Congratulations to the 2025 ABC Heywire Winners!
The 2025 ABC Heywire winners, announced 11 December 2024, showcase incredible determination, grit, and powerful commitment to inspiring change in their communities through their stories.
Source: 2025 ABC Heywire winners announced
The 2025 ABC Heywire winners, announced 11 December 2024, showcase incredible determination, grit, and powerful commitment to inspiring change in their communities through their stories.
Hundreds of Australians aged 16 to 22 from regional, rural and remote areas entered the competition by speaking openly and authentically about life beyond our majors cities, through written stories, photos, videos or audio recordings.
The stories from this year’s 38 ABC Heywire winners highlight Australia’s rich diversity and provide a window into the lives and communities of young Australians living in the regions. The full list of 2025 ABC Heywire winners and their stories are here: https://www.abc.net.au/heywire/winners/
Region Riverina | Record 40 students graduate from uni without leaving home town at Griffith remote learning centre
A record 40 students have received degrees from universities across Australia in 2023-24 through a remote learning facility enabling them to study without leaving their home town of Griffith or Leeton.
A record 40 students have received degrees from universities across Australia in 2023-24 through a remote learning facility enabling them to study without leaving their home town of Griffith or Leeton.
The Country Universities Centre (CUC) Western Riverina held a graduation ceremony on Friday (29 November) to celebrate this achievement.
Given that neither Griffith nor Leeton has a university, the centre was established in 2019 to provide students enrolled in courses at tertiary institutions and TAFE with access to a campus-like facility with computers, internet access, academic advisers, programs, social events and mentorship while they studied remotely.
Regional Data Hub - staying up-to-date on all things data:
The Regional Data Hub (the hub) is for all Australians. It’s a virtual space for you to engage in a range of data and information sources to enable you to better understand your area. The hub has a range of resources enabling you to better understand the many facets of your local area such as employment, liveability and housing stock.
Local communities are unique and diverse, but there's lots of data out there to help explore and better understand your area, region or jurisdiction.
The Regional Data Hub (the hub) is for all Australians. It’s a virtual space for you to engage in a range of data and information sources to enable you to better understand your area.
The hub has a range of resources enabling you to better understand the many facets of your local area such as employment, liveability and housing stock. Data can give you information and insights to support place-base decisions, co-design, strategic planning and better stakeholder engagement.
The intent of the hub is to complement not replicate other content rich and public facing data sources. The hub is a live, living resource which pulls together a wide range of resources, longitudinal results and deeper dives in one easy-to-access space.
· For more information, go to: Regional Data Hub | Regional Data Hub
· To stay up-to-date on all things data, subscribe to the newsletter now.
· Need help or want to provide feedback, email regionaldatahub@infrastructure.gov.au
Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman ASBEFEO Consultation paper review
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBEFEO) has released a consultation paper review looking at the functions and operations of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO).
The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBEFEO) has released a consultation paper review looking at the functions and operations of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO).
Responses are encouraged from:
small business owners
family enterprises
franchisees and franchisors
organisations representing:
small business
family enterprises
culturally and linguistically diverse, First Nations, regional or women’s communities.
Email:
https://treasury.gov.au/consultation/c2024-603742
Timeframes:
22 November 2024 - 10 January 2025
ICDA | National Leadership Certificate - 2025
The Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA) NFP Leadership Certificate is an online program that will equip leaders with the skills, knowledge, tools and connections required to take the next big step in their leadership journey.
Source: ICDA | National Leadership Certificate - 2025
The Institute f Community Directors Australia (ICDA) NFP Leadership Certificate is an online program that will equip leaders with the skills, knowledge, tools and connections required to take the next big step in their leadership journey. Leaders who want to get more done need to start doing less. But when you're so used to doing the doing, it can be difficult to take a step back and start leading.
ICDA's NFP Leadership Certificate provides space for middle and senior managers to lift their gaze and look at the big picture.
