Griffith Social Networking Event | Train, Tour, and Turban

L to R - Caprice Skinner, Magot Griffith Rotary, and Elroy Gonzales Murrumbidgee Irrigation

On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Griffith Pioneer Park and Museum hosted the second social networking event of the year, the Train, Tour, and Turban Event. Marg Couch, Local Connector for The Welcome Experience Program, was among the attendees for the event that celebrated the history of Griffith and the positive influence of the Sikh community through the travelling exhibition, “Our Southwest Sikhs”. These events are an excellent opportunity for newcomers to Griffith to meet others and build community connection. The gathering brought together over 60 participants, including teachers, health workers, local business employers, new employees, welcoming locals, and their families.

The event featured a delightful light lunch, engaging lawn activities, and an informative train tour of the park. Attendees also enjoyed a self-guided tour of the original buildings and artifacts that highlight Griffith's rich history as a vibrant, multicultural regional city.

A standout feature of the event was the museum's first-ever traveling exhibition, "Our Southwest Sikhs." This exhibition charts the remarkable journey of Sikh migration in Australia, celebrating the contributions of Griffith's Sikh community from the early 70s to the present day in various fields such as farming, sports, and civil service.

The event was supported by partners like Griffith Business Chamber, Griffith City Council, and The Welcome Experience. Local welcomers played a vital role in networking and providing valuable information and solutions to help new arrivals settle into the community.

Image: Griffith Connections sign

Image: Channa Phillip family, with Mampuya family

Image: Omer and family

Image L to R: Welcoming Locals Nadia Mancini and Shireen Donaldson

2025 Youth Advisory Group (YAG) National Youth Week Workshops

This month Katie Pastro, Projects Officer for Grow Our Own Western Riverina, had the opportunity to be a workshop host at the 2025 Youth Advisory Group (YAG) National Youth Week Workshops, an initiative by Griffith City Council.

Katie's workshop, co-presented with Maddi Ramponi from Country University Centre, was a comprehensive guide to job readiness, covering essential topics such as crafting standout resumes, highlighting key elements to include, and strategies to present oneself as the ideal candidate. She also shared valuable interview tips and tricks and provided insights into what to expect in the workplace, ensuring participants felt well-prepared for their future careers.

The workshop was a resounding success, attracting 15 local high school students, as well as Melissa Cartzian, Community Development Coordinator, Griffith City Council, and Charli Scott, Trainee Economic Development Officer at Griffith City Council. The students gained practical knowledge and confidence to navigate the job market. Katie's  and Maddi’s expertise and engaging presentation style made the session both informative and enjoyable for all participants.

Launch of Major Project Workforce Histogram and ECEC Report at Economic Development Officer Forum | March 2025

L to R - Dianna Somerville RDA Riverina Chair, Nicole Ryan General Manager of Government Stakeholder & Advocacy Transgrid, Melanie Rankin Research Officer RDA Riverina, Rachel Whiting CEO RDA Riverina, Trish Marinozzi Senior Manager Strategic Engagement and Integration Transgrid, and Matt Holt Tourism and Economic Development Officer Lockhart Shire Council.

Rachel Whiting, CEO, Regional Development Australia Riverina

On March 27, 2025, RDA Riverina and AusIndustry, in partnership with Lockhart Shire Council, hosted the Economic Development Officer Forum at The Rock. Attendees heard from various guest speakers, including representatives from Lockhart Shire Council, Destination Riverina Murray, Business NSW, Inland Rail, Transgrid, Telstra, and NBN co.

The event commenced with Cr Peter Sharp, Mayor of Lockhart Shire Council, giving an Acknowledgement of Country and a warm welcome to attendees.

Julia Ham, Principal Consultant, Early Childhood Quality Services

During the forum, RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting launched two pivotal reports: the ‘Early Childhood Education and Care in the Riverina’ and the ‘Workforce Histogram’. The Early Childhood Education and Care in the Riverina report addresses the critical shortages of childcare services, providing local evidence to the Regional Australia Institute’s findings that 35% of Australian’s live in “Childcare deserts”. This report aims to inform policy, drive strategic planning, and foster collaboration to benefit the Riverina region economically and socially. It includes extensive data analysis, consultations with ECEC professionals, and surveys of providers and parents. Guest Speaker and ECEC Consultant Julia Ham emphasised the critical importance of early childhood education and care and shared further information, underscoring the urgency of addressing childcare shortages.

Nicole Ryan, Transgrid’s General Manager of Government Stakeholder & Advocacy, highlighted their Strategic Partnership with RDA Riverina. Part of the $1.5 million Workforce Development Strategic Partnership included their commitment to assist research and advocacy projects on issues of concern within the region.

