RDASI Newsletter - April 2023
CEO Report
Another month has whizzed quickly past with Easter now upon us. It’s been a busy month for the team, and we held our first Board meeting of the year last week in Moss Vale. The region has so many exciting things going on, it’s hard to keep up. From Farmers Markets on the weekends to online business workshops during the week. If you don’t follow us on social media, you should be. We post all kinds of fabulous things so check out our pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Cameron Gardiner, Projects Office - Workforce Development
RDASI is continuing to expand, and I’d like to welcome our newest member of the team. Cameron Gardiner, our Projects Officer for Workforce Development has had a career in Defence, including active duty with the army. He is a dad of four with a passion for helping people. We are so pleased to have Cam on board and if you have an interest in our workforce development programs, either as an employer or JobSeeker, please get in contact at workforce@rdasi.org.au.
In Goulburn-Mulwaree and Queanbeyan-Palerang, we are collaborating with both councils to promote the Hiring List campaign to map the local jobs, local employers have available. And if you are looking for work, you can also sign up to the Hiring List so that you can be connected with local employment opportunities. Check out the links below.
https://capital-is-hiring.myjboard.io/
You may have noticed I’ve been advertising for two new team members, and we’ve had an incredible response to both roles. Interviews are taking place this week and next, and I’m looking forward sharing the outcomes once the recruitment process has finalised.
We are always interested to hear your perspectives on the important issues in your region and we are currently seeking feedback for two federal government enquiries.
If you would like to contribute to a submission on the 'National Strategy to Achieve Gender Equality' which closes on the 19th of April, or 'Bank closures in Regional Australia', which closes on the 28th April, please get in touch with Tash, our Research and Policy Officer on grants@rdasi.org.au at least 3 working days before the submissions close date.
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. She will provide, ‘tips and tricks’ for successful grant writing specifically to the topics below. Make sure you save the dates!
May is turning out to be an exceptionally busy month for us. RDASI is sponsoring the Snowy Monaro Small Business Awards on May 5th in Cooma and we would love to see your snowy small business recognised for an award. If you think you have what it takes to grab a coveted award, or you believe a business you love should be acknowledged, then please register HERE.
Jindabyne Chamber is hosting its Snow Ball on May 29th at the Jindabyne Bowling Club to support local small businesses in the region. I am honoured to announce that I will be MC’ing the event and so would love you to join me for a fabulous night of fun and frivolity. Take a look at the website for more details and check out the list of activities on offer for the night. There are still tickets available, so grab them HERE
Don’t forget that we can only focus on challenges in the region if we know about them. Please get in contact with us on admin@rdasi.org.au if you have something to share.
Happy Easter.
Carisa
International Women's Day at Poachers Pantry
Grant Writing Tips and Tricks
For our May Regional Connect Events, we will be focusing on Grant Writing Tips and Tricks.
We are taking this roadshow to more locations this time around!
RDASI's very own Research and Policy Officer, Tash Maguire will be the presenter for the tips and tricks information session. Tash has extensive experience in writing successful grant applications for businesses and not-for-profit organisations and has also assisted applicants in the delivery and acquittal of successfully funded projects. Tash’s experience extends to funding administration, using the SmartyGrants platform to deliver end-on-end grant management services for a $7m+ national funding program and is an expert on knowing how to get a positive result.
This experience has provided Tash with key knowledge and understanding from an applicant’s perspective, as well as insights into funding program design, assessment, compliance, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
Key points Tash will cover include:
1. Essential steps when applying for grants
2. Number one free resource for increasing success
3. Designing a ‘fundable’ project
4. How to find funding
Representatives from the Department of Regional NSW, Service NSW, and AusIndustry will be presenting information on current open grants and providing the opportunity to connect with and assist local businesses and community members.
Monday 15 May - Queanbeyan
Tuesday 16 May - Cooma
Wednesday 17 May - Yass
Thursday 18 May - Highlands
UPDATED DATE: Wednesday 7 June - Goulburn
UPDATED DATE: Thursday 8 June - Young
Would like to know more: email connect@rdasi.org.au
Some grants currently available:
Transgrid’s Community Partnerships Program
Our communities are the backbone of the places we work and live. We aim to create positive and lasting relationships with our local communities. It’s part of our commitment to building a sustainable future.
Transgrid’s Community Partnerships Program offers grants of up to $5,000 for not-for-profit organisations that are local to our planning, operations, and major project areas.
Not-for-profit groups provide a range of invaluable resources for their communities. Our Community Partnerships Program was created to give a boost to the people who live and work in the regions local to Transgrid assets or construction.
Since 2020, Transgrid has awarded grants to more than 60 organisations for a range of initiatives spanning from community infrastructure, to workshops, along with inclusivity and accessibility projects.
Current program status: Open
Open date: 31 March - 30 April 2023
Grant amount: Grants of up to $5,000 are available.
Click here for more information
Nature-Based Visitor Experience Grants
NSW State Government and Destination NSW
2022–23 Financial Year
Part of the Tourism Product Development Fund
The NSW Government has announced that $3.5 million in Nature-Based Visitor Experience Development grants is available in 2022-23 to support the development of new and enhanced nature-based tourism attractions and experiences in regional NSW.
Funding of between $100,000 and $250,000 excluding GST is available, per applicant, on a matched dollar-for-dollar basis for eligible project costs.
Projects can be of a much greater value; however, all additional costs will need to be covered by the applicant.
All applicants must be registered for GST and the existing or proposed tourism business must be located in NSW.
If the applicant is an existing tourism business, the tourism offering must:
• have a current GetConnected (ATDW) listing.
• be bookable online.
• agree to update their GetConnected listing to reflect the new attraction or experience when it is open to visitors.
If the applicant is a new tourism business, they must agree to:
• create a GetConnected (ATDW) listing once the attraction or experience is open to visitors
• make the tourism offering bookable online.
The new attraction or experience must be available to visitors for at least 50 weeks per calendar year.
Understanding the Basics of Business Financials & Risks Workshops
Understanding business financials and risks doesn't need to be a stressful experience. The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) is offering FREE workshops in Braidwood, Bungendore & Queanbeyan.
At the workshop, you will learn from experts in the field and gain real financial insight into your business. Senior Agribusiness Relationship Manager from Rural Bank, John Scarlett, will talk all things finance and risk, showcasing how you can make your life easier as a business owner.
RFCS NSW will talk you through how they can support you to make informed financial decisions and improve financial literacy.
Queanbeyan - 5th April, 10am-12pm
Braidwood - 19th April, 10am-12pm
Bungendore - 20th April, 10am-12pm
Register here
Mental Health and Wellbeing Training
The Statement of Attainment in Individual Support (Mental Health and Wellbeing) helps you support people managing their mental health and wellbeing.
Strengthen your community services skillset as you provide support to people with mental health issues. Help people improve their wellbeing, understand their rights and develop a recovery plan to suit their unique needs.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, you will learn to:
• Support individuals from different backgrounds
• Help people with mental health issues understand and exercise their rights
• Document interactions and services according to organisation procedures
• Respond promptly to people experiencing distress
• Promote social and emotional wellbeing
STARTS: Tuesday 2nd May 2023
1 day per week (9 weeks)
9.30am to 2.30pm Via Connected Classroom
Course will show as Wollongong enrolment