Taking place each Monday across 4 weeks, we'll be bringing together leaders from across Australia, via Zoom, to hone their leadership skills and explore what it truly means to lead.
Leaders will be invited to use the program to challenge themselves between each of the sessions, immediately strengthening their leadership capabilities with an opportunity to debrief with their peers and ICDA's expert training team.
Participants will work alongside other leaders and have the opportunity to connect with professionals in their sector.
The course includes a personality test, leadership materials, a 45-minute one-on-one debrief with a career development coach who will help you to absorb the information you've learned and to make plans to put your new knowledge into action. Those who complete the course will receive NFP Leadership Certificate, a certification by ICDA.
University of Canberra | 2024 Regional Wellbeing Survey
The 2024 Regional Wellbeing Survey (undertaken by the following researchers from the Health Research Institute, University of Canberra) aims to understand how the wellbeing of people living in rural, regional and urban areas of Australia is changing, and the things that are affecting quality of life (in good and bad ways) in different communities.
Source: 2024 Regional Wellbeing Survey - Information Sheet
The 2024 Regional Wellbeing Survey (undertaken by the following researchers from the Health Research Institute, University of Canberra) aims to understand how the wellbeing of people living in rural, regional and urban areas of Australia is changing, and the things that are affecting quality of life (in good and bad ways) in different communities.
You can participate by completing a survey online at www.regionalwellbeing.org.au or, if you prefer, completing a paper copy of the survey. If you wish to complete the survey on paper and don’t have a paper survey form, you can call and request a paper copy to be mailed to you by calling 1800 981 499, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Survey closes: 31 January 2025
BIRO NSW | Online information sessions: Introduction to the new Skills in Demand Visa and National Innovation Visa
As a part of reform measures outlined in the Migration Strategy, the Australian Government is introducing the National Innovation visa and changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) visa, which will be reformed and renamed as the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa.
As a part of reform measures outlined in the Migration Strategy, the Australian Government is introducing the National Innovation visa and changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) (subclass 482) visa, which will be reformed and renamed as the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa. These changes will enable Australian business and industry to attract migrants who make a significant contribution to the Australian economy, and fill positions where no Australian workers are available.
The National Innovation Visa (NIV) will be a small, exclusive program with an increased focus on high-calibre talented migrants. The NIV is aimed at established and emerging leaders to ensure Australia attracts migrants from across the world who will help create jobs and drive investment in key sectors of the Australian economy.
The new Skills in Demand (SID) visa provides a streamlined pathway for skilled migrants, promoting worker mobility while offering a simple process for employers to access the skilled workers they need to help their businesses to grow.
The Department of Home Affairs invites you to attend an online information session to learn more about these two new visa programs. Information sessions will be held Monday 16 December 2024 - Wednesday 18 December 2024
To learn more, or register for an online information session, click the Learn More button below.
Vehicle standards review now underway
The Albanese Government will shortly commence a review of the Australian Design Rules – our legislated road vehicle standards – including to consider regulatory barriers to the supply of electric vehicles to the Australian market.
Source: Vehicle standards review now underway
The Albanese Government will shortly commence a review of the Australian Design Rules – our legislated road vehicle standards – including to consider regulatory barriers to the supply of electric vehicles to the Australian market.
The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) ensure that all new and used road vehicles being provided to the Australian market for the first time meet critical national standards for safety, anti-theft and emissions.
This independent review will analyse ADRs and assess their alignment with international standards to identify opportunities for improvement and for the removal of unnecessary barriers.
This will include considering how the adoption of internationally-harmonised ADRs can support:
choice and price outcomes for consumers,
productivity and technology innovation in the vehicle and related sectors, and
the net zero transition.
It will also consider how the process of adopting international standards into ADRs can be streamlined to reduce timeframes.
The road vehicle industry, unions, road safety advocates and other stakeholders are invited to have their say as part of the review process. Submissions are now open until 24 January 2025.
The review will be conducted by Dr Warren Mundy who has extensive experience in transport safety-critical businesses, including Melbourne Airport, Infratil Airports Europe and Airservices Australia – where he served on the safety committee.