Melanie Renkin, RDA’s Research Officer, guided attendees through the detailed data of the Workforce Histogram report. Her presentation shed light on the projected demand for labour and skills in the Riverina and Murray regions over the next 3-5 years, driven by significant infrastructure projects. The workforce Histogram report, stemming from the RDA Riverina Major Projects Engagement Session in late 2022, highlights the significant employment demand due to major infrastructure projects exceeding $500 million. RDA Riverina are committed to releasing further updates to the Workforce Histogram as more major projects provide the data.

The event also featured several notable guest speakers. Matt Holt, Tourism and Economic Development Officer from Lockhart Shire Council, provided insightful updated on local initiatives. Yvette Myhill, General Manager of Destination Riverina Murray, delivered an engaging tourism presentation that highlighted the region’s attraction and growth opportunities. Grant Johnston from Inland Rail shared progress on the major infrastructure project while Serena Hardwick, Regional Director of Business NSW, presented the 2024 Workforce Skills Survey, offering valuable insights into the challenges and strategies for addressing skills needs in NSW. Finally, the NBN Regional Engagement Manager discussed recent upgrades, future technology plans, and improvements in fibre and speed enhancements, promising a more connected future for the region.

The event concluded with a tour of The Rock Regional Observatory; an experience that was highly valued by attendees.

Melanie Rankin, Research Officer, Regional Development Australia Riverina

Andrew Cottrill, Regional Engagement Manager, NBN Local

Forum Attendees

The Rock Regional Observatory

Nicole Ryan, General Manager of Government Stakeholder & Advocacy, Transgrid

Matt Holt, Tourism and Economic Development Officer, Lockhart Shire Council

Forum Attendees

The Rock Regional Observatory

2024 Wagga Land Monitor Report Released

Launched on the 24th February in Wagga Wagga, The Land Monitor Report 2023-24 offers an analysis of vacant land supply, demand, and housing trends in the Wagga Wagga local government area. Population growth is putting strain on the housing market as projections indicate a need for 222 new homes annually, whilst lot production decreased 43.4% this year. Decreasing land availability contributes to rising land prices, rents, and house values, negatively impacting the local economy with significant losses in potential output and jobs.

The report is the result of a collaboration between Regional Development Australia Riverina, the Housing Industry Australia Wagga branch, and Committee4Wagga.

The report examines vacant lot distribution across suburbs, time to build, lot sizes, and future residential development potential. Additionally, the report looks at building approvals, and the median cost of construction as well as vacant land. Click here to view the report and here to access historical reports since 2019.

L - R: Dr Joe McGirr MP, NSW Member for Wagga Wagga; Melanie Renkin, Research Officer at RDA Riverina; Tony Balding, HIA Wagga branch ; Scott Sanbrook, CEO of Committee4Wagga; Richard Pottie, Managing Director of Ladex Construction Group Pty Ltd; Rachel Whiting, CEO of RDA Riverina; Mark Hillis, RDA Riverina Board Member

Country Change Update | March 2025

The Country Change team have been working hard this month planning for the upcoming 2025 - 2026 Country Change program year. Fresh designs were created, and membership proposals were sent out to LGA’s across the Riverina and Murray regions. We look forward to working with our members on this successful program.

"You Should Be a Cop in Your Hometown" NSW Police Southern Recruitment Roadshow in Wagga Wagga

Police Recruitment Roadshow Attendees

L to R - Tina Davies NSWPF Recruitment Branch, Hon. Yasmin Catley, Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, and Jayadev Ajayakumar Local Connector

RDA Riverina’s Welcome Experience Local Connector Jay, had the opportunity to attend the "You Should Be a Cop in Your Hometown" NSW Police Southern Recruitment Roadshow in Wagga Wagga—a powerful initiative focused on bringing police officers back to their hometowns.

The roadshow isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about strengthening regional communities with local recruits who understand the people, the culture, and the challenges unique to their towns. By attracting officers who have deep roots in their communities, this initiative is ensuring a stronger, more connected future for regional NSW.

During the event, Jay had the privilege of discussing the impact of the Welcome Experience with Hon. Yasmin Catley, Minister for Police and Counter-Terrorism, and Dr. Joe McGirr MP. They explored how the Riverina Welcome Experience is helping new recruits and their families settle in, ensuring they feel at home from day one. As Jay shared, “Small gestures make a big impact.”

Local Connector Jayadev Ajayakumar and Dr. Joe McGir MP, NSW Member for Wagga Wagga

With 12 regional areas targeted this year, the NSW Police Force is tackling a long-standing challenge—attracting and retaining skilled professionals in regional towns—with a sustainable, place-based solution.

Jay was proud to stand alongside the dedicated NSW Police Force, shaping the future of regional NSW. This is community-building in action!

The Welcome Experience in Griffith: Meet and Mingle Event

L to R - Mihaela Homjak NSW Health, Ferdinand & Solange Mumapuya Your Health, Marg Couch TWE Local Connector, Lauren Carnell CBA.

The Welcome Experience’s collaborative support approach, encompassing partner employment assistance and cultural integration, was proudly showcased at the Griffith Connection Meet and Mingle event held on Thursday, 27 February, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. This event for new arrivals was a resounding success, attracting over 65 attendees, including healthcare professionals, educators, emergency service workers, business and industry personnel, partners, families, and community members.

Coordinated by The Welcome Experience Local Connector Marg Couch, with major supporters Griffith Business Chamber and Griffith City Council, Meet and Mingle is the first welcoming event for 2025. The event, held at ROR on Yambil Street, saw a diverse turnout with 33 essential workers, 20 business and industry representatives, 10 children, and 4 community embassador’s. Securing the participation of various community stakeholders provided many opportunities, including an invitation by Val OMeara for new arrivals to attend a Griffith Avanti Rotary Breakfast to learn about community projects. New arrivals also learnt about local food and wine experiences from Bella Vita Tours and received additional goodies in their welcome pack, including free produce and vouchers from businesses such as Griffith City Cinema, Star Bowling and Limone Cafe and Dining.

L to R Ben Broek, Broek’s Building & Will Phillips, G.J. Gardner Homes

Crowd at the Meet and Mingle Event

L to R Val OMeara Avanti Rotary and Marg Couch TWE Local Connector

L to R Jess Hu CSU, Will Grossa and Ruben Najir Flavourtech

L to R - John Nikolic Griffith Business Chamber and Marg Couch TWE Local Connector

L to R Simone Murphy Intereach, Carmel La Rocca Multicultural Council, Shari Blumer Griffith City Council, Cai Halroyd Area News.

Mount AustIn Mock Interviews

Photo: Amanda Cappello, Erin Hallcroft, Mark Hillis, and Paul Gianniotis

On Wednesday, 12 March, Grow Our Own, in collaboration with The Smith Family, organised mock interviews at Mount Austin High School. These interviews were designed to prepare students for real-world job interviews, with around 25-30 students participating in the event.

The mock interviews were conducted by a team of eight mentors, including Amanda Cappello (Operations Manager, RDA-Riverina), Mark Hills (Board Member, RDA-Riverina), Paul Gianniotis, and Erin Hallcroft (Grow Our Own member and Resource Manager, Thomas Brothers). This initiative is part of Grow Our Own’s ongoing partnership with The Smith Family, which has created a supportive pathway to employment for local students.

Erin Hallcroft (Grow Our Own Member) conducting mock interviews

Mark Hillis (RDA-Riverina Board Member) conducting mock interviews

Grow Our Own March 2025 Update - Behind School Gates Tour

L to R - Murrumbidgee Regional High School (Griffith site) Staff and Local Industry Representatives.

Grow Our Own (West) has celebrated another successful month in 2025. March kicked off with the first ‘Behind the School Gates Tour’ of the year, in collaboration with Griffith Business Chamber, hosted at Murrumbidgee Regional High School (Griffith site).   

Audience at the ‘Behind the School Gates Tour’ at Murrumbidgee Regional High School (Griffith Site)

The ‘Behind the School Gates’ event series is a free initiative designed to showcase the innovative programs, state of the art facilities and passionate educators to our local industry. These tour’s also foster a valuable and supportive connection between education providers and local industry. By establishing this connection, we aim to demonstrate that students are more ‘career ready’ than ever. In doing so, we are creating and building a stronger foundation for the future of our local workforce.  

Audience at the ‘Behind the School Gates Tour’ at Murrumbidgee Regional High School (Griffith Site)

This initial event held on 6th March was attended by 30 industry representatives, with outstanding feedback from both the school hosts and industry who attended.  

Grow Our Own (West) wish to thank Duncan Lovelock (Principal), Melina Regusa (Careers Advisor) and the incredibly passionate staff of Murrumbidgee Regional High for the support shown to this new event series, and their ongoing relationship with both the Grown Our Own committee and the extended Griffith business community.   

Registrations are now open for the Term 2 event, to be hosted by Wade High School on 19th June.  

Country Change update | February 2025

Country Change has begun 2025 with a bang, featuring the Murray River and Temora LGAs in January and following that up with Griffith and Narrandera in February. Next up, we have Berrigan Shire featured in March. Make sure you don’t miss out on the great stories we’re showcasing by signing up to the Country Change newsletter.

On February 13 representatives from 15 member LGAs got together with RDA Riverina and Laticia from Blue Clay to discuss the exciting opportunities planned for 2025.

Amongst the usual activities of highlighting the Riverina and Murray regions and why they are such fantastic places to live, there are plans to hold another Country Change Expo, building on the success of last year’s Riverina Discovery Weekend and Country Change Expo. While the exact timing and location of the expo is yet to be determined, we can’t wait to welcome more potential relocators to our region.

Another exciting development for 2025 is Country Change’s involvement in the Sydney Film Festival as an advertising partner of Sydney Film Festival TV. Our films will be shown in Martin Place in Sydney’s CBD over the 12 day festival, which coincides with Vivid Sydney and the King’s Birthday long weekend.

Finally, Country Change is planning a regional photography and videography tour to capture some fresh imagery and footage to add to our extensive collection and help us to keep producing quality content.

RDA Riverina Strategic Priorities 2024/2025

Please see below the refreshed Strategic Priorities for the 2024/2025 year as determined by the RDA Riverina Board.

The Welcome Experience Expands into Western Riverina

A warm welcome to Maryann Lanelli who has come on board with the expansion phase of the Welcome Experience in the Riverina and has taken the position as the Local Welcomer for Leeton.

Since the launch in of the pilot in June 2023 through to the expansion of The Welcome Experience in the Riverina, the team have made a massive impact. We have helped over 100 essential workers settle into their new regional home in Griffith and Leeton by helping them find housing, childcare, employment opportunities for partners and making introductions to community organisations and locals.

In Griffith new teachers to Marian Catholic College were concierged into community and medical students welcomed during February. All new arrivals have been presented with Welcome Experience Kits packed with local services, amenities and all the information they need to live and connect with the Griffith Community. This service continues to support the delivery of a skilled and robust essential workforce in our region, paving the way for stronger, more resilient communities.

Veterinary workers - including vets, vet nurses, vet technicians and their families can now access The Welcome Experience program in 55 local government areas across the region. The Welcome Experience is part of the $25.1 million Essential Worker Attraction Program, which aims to boost essential workforces in the regions and includes the Make the Move advertising campaign.

To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the exciting opportunities that await those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience.

Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“The inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage highlighted key challenges facing regional veterinarians, including the need to travel long distances, difficulty finding suitable housing, and a lack of mentorship for new graduates.”

“These challenges mirror those faced by firefighters, who often relocate to regional areas where stable housing and community connections are critical for workforce retention”

Minister for Regional NSW.

Tumut: A Growing Destination for Essential Workers

Tumut is becoming an increasingly popular choice for essential workers, offering a blend of natural beauty, affordable living, and strong community support. Our Local Connector, Jay recently engaged with the Tumut community, providing valuable settlement support to the new Occupational Therapist who joined the Tumut Hospital. Since the start of this year, there has been a notable increase in interest from individuals considering Tumut as their preferred settlement location.

Jay also expressed gratitude to Business Snowy Valleys for the opportunity to present on The Welcome Experience. The feedback from employers, many of whom are grappling with staffing shortages, was overwhelmingly positive. Jay highlighted the importance of being closely connected with the business community, particularly when considering partner employment opportunities - one of the key factors families take into account when making decisions about long-term settlement.

This growing interest in Tumut highlights its appeal as a prime location for essential workers looking for a balance of work, lifestyle, and community.

To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the exciting opportunities that await those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience.

Building Bridges: Wagga Public School Principals Embrace the Welcome Experience

The Welcome Experience local connector Jay had a discussion with Wagga public school principals highlighting the growing challenge of teacher shortages and the role The Welcome Experience can play in addressing it. Principals are recognising the program’s value in supporting new staff and expressed their commitment to staying connected to enhance their transition.

A special thanks to Jenene McGrath, Director of Education, for her continuous support of The Welcome Experience program. This collaboration marks a significant step towards creating a more welcoming and supportive environment for educators in the Riverina.

If you are a teacher moving or considering moving to the Riverina, reach out to our Local Connectors to find out more about The Welcome Experience and the exciting opportunities that await those considering a move www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience.

Grow Our Own update | February 2025

The first quarter of 2025 has been busy as Grow Our Own industry liaison officers reconnect with careers advisors and workforce providers to firm up our collaborative Riverina calendars.

