the survey using this link https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CV7PHHW

Feedback from this survey, together with comments received from the Griffith Worker and Housing Shortage Taskforce Draft Report on Strategies to Increase Housing Supply - August 2024, which is now on exhibition, will help in this review process.

For further information, please contact ed@griffith.nsw.gov.au

Federal funding now available to regional airports

Source: https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/c-king/media-release/federal-funding-now-available-regional-airports

Media Release - The Hon Catherine King MP

Regional airports and aerodromes can now apply for a share in $25 million in funding for vital upgrades under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program.

The Albanese Government recognises the critical role aviation plays for regional communities in providing essential services such as health care, education and freight.

We added two additional grant rounds with $40 million of funding in the 2024-25 Budget, to enable an additional two grant rounds.

Eligible projects can include upgrades to runways, drainage, lighting, fencing, navigation and safety training.

Under Round 4, in addition to safety and access works, funding can be used for projects that will help with the transition to net zero in aviation.

This includes technology such as electric chargers and hydrogen fuel storage for aircraft use.

Grants from $20,000 to $7.5 million are available to cover up to 50 per cent of eligible costs for each project.

I look forward to Round 4 supporting regional Australia by providing jobs, improved connectivity, and lasting benefits for communities such as better access to aeromedical and other emergency services. 

Better connections between regions and cities will also help promote the growth and prosperity of Australia’s regions into the future. 

Nearly $100 million has been made available under the previous three rounds of the program, supporting 194 projects.

I encourage owners or operators of existing aerodromes and airports in regional Australia to take a look at the guidelines and consider applying to make their priority upgrades a reality.

Applications open from 8 October 2024 and will close on 18 November 2024.

For more information on the Round 4 guidelines, visit: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/regional-airports-program-round-4

3G Network Closing October 28 2024

Image and text source: https://amta.org.au/3g-closure/

The national 3G network is closing to boost the speed and reliability of the 4G and 5G networks.

Telstra will close their 3G network from 28 October 2024. Read more here.

Optus will close their 3G network from 28 October 2024. Read more here.

TPG Telecom/Vodafone has already closed their 3G mobile network as of January 2024. Read more here.

Devices that depend on the 3G network won’t work when it’s gone.

Impacted devices may include phones, smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms. You can view a list of impacted devices in our FAQs.

Check your tech and act, so you stay safe and connected.

– Check your mobile phone by texting “3” to the number ‘3498’ or by entering your IMEI into the ‘Check My Device’ tool here.

For all other devices, contact your service provider here.

Some 4G devices will be affected

Some early 4G handsets don’t support 4G voice calling, which means they use the 3G network, and after the closure these devices will not be able to make a call.

There are also a number of devices that support normal 4G voice calls, but force emergency calls (000) to 3G, so these phone calls won’t be able to make an emergency call (000) after the closure. Learn more.

Keeping you safe in an emergency 

To keep you safe, mobile phones must support Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency. This is a requirement for all phones sold in Australia. Older 3G phones, as well as some newer 4G/5G phones (that have been purchased overseas or from a retailer selling imported phones), do not meet these standards, once 3G closes. 

If you have one of these phones, it means you won’t be able to call Triple Zero (000) in the event of an emergency after the 3G networks close. 

Other devices, such as tablets, smartwatches, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms, that depend on 3G for voice calls will also be unable to make Triple Zero (000) calls. If you have one of these devices it may not work properly after the 3G shutdown.  Learn more.

Record number of community groups share in regional funding boost

https://www.transgrid.com.au/media-publications/news-articles/record-number-of-community-groups-share-in-regional-funding-boost

A record number of community groups across regional NSW are set to thrive with much-needed funding following Transgrid’s latest round of its Community Partnerships Program.

The 61 community organisations that received grants are located across the state, including Armidale, Coleambally, Cootamundra, Deniliquin, Hay, Junee, Moulamein, Tumbarumba, Uranquinty, Wagga Wagga, Wentworth and Yass.

Funding has been provided to emergency services, Indigenous organisations, sport and recreation clubs, preschools, health and wellbeing initiatives, show societies, progress associations and environmental groups.

Executive General Manager of Corporate & Stakeholder Affairs Maryanne Graham said: “Transgrid has been a part of local communities for many decades through our existing network and we’re also working hard to support the local communities in areas where new transmission infrastructure is under development to enable the clean energy transition.

“Not-for profit groups are the lifeblood of local communities and we’re proud to support their invaluable work with much-needed funding for facilities, services, events and activities which make a positive difference to the lives of local residents and leave a meaningful legacy.”

Read the full article and see the full list of recipients on Transgrid’s website.

Applications for the 2024 Innovate with nbn Grants Program closing soon

Now in its fifth year, the initiative aims to help regional based businesses and individuals transform their great ideas into game-changing achievements.

Run in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), the Innovate with nbn Grants Program is part of our commitment to lift the digital capability of people and business in regional Australia.

Last year we received many applications from businesses right across regional Australia who are doing wonderful things digitally enabled through the nbn.

There is $125,000 in total funding up for grabs to support regional and remote businesses drive the development and adoption of their ideas.

Across seven categories – Agriculture, Arts, Education, Health, Indigenous Business, Tourism, and Women in Regional Business – each winner receives $15,000.

The overall Innovate with nbn Champion will be awarded an additional $20,000 grant to help take their idea to the next level.

We are looking for businesses that are harnessing the benefits of the nbn network to develop products or solutions that improve digital participation, productivity or social outcomes for regional and remote Australians.

The closing date for applications is midnight Sunday 29th September.

For more information and to apply visit nbnco.com.au/innovatewithnbn

RDA Riverina Strategic Priorities 2024/2025

Please see below the refreshed Strategic Priorities for the 2024/2025 year, recently endorsed by the RDA Riverina Board.

Riverina Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) - Survey

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina are conducting research into the availability of Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services in our region.

Do you run an Early Childhood Education and Care service?

This survey is for ECEC professionals and focuses on the workforce needs of your service and the impact of any workforce shortages.

If you are a director or nominated supervisor of an ECEC service in the Riverina, please fill in this survey to share your organisation's experiences. 

Are you a parent seeking an Early Childhood Education and Care service?

This survey is for parents and guardians using, waiting for or unable to access ECEC services in the region.

This survey focuses on the availability of services and the impact availability has on a family’s ability to participate in the region’s workforce. 

The information collected in these surveys will be de-identified and complied into our report on ECEC availability in the Riverina which will be used to advocate for communities across our region.

We invite you to share this survey with any other ECEC professionals, parents and guardians in your networks.