To find out more about this review and to have your say on ADR Harmonisation, please visit ADR Harmonisation Review 2024-25 | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
Tender awarded for Brindabella Road survey and design
The Albanese Government is committed to improving road safety across Eden-Monaro, with significant upgrades to priority sections of Brindabella Road, from the Brindabella Valley to the ACT border, a step closer.
Source: Tender awarded for Brindabella Road survey and design
The Albanese Government is committed to improving road safety across Eden-Monaro, with significant upgrades to priority sections of Brindabella Road, from the Brindabella Valley to the ACT border, a step closer.
Snowy Valleys Council has appointed Rigore Engineering Services to undertake the road survey and design – important preparatory work for this project.
There have been long running calls for upgrades to Brindabella Road from residents, the local council and the Brindabella Road the Economic Link Group – which is why the Albanese Government is investing $37.4 million in this region-shaping project.
This investment will support upgrades to a 10.6-kilometre section of Brindabella Road, from the intersection of Goodradigbee River Bridge, to Piccadilly Circus on the New South Wales/ACT border.
The survey and design works will get underway in early 2025 and are expected to be finalised in September 2025, with construction to commence in late 2025.
More funding to support advocacy to keep broadband affordable
The Albanese Government is delivering additional funding to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) to further its work in representing the interests of telco consumers, in line with its commitment in the 2024-25 Budget.
Source: More funding to support advocacy to keep broadband affordable
The Albanese Government is delivering additional funding to the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN) to further its work in representing the interests of telco consumers, in line with its commitment in the 2024-25 Budget.
As the peak communications consumer body, ACCAN advocates for the interests of Australian communications consumers by representing individuals, small businesses and not-for profit groups on communications matters.
Under the current regulatory regime for the publicly owned NBN, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regulates NBN Co’s wholesale prices, expenditure and service standards.
The Albanese Government has committed to keeping the NBN in public ownership and retaining independent oversight of wholesale prices to keep broadband more affordable for more Australians
This new funding of up to $2.5 million will enable ACCAN to advocate for the interests of consumers as part of processes required under NBN Co’s Special Access Undertaking (SAU) which is overseen by the ACCC.
Under the SAU, NBN Co must consult with consumer advocacy groups and industry on its proposed investments, baseline service standards and entry level pricing offer. ACCAN will utilise funding under this grant agreement to participate in and inform these consultation processes.
This builds on the Government’s existing funding of ACCAN through the Consumer Representation Grants Program.
Moving forward on First Nations digital inclusion
The Albanese Government welcomes the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap to address key barriers to digital inclusion. The roadmap is the culmination of nearly two years of work by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (FNDIAG), established in January 2023.
Source: Moving forward on First Nations digital inclusion
The Albanese Government welcomes the First Nations Digital Inclusion Roadmap to address key barriers to digital inclusion.
The roadmap is the culmination of nearly two years of work by the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group (FNDIAG), established in January 2023.
Led by co-chairs Dot West OAM and Dr Lyndon Ormond-Parker, the Advisory Group is providing advice on progressing Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap: to achieve equal levels of digital inclusion for First Nations people by 2026.
The roadmap has been informed by extensive engagement with First Nations people and communities, including in remote areas.
In addition to supporting Target 17, the recommendations from the roadmap support First Nations digital innovation and excellence.
The roadmap highlights the considerable benefits of digital inclusion, including access to services and information, social connection and economic opportunity.
The Albanese Government is delivering on key recommendations of the Advisory Group’s initial report to Government, by committing $68 million to First Nations digital inclusion programs.
This includes the free community Wi-Fi initiative for remote communities, a First Nations Digital Support Hub, and network of digital mentors.
It also includes additional funding to RMIT University to improve national data collection on First Nations digital inclusion to better track progress, and target future initiatives, as part of the Australian Digital Inclusion Index.
