DEVELOPMENT OFFICER FORUM | NOVEMBER 30TH, WAGGA WAGGA

Jonathon Medway (Senior Research Fellow Spatial Agriculture at Charles Sturt University), telling forum attendees about the work that is done at the Global Digital Farm.

Nicola James (Regional Manager South West NSW AusIndustry)

Ray Willis (General Manager of Riverina LLS)

Amanda Cappello (Operations Manager, Regional Development Australia Riverina)

RDA Riverina in partnership with AusIndustry and Charles Sturt University, AgriPark presented an update on economic development activities and trends across the Riverina at a recent Development Officer Forum in Wagga Wagga, last Thursday (30th November 2023).

The day began in the Riverina Local Land Services building, where attendees heard from Ray Willis (General Manager of Riverina LLS), Amanda Cappello (Operations Manager, Regional Development Australia Riverina), Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development at Regional Development Australia Riverina), Nicola James (Regional Manager South West NSW AusIndustry), Nick Pagett (Executive Director Charles Sturt - AgriPark), and Jim Hutchinson (Community and Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Transgrid). You can download and view each presentation below.

Following presentations, attendees relocated to the Global Digital Farm showcase room where Jonathan Medway (Senior Research Fellow Spatial Agriculture at Charles Sturt University) explained the integrated digital learning, innovation and research environment working within a full scale, commercial, mixed farm operation. Attendees were then invited to experience a Meat Tasting held by the Red Meat Innovation Centre, followed by lunch and a roundtable.

It was a great day which we hope was enjoyed by all who attended. Thank you to our partners Nicola James and AusIndustry, Charles Sturt - AgriPark, and Transgrid. Thank you to our Board members and staff who attended, with special thanks going out to Amanda Cappello who did an exceptional job of organising a big day!

Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development at Regional Development Australia Riverina)

Jim Hutchinson (Community and Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Transgrid)

Jayadev Ajayakumar (NSW GROW Riverina Backbone Coordinator, Regional Development Australia Riverina) and Sara Johnston (Communications Coordinator, Regional Development Australia Riverina)

NSW GROW Moving to the Riverina Flyer

RDA Riverina, in collaboration with the NSW Government Growing Regions of Welcome pilot program, has produced a flyer highlighting the benefits of moving to the Riverina.

The flyer highlights the job opportunities, lifestyle benefits, welcoming communities and assistance available through the pilot program, operating in the Leeton Shire Council and Temora Shire Council areas.

For more information about the pilot program, contact Jay, our NSW GROW Riverina Backbone Coordinator, at coordinator@rdariverina.org.au.

Development Officer Forum | February 9th, Wagga Wagga

Development Officer Forum, Uneke Warehouse, Wagga Wagga

RDA Riverina in partnership with AusIndustry and Wagga Wagga City Council presented an update on economic development activities and trends across the Riverina at a recent Development Officer Forum in Wagga Wagga.

Attendees were welcomed by Mayor of Wagga Wagga, Dallas Tout, followed by a bus tour of Wagga Wagga Economic Development and the Special Activation Precinct.

Presentations were given by Dominic Kennedy from the Department of Regional NSW, Bermadette Jones and Mark Cunningham from Education Services International Supply Group (ESI), Rachel Whiting from RDA Riverina, Nicola James from AusIndustry, Adrian Mulhall from CPB Contractors, and Andrew Hagan from CSU eXtended Reality Centre.

Participants also enjoyed a networking lunch and Q&A Roundtable.

Development Officer Forum, Uneke Lounge, Wagga Wagga

Nicola James, AusIndustry

Adrian Mulhull, CPB Contractors

Mark Cunningham, ESISG

Dominic Kennedy, Office of Regional Economic Development

Bernadette Jones, ESISG

Andrew Hagan, CSU eXtended Reality Centre

Development Officer Forum Industry Tour, Wagga Wagga

Skilled Migration | Regional Industry Meeting | 3 Feb 2023 Griffith

Regional Migration Industry Meeting, Griffith

RDA Riverina, in conjunction with the Department of Home Affairs, held a Regional Migration Industry Meeting on 3rd February in Griffith.

