RDASI Newsletter - December 2021
A message from the CEO
What a month November was and how proud am I of the short film RDASI produced to celebrate National Ag Day on November 19th. If you haven’t seen ‘For the Love of Ag’ yet, please watch it HERE. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the incredible producers who agreed to participate in the film. Cressida Cains of Pecora Dairy, John Mauger of Mauger’s Meats, Georgie Kelly and her family from Rugby Station, Peter and Jack O’Connor from Oxton Park and Tim Kirk from Clonakilla.
Suzannah Cowley and Nigel Christenson, the talented film makers from Nviro Media transformed our brief into a spectacular creation of warm emotions and passionate stories, precisely what we asked for. Thank you to them both for the stunning showcase of the innovative People, their Practices and the Programs that have supported our producers to thrive in the Southern Inland region.
This month the first plane loads of Ag Visa holders arrive in Sydney to bolster our much-needed agricultural workforce. With another bumper season it’s imperative we have the capability to harvest as much as we can so that our farmers have the confidence to plant similar volumes again next season.
The hospitality and tourism sectors seem to have moved into recovery mode with domestic visitation in NSW increasing each week. It's been great to see the streets of our towns and villages alive and bustling again. With school holidays starting next week, we’re certain the pick-up will continue right through the summer months.
With Christmas just around the corner, don’t forget there are some very talented locals out there who would really appreciate your business. You can search the hastags: #buyregional, #shoplocal, #buyfromthebush and #shoplocalfirst to discover some unique makers from our region. And if you’re a regional business owner get yourself registered on the Buy Regional website HERE.
As this will be the last newsletter before the end of the year, I’d like to thank everyone who’s supported the work of RDASI. It’s been a challenging year and our fabulous team and Board have shown unwavering passion and enthusiasm in everything we've done this year. Let’s hope 2022 will be more positive and freer and that we get to spend some much needed time with our loved ones this holiday period. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
2021 Regional Telecommunications Review
The Regional Telecommunications Review Committee has held 24 virtual public consultations, targeting regions across Australia, and received more than 650 written submissions from members of the public, community organisations, businesses, and local, state and territory governments. The report is due to be delivered to the Australian Government by 31 December 2021.
RDA Southern Inland's made a submission summarising feedback received from stakeholders within the Southern Inland region as opposed to recommending one technological solution over another.
RDA Southern Inland is now exploring the potential to hold further telecommunications forums within the Southern Inland region in 2022. The aim of these forums, which would most likely be held on an LGA-by-LGA basis in the region, would be to create greater stakeholder collaboration and greater awareness of local issues and potential locally delivered solutions.
All submissions to the Committee can be viewed here.
Berrima Wins Gold!!
Congratulations go to Berrima for claiming the Gold Medal for the 2021 Small Town Tourism (population under 5000) in Australia! This award celebrates Berrima's outstanding commitment to encouraging tourism and increasing visits to this beautiful town.
With the enormous challenges the tourism industry has faced over the past 18 months, this award provides a welcome reminder of how resilient, strong and inspiring the tourism community is.
REGIONAL HOUSING TASKFORCE RECOMMENDATIONS RELEASED
In July 2021 the NSW Government established a Regional Housing Taskforce in response to increasing pressures on the supply and affordability of housing in Regional NSW.
The NSW Government has now released an independent report which is underpinned by five key recommendations and 15 actions on how the planning system can address housing supply and affordability in regional areas. The full report can be accessed here.
NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap
Explore the NSW Electricity Roadmap through a Virtual Engagement room. The Roadmap will transform our state's electricity system into one that clean and reliable, and play a critical role in meeting NSW’s new target to halve emissions by 2030. Discover the interactive space to learn more and access engagement materials and key consultation processes here.
Cyber Sista Opportunities for a Career in Cyber Security
The Cyber Sista program gives girls an advantage in prepping for a cyber security traineeship, balancing working and studying a Certificate IV in Cyber Security.
There are 25 positions available in the Cyber Sista program. And guess what? At the end of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to interview for a traineeship with IT company, Accenture! CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO APPLY!
Fee Free Short Courses
TAFE NSW will again be offering a range of fee free short courses in 2022. Visit TAFE NSW to view the course options and eligility. VIEW COURSES AND APPLY HERE
New Resources to Help Small Business Tender for NSW Government Work
Small businesses can now access free online training and an informative guide to help your business become “tender ready” and bid for NSW Government contracts. Visit Small Business NSW to find outmokre.
New Grants to Encourage Outdoor Dining and Events
The Alfresco Restart Package is designed to help bring the streets of NSW back to life thanks to a raft of initiatives and $66 million in funding that will see outdoor dining, live music and entertainment return. To view eligibility and apply, visit the Alfresco Restart Package page on Planning NSW website.
Small Business Wellbeing Webinar Series
Funded by NSW Treasury, the Ahead for Business digital hub provides tailored resources, peer support, check-ups and personalised action plans and showcases the experiences of small business owners through podcasts, videos, blogs and case studies. Visit the website here to view the range of free resources available.
2021 National Ag Day
RDA Southern Inland was proud to create the short film, For the Love of Ag, to showcase the innovative People, their Practices, and the Programs they utilise to grow some of the highest quality produce right here in the Southern Inland region of NSW. If you haven't seen the film, you can view it here.
As this is the last issue of our newsletter for 2021, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you, your family, friends, staff and customers a very Merry Christmas and a safe, healthy and prosperous new year.
2021 has been a challenging year and we look forward to providing you with information about current news and opportunities to better your business, so look out for the first edition of out newsletter in your inbox early February.
Regional Development Australia - Southern Inland will close on Friday 24 December 2021 and reopen on to 4th January 2022 ready to take on 2022!