The Government will consider the recommendations of the roadmap and continue to work closely with the FNDIAG to improve digital inclusion in the areas of access, affordability and digital ability.
Eastern Riverina Arts | Country Arts Support Program (CASP) - applications opening soon!
The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is an annual small grants program funded by Create NSW and managed locally by Eastern Riverina Arts. It is guided by Create NSW’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program’s three major objectives.
Source: Eastern Riverina Arts | Country Arts Support Program (CASP)
The Country Arts Support Program (CASP) is an annual small grants program funded by Create NSW and managed locally by Eastern Riverina Arts. It is guided by Create NSW’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program’s three major objectives:
Grow creative leadership and programming excellence in NSW
Strengthen NSW arts and cultural activity that drives community and social benefits
Showcase NSW as a leader for strategic arts and cultural governance and strong financial management.
Create NSW’s objective for this program is to support community arts and cultural development in regional NSW through small grants that:
Assist locally determined community arts and cultural activities
Increase opportunities for regionally based groups to access a diverse range of arts programs
Enable communities to explore and express their cultural identities
There are two streams available through the Eastern Riverina Arts Country Arts Support Program to support proposals for 2025:
For Individuals, max $750 – for professional development or the realisation/presentation of an ambitious artistic outcome, or
For Projects, max $3000 – for original creative projects and collaborations that meet the eligibility criteria.
Applications open: Monday 16th December 2024, 9:00am
Applications close: Monday 3rd February 2025, 9:00am
Dates for CASP information sessions across the region will be announced soon—stay tuned for a session near you!
Multicultural NSW | 2025 Multicultural Community Medals program has expanded. Nominations NOW OPEN for multicultural media and marketing medals!
The Multicultural NSW Multicultural Community Medals program has expanded. Nominations are NOW OPEN for multicultural media and marketing medals under the 2025 Multicultural Community Medals program.
Source: 2025 Multicultural Community Medals - Media and Marketing Medals
Nominations are open for multicultural media and marketing medals under the 2025 Multicultural Community Medals program. These medals are:
Best Report in Multicultural Media – recognising excellence in journalism for multicultural media (text, audio, and/or audio-visual report)
Multicultural Publication of the Year – recognising outstanding contribution of a multicultural media publication in informing and engaging its audience
Multicultural Marketing Campaign of the Year – recognising excellence in delivering a multicultural campaign.
The new medals recognise excellence in multicultural media and marketing, and the important role stories and campaigns play in communicating with diverse audiences in NSW.
The winners will be recognised at the 2025 Premier's Harmony Dinner in March 2025.
Nominations close on 14 January 2025 at 5pm.
RDA Riverina Committee Chair position available
RDA Riverina is seeking applications for the Committee Chair position.
The RDA Committee Chair has overall responsibility for setting strategic direction and ensuring that objectives and outcomes of their RDA Committee are achieved. They appoint the Deputy Chair (following Ministerial agreement) and the members.
RDA Riverina is seeking applications for the Committee Chair position.
The RDA Committee Chair has overall responsibility for setting strategic direction and ensuring that objectives and outcomes of their RDA Committee are achieved. They appoint the Deputy Chair (following Ministerial agreement) and the members.
The Chair has a hands-on role and is active in facilitating economic development opportunities for the region.
Applicants must meet the selection criteria:
1. Leadership and governance – experience in leading organisations including an understanding of the relevant governance and performance management principles as they relate to volunteer committees.
2. Delivery focus – experience in leading high performing organisations that have had success in achieving outcomes within tight timeframes and in a difficult and complex environment.
3. Stakeholder engagement – experience managing a broad range of stakeholders in a complex environment to achieve successful outcomes.
4. Representational skills – experience representing regional, business and/or industry interests, highly developed networks and networking skills, can collaborate with integrity, transparency, respect and accountability, and an ability to translate these into economic development opportunities.
5. Commitment to the region – have a clear and strong commitment to the region including an understanding of local/state issues and how the RDA(s) can broker solutions to these issues. Members of standalone Capital City RDAs should reside in the capital city, and/or have strong relationships with regional and capital city stakeholders.
