CEO Report
December 2023

It seems all year I mention how quickly the year is passing by and then all of a sudden, we get to December with a thump. I will be using my time off at Christmas to relax, eat way too much and spend time with family and friends and I hope you get to do all your favourite things also.

November came with mixed outcomes for RDASI and our region. With the decision of the Department of Home Affairs to reduce the allocation of 491 Regional Visa’s for NSW, RDA’s will no longer be contracted by Investment NSW to assist with the delivery. We are of course disappointed in this decision and realise there will be some confusion while the new processes take effect. We have a link on our website for further informationHERE.

On a positive note, we have started taking the appropriate steps to plan for the merger and expansion of our boundaries next year. We are currently waiting for Minister McBain to announce the Southern NSW & ACT permanent Chair, and we’re focussed on moving through the upcoming changes as smoothly as possible, once that occurs.

Last month, Rowena and I attended the NSW RDAs conference where we heard from Ash Albury, the Executive Director of Regional Programs and Partnerships from Department of Regional NSW. It was great to hear from him and after his encouraging presentation, we are looking forward to building closer relationships with the State government.

Planning has commenced for our Regional Connect Roadshows in 2024 with our expert steering committee nominating the subject matter they want to see delivered in our regions. Cyber security is at the top of minds, and so we’ll be bringing key information on how to protect your data, in the first part of the new year.

International Women’s Day 2024 is going to be another fabulous event on March 7th, with our focus next year highlighting women in construction and trades. We have some very talented women in our region, and we can’t wait to showcase their successes at one of the most stunning local venues, Poachers Pantry. Last year we sold out this event, so be sure to keep an eye out for tickets.
With the end of the year impending, I wish to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the incredible RDASI Board and team for their passion, enthusiasm and dedication to the development of our incredible region. We have an exciting year ahead and couldn’t imagine doing work life with a better group of people.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and have a safe holiday season.

Carisa Wells

International Womens Day 2024 Thursday 7th March at Poachers Pantry

After the success of our 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD) event this year, we are back at Poacher’s Pantry for 2024!

 The theme for 2024’s International Women's Day is #InspireInclusion.

We forge a better world when we inspire others to understand and value women's inclusion. And when women are inspired to be included, there's a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.

 Our IWD24 event will feature incredible female guest speakers who epitomise the spirit of inclusion in the construction and trades industry.

Mark the 7th of March in your diary!

Let’s open the discussions and networking opportunities.

This event is not to be missed.

The Welcome Experience

This exciting new service 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.

The Welcome Experience (TWE) Goulburn Region is pleased to announce an expansion of the program to include non-government health and education employees with GPs, aged care, childcare and Aboriginal Medical Services staff being added to the list. Previously only available to public health sector and education recruits, and targeted in Goulburn central, the personalised concierge service is now being delivered to new residents in, Crookwell, Queanbeyan and Yass.

TWE is an individualised welcome experience, designed to help settle new residents into community as seamlessly as possible. Helping find a place to live, removalists, locating dentists, GPs, beauticians, hairdressers, dog walkers or babysitters are all part of the service. TWE can also help you choose schools for your children, and even assist with partner employment.

The local team consists of Local Connector, Ally Dunwoodie, and Assistant Jane Purcell. While Jane grew up in Goulburn, Ally moved in 2009 for work as a teacher and knows personally how challenging it can be to move somewhere new. “While it can be scary to relocate your life – trust me, I’ve done it – it doesn’t have to be. As your Local Connector, I’m here to help you.”

The Welcome Experience is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to reducing essential worker shortages in regional NSW so that locals have fair and equitable access to vital services.

If you, or someone you know, are thinking about moving to the Goulburn Region (including Goulburn, Crookwell, Queanbeyan and Yass), or have moved and want to make more meaningful connections to your new community, please reach out to welcome@rdasi.org.au or visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience

Learn more

On Monday 27 November 2023, the Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science, launched the Industry Growth Program.

The Industry Growth Program is now open, with startups and innovative small and medium businesses able to apply for expert advice on their commercialisation and growth projects. The Industry Growth Program enables eligible SMEs to receive advice from industry experts, with a particular focus on the early stages when businesses often have difficulty turning innovative ideas into profitable products, processes and services. A national network of advisers is being established to guide in seeking investment, market testing, business models and networking.

When will the grants launch?

The Industry Growth Program’s advice service is complemented by two grant opportunities, expected to launch in early 2024:

matched grants of $50,000 to $250,000 to support early-stage commercialisation projects.

matched grants of $100,000 to $5 million for commercialisation and growth projects.

Businesses will need to go through the advice service prior to applying for a grant.

Important information.

Important links for the Industry Growth Program can be found via:

Industry Growth Program - https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-growth-program

Industry Growth Program guidelines - https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/industry-growth-program#key-documents

Learn more

GOULBURN FARMERS MARKET SUCCESS

The Goulburn Farmers Market had 1500 shoppers through on 28th Oct. The 20 vendors sold out or almost sold out. All said it was their best market all year. There will be 5 new vendors Saturday 25 November for the second market and several more waiting to get paperwork done. Any vendors with fruit and veg will be especially welcome, so click the button below!

Learn more

2023 NATIONAL AGRICULTURE DAY PHOTO AND VIDEO WINNER

"Little Helper" photo by Belinda Dimarzio-Bryan was awarded first prize in the 2023 National Ag Day photo and video competition.

Belinda's image captures a determined toddler trying to help feed the rams. The other winners demonstrated how diverse the agriculture industry is with this year’s theme #GrowYouGoodThing and will share in $5,000 cash thanks to competition sponsors Syngenta.
Keep an eye for Ag Day 2024 via https://agday.org.au/ for next year's competition.

GRANTS COURSE

Grant Guru's Strategic Grants Writing Course for Local Government is designed by and for local government people. Drive your grants program further and create impact.

Learn more

Hurry - The Southern Highlands Food and Wine Festival is this weekend in Bowral!
Get your tickets now and support our local producers.