RDASI is excited to be able to finally announce our successful tender bid to be the host agency for the new State government program, the Key Worker, Welcome experience in Goulburn. This is a pilot for the first twelve months, with the intention for it to run over three years and as such, we will be implementing the program whilst also providing direct intel to the state government to improve and develop the project moving forward.

With the next roadshow of Regional Connect events now locked in, we are very excited to announce an expansion of the program into Queanbeyan-Palerang and Hilltops. Government grants are available for a vast array of development programs and we are bringing our grants extraordinaire, Tash Maguire on tour to talk you through grant writing tips and tricks.

February was a jam packed month, which saw our Regional Connect events kick off for the year with a bang. They were so successful that we’re expanding them to include two additional LGAs. February also saw the regional visa program have another recent change in criteria, making it easier for skilled migrants to apply for the 491 visa.

Just like that we’re back to work and RDASI is kicking off the new year with a bang. We have four Regional Connect events being held over February in collaboration with our local chambers focussed on visas and migration. We are bringing the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) and Migration Institute Australia (MIA) to the regions to discuss the various programs they have directly with businesses. If you have challenges with staff acquisition, then get along to one of the locations listed below and ask questions directly to the experts.

Our team has been working at peak capacity and with that has come a succession of successful engagements. When we’re out in our regions, we make sure to speak to as many people as we can. We like to hear your perspectives, what’s challenging you and of course, what’s going really well. We meet with councils, tertiary educators, state government representatives, non-profit organisations, business advisors, chambers of commerce and most importantly businesses and the people who own and run them.

August has been another exceptionally busy month for RDASI. Many of our local industries have told us that workforce issues are critical and so RDASI is partnering with three local chambers, Business Southern Highlands, Goulburn Chamber of Commerce and Yass Chamber of Commerce to bring a specialist HR consultant to the regions.

Recently RDASI has been your voice in several strategic discussions for our region. Participating in the Southern NSW Destination plan update, the Regional Economic Development Strategies updates, and the Resilience Blueprint project we have provided on the ground local intel contributing to the planning and sustainable development of our beautiful region.

On June 21st, we held our first Board meeting with our new members. We have a completely refreshed Board who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to RDA-Southern Inland. If you'd like to read more about who they are and what expertise they bring. We would like to thank the outgoing Board members, Sue Whelan OAM, John Bell, Jenny Calkin and Mark Bradbury for their passion, time and dedication to RDASI.

Welcome Phil Gibson to the RDA Southern Inland team. Phil started with us as our Grants and Projects Officer. Phil has extensive experience in grant writing and funding acquisition and is available to assist businesses and community groups with the application process on a fee-for-service basis.

On the 12th November, the Southern Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SHCCI) and Regional Development Australia Southern Inland (RDASI) are launching the very first Highlands Connect in Mittagong.

Recovery in our regions is going to take some time and we know there are still many people doing it tough. RDASI is here to help wherever we can, so please get in contact if you need our support.