6. Commitment to diversity – have a clear and strong commitment to diversity, including building strong relationships with diverse communities, especially First Nations people, and supporting gender equality opportunities.
Applications close on Monday 23 December, 5pm local time.
Successful applicants will commence in their role from 1 April 2025.
Learn more and apply now: https://rda.gov.au/Chair
Why Australian needs a training boost
One-third of Australian occupations are facing worker shortages, especially in fields impacted by global megatrends like digital transformation, AI, an ageing workforce and the energy transition. To address this, we need to boost work-related training, including short courses, online modules, and leadership programs.
Source : CEDA
Source - CEDA Committee for Economic Development of Australia
One-third of Australian occupations are facing worker shortages, especially in fields impacted by global megatrends like digital transformation, AI, an ageing workforce and the energy transition. To address this, we need to boost work-related training, including short courses, online modules, and leadership programs.
This training, whether voluntary or mandatory, is crucial for improving job effectiveness and compliance with regulations. Employers and employees invest over $12 billion annually in training, which is vital for increasing productivity and closing skill gaps.
Compared with otherwise similar people who do not participate in training, incomes increase by an average of about 20 per cent in the year after starting training. Training cannot just be a one-off, however, as this effect fades over time. There are benefits for firms who provide training, too, as participating workers will on average be more productive, more satisfied at work and less likely to move jobs.
Skilled visa nomination 2024/25 is open
The NSW Government has officially opened its skilled visa nomination program for the 2024-25 program year, bringing forward important updates designed to simplify the application process and create more opportunities for individuals and families looking to start a new chapter in New South Wales.
This program is a key part of addressing critical skills shortages and supporting industries undergoing significant change. NSW’s Priority Sectors for 2024-25 include:
🔹 Construction (infrastructure and housing)
🔹 Renewables (net zero & clean energy)
🔹 Care Economy (aged care, disability services, early childhood education)
🔹 Digital & Cyber (across all sectors)
🔹 Education (teachers)
🔹 Agriculture & Agrifood
🔹 Advanced Manufacturing
NSW has also published updated skills lists to highlight the vital roles that will help drive the state's growth. If you're looking to make a move to NSW and more so the Riverina, now is the time! 🌏
The NSW Government has officially opened its skilled visa nomination program for the 2024-25 program year, bringing forward important updates designed to simplify the application process and create more opportunities for individuals and families looking to start a new chapter in New South Wales.
This program is a key part of addressing critical skills shortages and supporting industries undergoing significant change. NSW’s Priority Sectors for 2024-25 include:
🔹 Construction (infrastructure and housing)
🔹 Renewables (net zero & clean energy)
🔹 Care Economy (aged care, disability services, early childhood education)
🔹 Digital & Cyber (across all sectors)
🔹 Education (teachers)
🔹 Agriculture & Agrifood
🔹 Advanced Manufacturing
NSW has also published updated skills lists to highlight the vital roles that will help drive the state's growth.
Celebrating the Success of the Narrandera Destination and Discovery Hub!
Since opening in November 2023, the Narrandera Destination and Discovery Hub has quickly become a must-visit spot for tourists from near and far—including visitors from Greater Melbourne, Greater Sydney, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland!
Since opening in November 2023, the Narrandera Destination and Discovery Hub has quickly become a must-visit spot for tourists from near and far—including visitors from Greater Melbourne, Greater Sydney, South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland! 🌏✈️ Plus, overseas visitors are starting to return, bringing even more excitement to our beautiful region! 🎉
From snapping photos with the big playable acoustic guitar 🎸 to exploring the Tiger Moth Memorial 🛩️, there’s something for everyone at the Hub! Let’s not forget about our amazing regional products and souvenirs—40% of visitors are picking up something special! 🛍️
A huge thank you to our fantastic team for creating such a welcoming atmosphere and providing helpful local info. 👏
So, if you’ve got friends or family visiting this holiday season, make sure they visit the Narrandera Destination and Discovery Hub—the perfect spot to start exploring!