Helen Dalton MP welcoming participants

Servet Brennan, Department of Home Affairs

Dianna Somerville, RDA Riverina Chair

The meeting was hosted by Rachel Whiting, CEO & Director of RDA Riverina and Zane Rebrojna, Director, DEIT. The meeting included a welcome from Helen Dalton MP, presentations from Rachel Whiting (RDA Riverina), Zane Rebrojna (DEIT), Servet Brennan (Department of Home Affairs), and Christopher Levingston (Migration Alliance), followed by a Q&A session.

View the presentations here:

L-R: Servet Brennan, Department of Home Affairs, Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development RDA Riverina, Zane Rebronja, Investment NSW, Christopher Levingston, Migration Alliance, Dianna Somerville, Chair RDA Riverina

For further information about the regional migration program, see here:

RDA NSW Housing Supply Workshop

The RDA NSW Housing Supply Workshop was held on the 12th October 2022 as Day 1 of the National Economic Development Conference (NEDC22).

Regional Development Australia (RDA) networks and industry leaders discussed and shared solutions to this critical issue facing economic development professionals around the country.

The RDA NSW Housing Supply Workshop delivered case studies of innovative housing solutions, which can be applied locally.

RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting and Research Officer Melanie Renkin along with REROC and RivJO CEO Julie Briggs were speakers at this conference to highlight possible regional housing solutions.

$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.

2021-2022 Land Monitor Report Launch

RDA Riverina, Committee4Wagga and HIA Wagga Launched the 2021-2022 Land Monitor Report at the Wagga RSL Club on the 25th of November 2022.

The Land Monitor report was first created by the HIA in 2013, now in its 9th year of production, it is a significant document for strategic planning in the city of Wagga Wagga.

RDA Riverina have been engaged to complete this work since 2020 in partnership with the HIA and Committee for Wagga.

The land monitor report provides an annual update on the supply and demand for vacant land in Wagga Wagga.

In the 2021-2022 financial year there were 171 new lots produced and 298 new houses built. Download the report to find out more about available land in Wagga.

Grow Our Own Steering Committee welcomes new members

The Grow Our Own Steering Committee has grown again! Industry Liaison Officer, Marg Couch welcomed new members Country Universities Centre Western Riverina , Intersales, ICI Industries Pty Ltd, Cater & Blumer Legal, Tocal College, Kurrajong and Aquna Sustainable Murray Cod to the table at Whitton Malt House.  Together we discussed how industry and education can collaborate to inspire people to live and learn locally, with a focus on the ways industry can invest in local talent.

Thank you to the Grow Our Own Stakeholder presenters for the informative updates on trends, opportunities and changes in the education, employment and skills sector.

▪️ Steve Seetanna - Local Jobs Program

▪️ Miranda Exner - Skills Brokers, Training Services NSW

▪️ Pippa Maddocks - VERTO, Australian Apprenticeship Support Network

▪️ Shiron Kirkman - CUC WR, Driving Regional Education

A big thank you to our founding partners, Casella Family Brands, Flavourtech, SunRice, TAFE NSW, Yenda Producers, Griffith City Council, Leeton Shire and Murrumbidgee Regional High School who continue to support the Grow Our Own place-based strategy to strengthen the Riverina's future workforce. Grow Our Own is an industry and education led alliance comprising 16 businesses and 4 education providers including the Western Riverina Careers Advisors Network who meet quarterly. Twice a year, we invite other stakeholders to join a meeting, these include business, government skills and employment brokers.

For more information about Grow Our Own and what we do, get in touch with Marg Couch on ilo@rdariverina.org.au

Down to the Wire Report

Australia’s infrastructure renaissance promises great things for Australian business, if it can be delivered at reasonable cost and to the desired timetable. But unless we get better at managing and coordinating infrastructure delivery, there is a risk that the promises will not match the reality. We need to address these issues urgently. With work on several projects already underway, we are already down to the wire.

RDA Riverina were consulted in the building of this report that calls for better project co-ordination within the Riverina region. 

RDA Riverina projects and programs are referred to in this report.

NSW GROW Pilot Program Launches in Leeton

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

NSW Government connects newcomers with new opportunities in regional communities

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

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

Launch of the NSW GROW Pilot Program in Leeton

Officially launched this week, the NSW GROW pilot program is a $3 million investment by the NSW Government, which is helping new migrants and refugees in Western Sydney find new opportunities in the Murray and Riverina regions.

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

Monique Lerchner, Backbone Coordinator for the Riverina

Backbone Coordinators

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

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

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

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

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

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

Welcoming Communities

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

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

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

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

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

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

Workforce Development

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

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

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

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

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

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

The NSW GROW pilot program will identify which employers in Leeton and Temora align to the values of the program and support them to build capacity to attract and retain newcomers.

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

Riverina Population Comparisons

The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has begun releasing the 2021 Census data. Population counts for Local Government Areas (LGAs) are crucial for future planning, delivery of services, responding to changes and much more.

Official population counts are based on the census conducted every five years. Between census years, the ABS releases annual population estimates, known as the Estimated Resident Population (ERP). The ERP is based on the last known census count, the census Post Enumeration Survey and administrative data. Between census years the ERP is derived from the census year ERP adding in births and people moving to the region from within Australia and overseas and subtracting deaths and people leaving the region.

Future population projections for LGAs are released every few years by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment. Population forecasting is based on assumptions about how communities are expected to change, specific regional knowledge and known starting points. These factors are used with best practice industry methods to project how a community may change into the future. They are not population targets but are used by the state government to plan services for the future.

With the release of the 2021 Census, RDA Riverina have put together some figures to show how these various population counts and estimates compare to each other, how they have changed over time and how the populations may change into the future.

These figures show that LGAs in our region have different population trajectories. While some experience steady reliable growth, others are experiencing decline, some are holding steady and some have turned a corner experiencing growth after a period of decline. Some LGAs current population counts align well with the latest ERP and projection trajectories and others do not.

It is important to note that while each of these three sources of data have their place in planning for LGAs there are different challenges in putting these numbers together. For more information on some of these challenges and how they are addressed you can read more about under and over counting in the 2021 Census, how the ERP is calculated and rebased with each census count and the reliability of NSW Population Projections.

You can look at this data using either the actual population counts or the percent change in the number of people since 2011 (2011 is the earliest date that is included in all data series). The count shows the size of the population but may give a false impression of the scale of the changes in population counts from year to year while the percent change will give a more accurate impression of the scale of the changes from year to year but will not provide information on the size of the population.

*A previous version of these figures did not specify the difference between the census count and the ERP and gave a misleading impression of the 2021 census count. This issue has been corrected in the documents above.

Regional Development Australia Riverina - Strategic Priorities

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a national network of Committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the economic development of their regions.

RDA Committees have an active and facilitative role in their communities with a clear focus on growing strong and confident regional economies that harness their competitive advantages, seize economic opportunities and attract investment.

Read about RDA Riverina’s strategic priorities here.

Autumn 2022 Country Change Magazine Out Now!

The magazine showcases local Riverina tree changer experiences and promotes the key benefits of choosing this great region as a new home base.

The Autumn 2022 Country Change magazine is a collaborative publication under the Country Change campaign, led by Regional Development Australia (RDA), Riverina. The program raises awareness of the region to attract people looking for a country change and new opportunities in business.

As well as some heartwarming messages from locals, you will also read about business opportunities, development plans, housing estate releases and education and medical facilities available. What is clear is some of the main messages people from the cities are attracted to the Riverina is our lower housing costs and a more robust lifestyle and work/life balance.

“More than ever, people are reassessing their choice to live in cities. They want space, freedom and more connection and the Riverina offers that and much more,” said RDA Riverina’s Chief Executive Officer, Rachel Whiting.

Some of the main messages attracting people from the cities are lower housing costs, a more robust lifestyle and work/life balance.

“We know from research that 77% of country changers want a sense of more space. Another 77% wanted to connect with the natural environment and 75% were seeking overall improved wellbeing. Throw in the fast-growing business opportunities here and people see it as a ‘no brainer’,” said Ms Whiting.

For many potential tree changers, concerns about employment options can be front of mind. However, with a growing acceptance of remote working conditions many people are finding they can keep their jobs and still live the life they desire.

“A number of country changers have brought their jobs with them but there is also plenty of work right across the Riverina for those wishing to work locally,” said Ms Whiting. “There is also the potential to develop your own business with a supportive business network.”

2020-2021 Land Monitor Report

The Land Monitor report was first created by the HIA in 2013, now in its 8th year of production, it is a significant document for strategic planning in the city of Wagga Wagga.

RDA Riverina have been engaged to complete this work since 2020 in partnership with the HIA and Committee for Wagga.

The land monitor report’s purpose is to provide information to Wagga Wagga City Council about the current land releases in the LGA including available and projected land for housing development.

HIA and RDA Riverina presented the current data to council on Monday 14th March.

NSW & ACT RDA Prospectus

RDA Sydney have put together a prospectus highlighting the economic, social, and environmental strengths and opportunities of RDA regions across NSW and the ACT.

Download the prospectus and learn more about our regions!

Economic Impact of COVID-19 in the Riverina 2020-2021

Throughout 2020 and 2021 the Riverina was largely spared the worst of the pandemic. This has changed with the December 2021 wave, with the Riverina seeing it first significant levels of community transmission of COVID-19. The economic impact of this will not become apparent until further into 2022.

During 2020 and 2021, lockdowns, social distancing and vaccination played their part in protecting the region from the COVID-19. However lockdowns and social restrictions have had an effect on the local economy.

RDA Riverina have put together a summary of some of the economic impacts of COVID-19 during the first two years of the pandemic.

Economic Development Officer Forum – Temora November 2021

RDA Riverina, AusIndustry, and Temora Shire Council partnered to present an update on economic development activities and trends across the Riverina. Guests presented on the topics of workforce, housing, opportunities to leverage business on major regional projects, climate impact, funding opportunities, and business innovation.

You can download and view each presentation below.

Riverina Skills Study Launch

Image: Launch of the Riverina Skills Study Tuesday 12th October 2021. L-R: The Hon Michael McCormack MP, Dianna Somerville (Chair of RDA Riverina), Dallas Tout (RDA Riverina Board), David Bardos (RDA Riverina Board), Ray Willis (RDA Riverina Board), Rachel Whiting (CEO & Director of Regional Development, RDA Riverina)

The results of the Riverina Skills Study were released on Tuesday the 12th of October 2021 and show the extent of the skills shortage in the region.

The study was conducted by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina and was partially funded by Charles Sturt University’s AgriPark Seed Fund.

More than 164 survey respondents, eight focus group participants and seven interview participants provided feedback through surveys, focus groups and one-on-one interviews. The skills study aimed to understand what skills are in short supply, what future skills will be needed and collaborations necessary to deliver solutions to meet the projected growth of the region.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement in Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga Samantha Beresford said the University was proud to be involved in an initiative that delivers an important assessment for the region. “The RDA has shown tremendous leadership in highlighting key issues and engaging industry and community in this important conversation,” she said. “As an anchor institute in the Riverina, it is important that the University has a deep understanding of how we can help address skills shortages and workforce development to ensure the prosperity and growth of this wonderful region.”

CEO and Director of Regional Development for RDA Riverina Rachel Whiting said the collaboration with the University provided a model to use with other regional universities. “We are very excited to be able to deliver the work that was conducted over the last two years,” she said. “This support (by Charles Sturt University) demonstrates the importance of the research presented in the Riverina Skills Study.”

This project is funded by the AgriPark Seed Fund.

For more information or to access a printed copy of the report please contact Rachel Whiting (ceo@rdariverina.org.au) or Melanie Renkin (research@rdariverina.org.au)

Image Description: Launch of the Riverina Skills Study. Pictured on the left is Samantha Beresford (Director, External Engagement, Wagga Wagga & Albury-Wodonga, Charles Sturt University) and on the right is Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development, RDA Riverina).