Each year as schools return, we regroup, ask questions of our stakeholders and wider communities, listening for the needs of our future workforce who are sitting in schools, looking at job, pathway and career opportunities.

Industry experiences are planned across the Riverina in the first half of this year that will inform work experience choices for students to try a trade, see themselves in the world of work, ask better questions and engage in forums and programs that our Riverina providers have in place.

Our steering committees will meet around the table in both Eastern and Western Riverina, to steer the focus of Grow Our Own for 2025 as a foundation for driving Regional NSW to long term sustainable economic success.  

Leeton Shire Council and Hay Shire Council announced as successful applicants of the Growing Regions Program - Round 2

Source: Growing Regions Program—Round 2 projects

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts recently announced the New South Wales: Growing Regions Program – Round 2 projects.  Leeton Shire Council and Hay Shire Council were among those successful applicants who will receive Commonwealth-approved funding as part of Growing Regions Program – Round 2.

Hay Shire Council will receive funding of $4,191,173 for the replacement of the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool (JHMS Pool). The project will deliver a new regional aquatic precinct, including a 50-metre competition pool. 15-metre learn-to-swim pool, and a zero-depth beach-style entry children’s pool, new shade and social inclusion areas, change facilities, a solar array and battery energy supply system, and an energy efficient water filtration system.

Leeton Shire Council will receive funding of $800,000 for the Leeton Roxy Theatre- Stage 2 project. This project will complete Stage 2 of the Roxy Community Theatre Redevelopment Masterplan through the delivery of a theatrette, a education studio, and AI/gaming workshop studio, and a function kitchen, café and bar, increasing the venue’s capacity and flexibility and conserve an iconic Art Deco heritage-listed building, and provide a new home for the Roxy Institute of Performing Arts. 

RDA Riverina Strategic Priorities 2024/2025

RDA Riverina recently held their third board meeting for 2024 in Coolamon. Board members met on September 5th for strategic planning, followed by lunch and a town tour with Coolamon Shire Council.

Please see below the refreshed Strategic Priorities for the 2024/2025 year as determined by the RDA Riverina Board.

RAI Regional Migration Network Forum in Wagga Wagga

The Right Skills in the Right Places: Building a Better Migrant Employment System for the Regions

Dr Sasha Block - Researcher from Regional Australia Institute

Aunty Mary Atkinson, welcoming the 100 attendees to Wiradjuri Lands

The Regional Migration Network Forum in Wagga Wagga was organised by the Regional Australia Institute in partnership with the Wagga Wagga City Council and Regional Development Australia Riverina, and held on 18th June 2024. NSW GROW Riverina Backbone Coordinator, Jayadev Ajayakumar, was honoured to serve on the panel, sharing his experiences and insights on the challenges and solutions to current regional skilled migration system from a migrant’s perspective. From an employer perspective, we were fortunate to have Sue Molyneaux, HR Manager from Casella Family Brands on the panel sharing the challenges faced by employers on finding employees in the Riverina.

The forum provided a crucial platform for discussing various issues, best practices, and policy recommendations related to regional migration and employment systems.

The forum delved into key topics such as:
- Ensuring the right skills come to the right places.
- Balancing the needs of regional communities, local economies, and the migration system.
- Creating employment pathways for regional residents from multicultural backgrounds.
The attendees included regional industries and employers, educational institutions, settlement services providers, and a diverse group of regional migrants including international students, temporary and permanent residents, and new Australians living in regional areas.

The discussions yielded several important takeaways:

- Migration is vital for filling vacancies and enriching the social fabric of our regions.
- A holistic approach, encompassing jobs, infrastructure, services, and community wellbeing, is crucial for supporting migration.
- Beyond economic contributions, migration significantly enhances the overall wellbeing and development of regional areas.
- Research underscores the importance of housing, childcare, welcoming programs, and settlement services in attracting and retaining migrants.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in making this forum and discussions so productive. Together, we're building a brighter future for our regional communities!

NSW Grow Riverina Backbone Coordinator, Jayadev Ajayakumar, speaking at the Regional Migration Network Forum.

The Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Federal Member for Riverina and Shadow Minister for International Development and the Pacific.

RDA Riverina Board Member and Mayor of Wagga Wagga, Dallas Tout.

Welcome and introductory remarks from Anna Stephenson, Education and Regional Impact Director, Regional Australia Institute

ORGANISING COMMITEE Anna Stephenson from RAI, Sue Hanrahan from Wagga Wagga City Council, Dr Sasha Block from RAI and Rachel Whiting from RDA Riverina at the Migration Forum in Wagga Wagga

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