Community War Memorials Fund
The objective of the Community War Memorials Fund is to help conserve, repair and protect war memorials across NSW to support community commemoration.
The objective of the Community War Memorials Fund is to help conserve, repair and protect war memorials across NSW to support community commemoration.
Two application rounds are run each year. The rounds open on Anzac Day and Remembrance Day.
Applications to the CWMF must align with and be submitted under one of the below category descriptions:
Category A - Engaging heritage or other relevant specialists (such as engineers) to produce reports relating to the repair, protection and/or conservation of existing war memorials.
Category B - Physical works relating to the repair, protection and/or conservation of existing war memorials. Reminder: The CWMF supports projects for existing war memorials. Applications cannot be submitted for the construction of new war memorials
The CWMF is valued at $250,000 annually. This is split evenly across the two rounds per year, each valued at $125,000. The maximum CWMF grant that will be awarded for any one application will ordinarily be $10,000 (excl. GST), unless extraordinary circumstances prevail, or a war memorial of state or national significance is considered to be at risk. This will be determined by the State War Memorials Committee. Extraordinary circumstances may include the necessity for urgent works to protect original fabric, or to rectify immediate safety concerns. A maximum amount of $15,000 may be awarded in these circumstances.
Grants for work to improve the accessibility of war memorials, such as access ramps, are capped at $2,000 (excl. GST).
Grants for necessary work to conserve significant trophy guns are generally capped at $10,000 (excl. GST). Subsequent grants will only be considered in extraordinary circumstances.
Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Small Grants Program offering up to $50,000 per project
Funded by NSW Health - The objectives of the Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Small Grants Program are to:
conduct community driven and well supported mental health, resilience and wellbeing projects, targeting men
deliver mental health, resilience and wellbeing benefits to individuals and groups of men across the state
reduce loneliness and social isolation among men
promote mental health, wellbeing and resilience among men, in general, or a specific population group of men such as Aboriginal men, boys and young adult men, older men, men living with a disability, men living in rural and remote areas, or LGBTQ+ men.
establish connections between community mental health and wellbeing organisations for ongoing referral and support pathways
develop the cultural competency and cultural safety of mental health and wellbeing organisations to increase their accessibility and responsiveness to priority population groups of men
Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Small Grants Program offering up to $50,000 per project to deliver community activities, programs, and events supporting men's mental health and suicide prevention.
Funded by NSW Health - The objectives of the Men's Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Small Grants Program are to:
conduct community driven and well supported mental health, resilience and wellbeing projects, targeting men
deliver mental health, resilience and wellbeing benefits to individuals and groups of men across the state
reduce loneliness and social isolation among men
promote mental health, wellbeing and resilience among men, in general, or a specific population group of men such as Aboriginal men, boys and young adult men, older men, men living with a disability, men living in rural and remote areas, or LGBTQ+ men.
establish connections between community mental health and wellbeing organisations for ongoing referral and support pathways
develop the cultural competency and cultural safety of mental health and wellbeing organisations to increase their accessibility and responsiveness to priority population groups of men
Regional Development Australia Riverina New Resident’s guide
RDA Riverina has created a guide for new residents.
The Riverina New Resident’s Guide contains information in plain English covering:
Part 1: Important tasks for your first weeks in Australia
Part 2: Living in the Riverina
Part 3: Becoming part of your local community
You can download the guide here:
Regional Development Australia Riverina new resident’s guide
RDA Riverina has created a guide for new residents. This comprehensive guide is a valuable resource for individuals and families transitioning to the Riverina region. Showcasing a rich history, vibrant culture, booming economy and natural beauty of the Riverina.
The Riverina New Resident’s Guide contains information in plain English covering:
Part 1: Important tasks for your first weeks in Australia
Part 2: Living in the Riverina
Part 3: Becoming part of your local community
You can download the guide here: