Elecnor Australia Camp Tour | Lockhart

Amanda and Rachel along with RDA Deputy Chair Patrica Wilkinson were fortunate to attend a tour of Elecnor Australia’s camp at Lockhart recently along with a group from REROC. It was very informative to see the way workers are living as they build the high voltage transmission lines for Transgrid as well as the start of the tower build in the east of Project Energy Connect. Thank you to Jo and her team from Elecnor Australia for the tour and lunch and to Julie and the REROC team for the invitation.

DEVELOPMENT OFFICER FORUM | 6TH JUNE 2024, NARRANDERA

RDA Riverina staff, and stakeholder EDO Forum attendees enjoying the Lake Talbot Skywalk in Narrandera.

Amanda Cappello (Operations Manager, Regional Development Australia Riverina)

Geoff Reardon (Regional Manager Murray Riverina, Industry Capability Network)

Craig Sinclair (Economic Development Manager, Temora Shire Council)

David Saunderson (Telstra)

A wonderful day filled with valuable networking opportunities, and hearing from incredible speakers. The day kicked of with a bus tour exploring Narrandera Shire Council, including the breathtaking skywalk over Lake Talbot and showcased the investments into our region's tourism infrastructure.
A range of topics were covered from the latest updates about the DAMA, Transgrid, Housing now campaign, Telstra and many more. Wrapping up the day with an engaging round table discussion. If you would like to attend one of our Economic Development Officer Forums, watch our upcoming events page

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

Serena Hardwick (Regional Director Riverina Murray, Business NSW)

Dale Stringer (Chief Knowledge Broker, SNSW Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub)

Bus Tour

Roundtable Discussion

Narrandera Water Tower Art

Riverina Discovery Weekend and Country Change Expo 2024 Report Now Available

A full report including survey results from the 2024 Riverina Discovery Weekend and Country Change Expo is now available.

With approximately 300 people attending the expo and 73 detailed surveys completed after 90 expressions of interest before the event, the expo was hailed a successful first event of this kind in Wagga Wagga.

People attending were very pleased that they came along. The majority of people attending gave the expo experience a 10/10 with an average of 9. 100 % of people said they would encourage others to attend future Riverina Discovery Weekend and Country Change Expos.

Some of the comments from participants about what they would have liked to see at a future expo were:

• Schools exhibiting,

• More employers exhibiting,

• More service clubs, arts groups and other exhibits with

• More people to speak to about the region.

People attending the Welcome to Wagga event hosted by Committee4Wagga loved it. It was the largest welcome event Committee4Wagga have hosted. The venue of the Riverside Precinct at Wagga Beach was a hit, showcasing the natural beauty of the Murrumbidgee River and the extensive landscaping with BBQ, picnic area and playground Wagga Wagga City Council have invested in.

Tours were conducted by bus to Temora and Leeton. Self-drive tours for Wagga Wagga and Snowy Valleys were advertised. Murrumbidgee Trails points of visitation were marketed at the Country Change Expo.

"Until coming here and experiencing this, I didn’t know what a regional lifestyle looked like. But now, it's the place I want to permanently call home”.

We had fantastic partners in Committee4Wagga, Workforce Australia, Multicultural NSW - NSW GROW, The Griffith Welcome Experience and Silver Sponsor McGrath Riverina.

A big thank you to our venue hosts Transgrid, our local council participants Temora Shire Council and all of our incredible stallholders. Thank you to Blue Clay Creatives - Content Strategists for capturing the highlights and King Events for organising the magic.

This event would not have been possible without all of the support from everyone that attended and who worked behind the scenes to make it all happen. Looking forward to what comes next!

Riverina Discovery Weekend and Country Change Expo Partners

Silver Sponsor

The Grass is Greener with Griffith Connection

With the community behind you, the grass can be greener on the other side.

The idea of uprooting your life for a country change is daunting for the best of us. For some it's the geography of the neighbourhood that represents the biggest upheaval. For those moving internationally, it's a grand departure from many social and cultural norms that guide everyday life.

Most of us want a sign that we have made the right decision for ourselves and our families. We want to feel our new home is going to embrace us and provide a nurturing and desirable place to live and thrive.

For 200+ new arrivals to Griffith since 2023, this sign has come in the shape of Griffith Connection; a series of social networking events that bring together new members of our community with locals to share the unique opportunities and quality liveability that our region has to offer.

Geared towards supporting new workers to find their footing here, Griffith Connection is a joint venture of the Griffith Business Chamber, Griffith City Council and Regional Development Australia Riverina.

“As a community, we not only need new workers to move to Griffith – we also need them to stay.  The success of this model has been built on a mix of collaboration from individuals, families, community organisations and businesses whose aim is to build trust in existing and new social and recreational networks that welcome new workers to town,” said John Nikolic, President Griffith Business Chamber.

“We believe that providing positive experiences during the settlement phase and feeling connected will encourage them to stay”

In the latest instalment of the event series, Griffith Pioneer Park and Museum hosted and treated over 70 new arrivals, their families and welcoming locals to fresh made pizza, bocce and other sports on the lawns of the Italian Museum. The crowd pleaser of Sunday’s event was the guided train tour giving new arrivals an insight into the highlights of our multicultural heritage and workforce and its influence on our regional city.

Each event is designed to showcase Griffith’s assets with previous well attended events at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery, Griffith Regional Theatre and ROR. Attendees have come away with contacts for daycare services, recreational activities, work opportunities, new community and education connections and new friends. As a 6-yr old new arrival from Sudan excitedly exclaimed on Sunday, 'I am so happy, I have made my first new friend!'

With strong support and collaboration from Griffith Business Chamber and Griffith City Council, Griffith Connection has become an integral and evolving part of The Griffith Welcome Experience managed by RDA Riverina.

“Griffith Connection is a process that takes time, energy and is ever-evolving. The task is never complete, but it makes Griffith a more desirable place to live and it’s the overwhelming response on Sunday that highlights what strength these occasions bring to our community. On Sunday we even had interest from new arrivals wishing to fill volunteer positions with two community organisations” said Marg Couch RDA Riverina Manager Griffith Welcome Experience.

Special thanks must go to welcoming locals who are some of Griffith’s greatest ambassadors and volunteers - John and Romina Tappi, Julie O’Keeffe, Denis Couch, Shari Blumer, Blue Menzies and Danny Roller. Thank you to our sponsors and partners Griffith Business Chamber, Griffith City Council, Pioneer Park Playgroup, Griffith Pioneer Park and Museum, Griffith Tourism Hub, Belvedere Restaurant and Calabria Wines.

We look forward to our next event at the end of June. Follow us on Facebook @GriffithConnection to keep up to date with our upcoming events.

Riverina Discovery Weekend and Country Change Expo 2024

We would like to extend a big thank you to organisations and individuals who supported the Riverina Discovery Weekend and Country Change Expo on the 20th and 21st April. The weather was perfect and the expo attracted a diverse crowd, with visitors from Sydney, other capital cities, and inquisitive locals engaging with employers and exploring various industry opportunities.

We had around 300 people attend the expo and 73 detailed surveys were completed. People attending were very pleased that they came along. The majority of people attending gave the expo experience a 10/10 with an average of 9/10. 100% of people said they would encourage others to attend future Riverina Discovery Weekend and Country Change Expos.

Atendees were able to explore real estate opportunities in the Riverina through McGrath Riverina, builders and housing solutions through HIA, NGH Consulting and Heuldins, education pathways with Charles Sturt University and TAFE and an understanding of opportunities in the greater region through the Country Change, Temora Shire and Griffith Welcome Experience stands. The free coffee for surveys at nearby cafes was well received by local business and those attending the expo.

Some of the comments from participants about what they would have liked to see at a future expo were:

1. Schools exhibiting

2. More employers exhibiting

3. More exhibits and people to speak to about the region.

The venue of the Transgrid Discovery Hub worked really well. Thank you to Transgrid for the use of their new community discovery hub.

The Riverina Discovery weekend consisted of more than the just a regional lifestyle expo. RDA Riverina were very pleased to partner with Committee4Wagga for the Welcome to Wagga event at the Riverside Precinct at Wagga Beach. This location was an excellent fit for welcoming newcomers and showing off the river to potential relocators.

As part of the NSW GROW pilot program, we welcomed a busload of people from Sydney interested in relocating to the Riverina. These potential relocators attended the expo and the Welcome to Wagga event before touring Leeton and Temora on Sunday. Self-drive tours were advertised for Wagga Wagga and Snowy Valleys.

Our partnership with Workforce Australia's Local Jobs Program also saw Sureway speaking to clients and other local and potential relocator jobs seekers about opportunities in the region. They also utilised the opportunity to link job seekers to the business that attended searching for staff such as Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Proway and Flipscreen.

Thank you to The Riverina Discovery Weekend and Country Change Expo 2024 partners: Committee4Wagga, Workforce Australia, NSW GROW, Country Change, The Griffith Welcome Experience and Silver Sponsor McGrath Riverina.

 A big thank you to our venue hosts, Transgrid, our local council participants Temora Shire Council, Committee 4 Wagga and all of our incredible stallholders. Thank you to Blue Clay Creatives - Content Strategists for capturing the highlights and King Events for organising the magic and our Silver Sponsor McGrath Riverina.

This event would not have been possible without all of the support from everyone that attended and who worked behind the scenes to make it all happen. Looking forward to what comes next!

Country Change: Your Gateway to Discovering NSW’s Vibrant Riverina and Murray Regions

RDA Riverina proudly unveils its latest initiative, https://www.countrychange.com.au/, an immersive online platform designed to provide invaluable insights into the vibrant regions of the Riverina and Murray in New South Wales. With a focus on facilitating workforce attraction, this website serves as the ultimate resource for potential relocators and new residents looking to learn more about the opportunities and lifestyle offerings in these picturesque locales.

Country Change offers a wealth of information tailored to meet the needs of individuals considering a move to the area. From job opportunities and housing affordability to details about schools and the unique lifestyle available, this platform covers it all. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive content, visitors can easily explore and discover the myriad benefits of calling the Riverina and Murray regions home.

Key Features of Country Change include:

• Real-life case studies of individuals who have successfully made the move, providing firsthand accounts and insights.

• Engaging video tours highlighting the charm and attractions of various towns within the regions.

• Interactive maps offering a detailed look at each town's amenities, services, and attractions.

• Contact details for personalised assistance and support, ensuring a seamless transition for those considering relocation.

The Country Change program, a longstanding Riverina driven initiative, rebirthed by RDA Riverina in 2009, has undergone a full makeover beginning in 2023 and finalised with the launch of this website. This iteration incorporates a full rebrand, redeveloped website with new and updated information and images, and a new and improved version of the Country Change magazine (launched in February 2024), all made possible by RDA Riverina's Workforce Development Strategic Partnership with Transgrid.

The Country Change program previously covered the Riverina region and, thanks to this funding, has now expanded to cover the Murray region, in collaboration with RDA Murray. The Country Change program is a joint marketing effort between RDA Riverina, local governments, and other partners like Committee4Wagga, to address workforce development in the region. It works in tandem with RDA Riverina's other projects, including Jobs Riverina Murray, The Welcome Experience Griffith, and the NSW Growing Regions of Welcome pilot.

Rachel Whiting, CEO at RDA Riverina, expressed her excitement about the launch, stating, "Country Change is a testament to our commitment to showcasing the incredible opportunities and lifestyle offerings available in our regions. Whether you're seeking a career change, a better quality of life, or simply a change of scenery, our website is your ultimate guide to exploring the endless possibilities awaiting you in the Riverina and Murray."

"Country Change represents a pivotal step forward in our efforts to showcase the diverse opportunities and vibrant communities within the Murray region. This collaboration with RDA Riverina underscores our shared commitment to fostering economic growth and attracting talented individuals to our region. With the expansion of the program and the launch of this innovative website, we are excited to welcome prospective relocators and new residents, inviting them to discover the boundless potential of the Murray region." - Edwina Hayes, CEO of RDA Murray

"As a partner of RDA Riverina, Transgrid is proud to support initiatives like Country Change that drive economic development and prosperity in regional NSW. Through our strategic partnership, we are committed to empowering communities by facilitating access to valuable resources and opportunities.” – Maryanne Graham, Executive General Manager – Corporate & Stakeholder Affairs, Transgrid

Experience the charm and potential of the Riverina and Murray regions by visiting Country Change Riverina and Murray NSW at https://www.countrychange.com.au/.

Summer 2023-2024 Country Change Magazine Out Now!

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina is excited to announce the launch of the latest edition of the Country Change magazine featuring a major rebrand. The branding update brings an expanded fresh new look and feel to the program. Additionally, a new redeveloped Country Change website with updated branding, expanded features and enhanced user experience is set to launch soon.

The Country Change campaign, jointly funded by RDA Riverina and partnering members, continues to be a vital initiative in attracting new residents and businesses to the Riverina. The program has recently extended its reach to include the Murray region, in partnership with RDA Murray. This expansion has been made possible through funding as part of Transgrid and RDA Riverina’s $1.5 million Workforce Development Strategic Partnership. This Strategic Partnership also supports the Jobs Riverina Murray platform, a perfect complement to the Country Change program, helping newcomers find employment opportunities.

The Country Change program has long been a cornerstone of our efforts to promote the Riverina region as an ideal destination for families and businesses seeking a change of pace, with new opportunities now extending to include the Murray region. With its updated branding and coming website, we aim to continue facilitating connections between newcomers and the vibrant communities of the Riverina and Murray.

"We are thrilled to launch latest edition of Country Change Magazine featuring the new branding," says Rachel Whiting, Director of Regional Development and CEO of RDA Riverina. "This refreshed brand resonates deeply with our regional identity, incorporating a palette that reflects the vibrant colours of the Riverina Murray region, seamlessly complementing the essence of our region and key message that the Riverina Murray region is a great place to call home.”

The refreshed branding and magazine will be launched today at Griffith Connection, a social networking collective that welcomes new workers to town and keeps them updated on what’s happening in Griffith. Griffith Connection is a proud partnership of Griffith City Council, Griffith Business Chamber and The Griffith Welcome Experience, a pilot program funded by the Department of Regional NSW. At its core, the Griffith Welcome Experience provides essential government workers and their families with the support they need to move into regional communities, settle in and become one of the locals. Marg Couch, our dedicated Local Connector based in Griffith, is ready help with any questions you have about life in the region.

For those interested in exploring the possibilities of a Country Change, we invite you to follow us on social media though our Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube channels. Discover the stories of families who have made the move and learn more about the vibrant communities that await you in the Riverina Murray. Watch this space for news of the website launch.

We look forward to welcoming you to our region.

2022-2023 Land Monitor Report Release

The 2022-2023 edition of the Wagga Land Monitor Report has been released. This report provides a summary of the supply and demand of vacant land in Wagga Wagga.

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.