On Thursday, 27 November 2025, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina and Murray, in partnership with The Energy Charter, hosted two pivotal events at the Local Land Service Mawambul Training Centre, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga: the Regional Energy Accord Business Workshop and the Regional Energy Accord Roundtable.

On 25 November 2025, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina partnered with EnergyCo and Charles Sturt University to deliver the first Biosecurity Training for the Renewable Energy Industry at the AgriPark on Charles Sturt University’s Wagga Wagga Campus.

Grow Our Own, together with Griffith Business Chamber, and our local education providers are proud to host ‘Behind the School Gates Tours’ in 2025. These ongoing tours are a FREE initiative to showcase the programs, state-of-the-art facilities and passionate educators supporting the next generation of our local workforce.

The Welcome Experience Program was delighted to greet four new Junior Medical Officers during their introduction last week. These doctors commenced their 12-week rotation at Griffith Base Hospital on Monday 17 November, and will remain until 30 January 2026.

RDA Riverina was proud to partner with Temora Shire Council to host the Temora Connect Welcoming Event, a vibrant afternoon that brought together new residents, essential workers, families, and long-time locals in a celebration of connection and community spirit at Lake Centenary.

There is no better time in the Riverina for new arrivals to connect socially with locals. The Welcome Experience social networking program rolled out its Spring Fling events in the western Riverina to celebrate not only the season but also our welcoming communities.

The final Country Change Expo for 2025 took place in Griffith on 25 October, and it was a resounding success!  Visitors spent the day connecting with local councils, employers and community organisations, gaining first-hand insights into the lifestyle, career opportunities, and welcoming spirit that make Griffith and the wider Riverina region such a vibrant place to live and work.

GOO has had a busy month across the Riverina attending and supporting various events and programs.

Tumut recently witnessed one of its biggest and most heart-warming community gatherings through the Tumut Welcoming Event on 10th October 2025, a special evening that brought together locals, new residents, community leaders, and cultural groups to celebrate belonging and connection.

Hui and Channa, relocated to Griffith from China via Adelaide with their two teenage children when Channa accepted a full-time teaching role. Having moved often, they approached the transition with open minds, focusing on work and community rather than expectations. A pre-move visit and warm welcome from Local Connector Marg Couch, RDA Riverina, and Projects Officer, Katie Pastro, RDA Riverina helped them solidify their decision.

Throughout August, Katie Pastro, Projects officer - Grow Our Own Western Riverina, has been busy coordinating a series of industry tours aimed at showing high school students the wide range of career opportunities available across the Riverina.

The Welcome Experience program was proudly showcased to NSW Ambulance officers during the Wagga Wagga regional conference on the 11th June 2025. Our local connector Jay presented an insightful overview of how to the program plays a vital role in supporting new team members transitioning into the workforce and settling successfully within the community.

Grow Our Own (GOO) was proud to be an exhibitor at the recent Western Riverina Career Roadshow, held at Leeton High School. Representing GOO were Katie Pastro Projects Officer RDA Riverina, and Amanda Cappello Operations Manager RDA Riverina both passionate advocates for local career development and regional opportunities.

On Tuesday 17 of June Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager of RDA Riverina, visited Indie School to promote career pathways in the Riverina region through the Grow Our Own program.

Last week, Grow Our Own East supported The Riverina Anglican College by participating in mock interviews. Our members generously donated their time across three sessions to help Year 12 students gain real-world experience by practicing what it's like to participate in a professional job interview.

Marg Couch, Local Connector for the Welcome Experience Program in the Riverina, recently attended the Griffith Base Hospital Redevelopment Community Open Day Tour. An incredible event that brought new essential workers and local residents together in a spirit of connection and celebration.