A Roof Over Her Head: Women, Homelessness and Affordable Housing in the Riverina

The A Roof Over Her Head: Women, Homelessness and Affordable Housing in the Riverina the online event hosted by the Country Women’s Association (CWA) Riverina Group was held on Wednesday 22 September.  

More than 80 people joined us via Zoom to listen to online to guest speakers Lynne Graham (Carevan Wagga Wagga Inc.), Wendy Middleton (Argyle Housing), Belinda McMahon (Sisters Housing Enterprises Inc.) and Dr Joe McGirr MP, Member for Wagga Wagga. 

Watch the Recording

Share the Link

A recording of the online is available via the following link: https://youtu.be/LqU_pBHGgew. We encourage you to use this link to listen or listen again if you joined the conversation on Wednesday night. Most importantly, this link is available for you to share with your fellow CWA members, friends and colleagues and continue to raise awareness of the important issue of homelessness and the need for social and affordable housing in rural and regional NSW, and the solutions being provided by Carevan, Argyle Housing and Sisters Housing Enterprises. 

Q&As 

The answers to the questions raised by participants during the online event have been captured and answered by our guest speakers. Click below to download the Q&A document.

Make a Donation 

Donations can be made direct to Carevan or Sisters Housing Enterprises by contacting the organisations.

• Carevan
  Email: carevanwagga@gmail.com
  

• Sisters Housing Enterprises Inc.

  Phone: 02 6291 6793

  Email: info@sistershousing.org.au

Please note: Carevan is the current CWA Riverina Group Project. A number of  Branches have already made a donation to Carevan. However, Branches which have not yet made a donation may wish to do so by contacting Lynne Grahame at Carevan using the above email address.

Find Out More 

Visit the organisation’s websites for more information about what they do: 

Carevan Wagga Wagga Inc.

Sisters Housing Enterprises Inc.

Argyle Housing

Thank you for your support.

Feedback

Printed in the Daily Advertiser on the 30th of September 2021

Printed in the Daily Advertiser on the 28th of September 2021

RDA Riverina supported this event as part of our capacity building to local community organisations

NSW Growing Regions of Welcome Pilot Program

Monique Lerchner, NSW GROW Backbone Coordinator

The three-year NSW Growing Regions of Welcome (NSW GROW) pilot program aims to strengthen regional community capability to attract and retain newcomers and assist with relocation to the Riverina and Murray areas.

The NSW Coordinator General for Settlement, Professor Peter Shergold says NSW GROW reflects the strong cross-sector relationships across all levels of government, community, and industry to support successful settlement and strong NSW communities.

“This program will address critical workforce needs in regional NSW that would usually be filled through overseas migration.“

“NSW GROW will support coordinated efforts across sectors to create secondary migration linkages between western Sydney and regional NSW and drive sustainable social and economic outcomes for participating regional communities and newcomers alike.”

In western Sydney, a Regional Employment Hub will provide a gateway for interested western Sydney-based newcomers to connect with identified opportunities in the regions.

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

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

Building on the past 12 months of work by Faye Anderson (Migrant Economic Partnership Coordinator), Monique will work with Multicultural NSW and the Red Cross to resettle newcomers from Western Sydney into the region to meet the economic and social needs of the local LGAs and communities. While disruptions due to COVID-19 are still occurring Monique will facilitate introductions between local businesses facing staff shortages with local migrants who are already in the region and open to new job opportunities.

Rachel Whiting, the CEO of RDA Riverina says the level of job vacancy advertisements in the Riverina has reached a 10-year high. “We have more jobs than people in the Riverina. NSW GROW is another strategy to contribute to RDA Riverina’s workforce development plan for the region. We know our communities are welcoming of newcomers, and we look forward to working with LGAs like Leeton and Temora Shires to welcome more people and match them with employers’ needs.” Multicultural NSW received $3 million funding from Training Services NSW to deliver the pilot program. For more information about Multicultural NSW, please visit: www.multicultural.nsw.gov.au.