RDASI Newsletter - June 2023
CEO Report
Rowena Abbey OAM, RDASI Chair
Yesterday, our Chair, Rowena Abbey OAM was acknowledged on the King’s Birthday honours list with an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for service to local government, and to the community of Yass. We wish Rowena a HUGE congratulations for this well-deserved recognition.
We are very proud to have such an accomplished woman leading our organisation.
I know I say this each month, but wow this year is flying by quickly. We’ve already hit the start of the end of financial year month and so many of us are realising that reporting and financials need to be completed in the next couple of weeks. I encourage anyone needing support to seek it early, this time of year can be stressful and leaving everything to the last minute only adds to that.
RDASI has been much busier than usual over the last four weeks as we were awarded a tender under the Local Recovery Fund program. Jobs Southern Inland (JobSI) is a short, sharp project, focused on driving our under-utilised potential workforce into employment pathways. Collaborating with some of our key local industry partners to provide the opportunity to hear from, and then physically experience their sites and facilities, is having the expected impact this project intends. It’s amazing to see the interest when our passionate employers speak about their personal stories, and I want to express my gratitude to all of them for participating in such a connected way.
May also saw us travelling for our Regional Connect Roadshow, sharing our Grant Writing tips and tricks workshop. Partnering with our sponsors to bring these informative programs to you has been one of our success stories. If you were unable to attend one of our events in person but would like to receive the information, then please contact us at admin@rdasi.org.au and we’ll send out a link with all the information. .
Last month, the RDASI Board and I participated in a Professional Development Day targeting high performance strategies. What an inciteful day we all had, with our facilitator building a framework on what working at our best looks like. With our Minister, the Hon Kristy McBain openly discussing the rejuvenation of the RDA program, we are actively preparing for the changes which may be implemented over the next twelve months. Our Board is 100% volunteer and I wish to thank them and acknowledge their commitment, time and dedication to improving the economic and social development of our region.
Leading a team of incredibly effective, passionate people is literally my dream job. I am so blessed to wake up each morning knowing that we’re going to make a difference in our community. With the pressure our organisation has been under to deliver exceptional outcomes, I must show my appreciation to our team for kicking goals. Suzie, Lenka, Tash and Jane, you go above and beyond, and we have a whole lot of fun doing what we do. Thank you for making work life an absolute joy!
Carisa
May Regional Connect - That's A Wrap! (For now)
May Regional Connect Events were a huge success, with wonderful guest speakers and attendees.
Our very own Research and Policy Officer, Tash Maguire presented a Tips and Tricks information session on how to write successful grants and along with our friends from Enterprise Plus, AusIndustry and Service NSW, we provided a full program of support for businesses and organisations to improve grant outcomes.
To all of our sponsors - We couldn't have done this without you!
The Royal Hotel QBN, Region Media, The Alpine Hotel, Snowy Hydro, Moss Vale Services Club and The Collective Impact – Goulburn.
To all of our supporters - Thank you!
Queanbeyan Palerang Regional Council, Cooma Chamber of Commerce, Yass Valley Business Chamber and Business Southern Highlands
Jobs Southern Inland (JobsSI)
This project has seen our team hold three information sessions introducing prospective employers in Goulburn, Cooma and Queanbeyan to potential employees. These sessions were designed to provide individuals with essential information about available local jobs, what employers are looking for and how to improve application skills.
Following these information sessions, several industry tours have taken place with those employers showcasing what working with them looks like. We have been notified that positions have been offered to some of the appropriate candidates.
A huge thank you to employers who provided their time and effort in partnering with RDASI on creating this incredible opportunity.
Welcome To Region
Are you new to the area? Register for our latest Welcome to the Region event. This is a great opportunity to learn more about Queanbeyan and speak to several organisations that can help you integrate more easily.
Commonwealth Procurement Process Feedback
Regional Development Australia Southern Inland (RDASI) is seeking community feedback for consideration in a submission to inform an inquiry into the Commonwealth procurement process which was referred to the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman on 16 February 2023.
In July 2022, changes to the Commonwealth Procurement Rules (CPRs) were introduced, which were designed to make it easier for and increase the participation of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in bidding (applying) for Commonwealth procurement contracts (tenders for Government work/projects).
We are seeking feedback via a short survey from small and medium businesses owners on their experience with applying for Commonwealth procurement contracts, whether successful or not in securing a contract.
The survey is available until 19th June.
Billions of New Grants Announced
Alongside a budget surplus, the Federal government announced billions worth of new grants. Get a head start and keep an eye out on your email alerts, socials and newsletter. First up: Industry Growth Program. Read More
Digital Jobs Program
Aimed at upskilling Victorians and support them to transition into digital jobs. This $63.8 million program is free for candidates and a $5000 subsidy for businesses The GrantGuru Digital Jobs Story.
4 Game Changing Strategies to Dazzle Funders
Capturing the attention of grant funders can be challenging. These 4 strategies will capture the attention of funders and super power your proposal.
Help regional consumers choose the best broadband service
Since 2018, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has run the Measuring Broadband Australia program which enables consumers, industry and policymakers to better understand how Australians are experiencing internet performance, including download speeds and reliability, in their homes.
The ACCC are looking for customers on fixed wireless plans to sign up to be part of Australia's leading study on internet performance.
Using global internet performance monitoring platform, SamKnows, the ACCC are collecting and analysing broadband data to help consumers all over Australia understand drivers of variable network performance and empowering informed discussions with internet providers.
The ACCC would like to understand how your fixed wireless household streams, games, surfs and searches to help us better measure internet performance in regional Australia.
To participate in Australia's leading study on internet performance you can:
If selected, receive your SamKnows Whitebox in the mail
Plug the Whitebox into your router
Sit back and let the Whitebox measure your internet performance.
Tests are run when you’re not using your connection, so that it doesn’t disrupt your service. Your internet usage is not monitored by the Whitebox.
Not only will you be helping to monitor Australian broadband performance, but the SamKnows Whitebox allows you to track the performance of your service.
SamKnows will even send a handy summary of your internet performance each month and let you know if anything needs your attention.
Learn more: measuring Australian broadband
EXPLORE LOCAL EXPO 2023
The Explore Local Expo has been created to provide an engaging, affordable platform for businesses and organisations in the Goulburn region to showcase their products and services to local residents and visitors. It is your opportunity to get face to face with people interested in what you have to offer.
The expo is focused on bringing organisations and opportunity together... •Connecting organisations with customers and community
Connecting organisations with businesses
Connecting organisations with employees and volunteers
This event is bought to you by The Goulburn Chamber of Commerce, with the support of Goulburn Mulwaree Council. Goulburn Chamber of Commerce is committed to helping local businesses grow, and in turn supporting a strong local economy for everyone.
WHEN: Friday 20 & Saturday 21 October, 10am - 4pm
WHERE: Veolia Arena, Goulburn Recreation Area, Braidwood Rd
The Explore Local Expo 2023 is going to be a highlight of the event calendar for Goulburn and surrounding regions. There are three ways you can get involved in this exciting opportunity: 1.Exhibiting business or community group - Showcase your business or organisation to potential employees, customers and partners.
Food vendor - People need to eat! Reach a captive market and introduce your culinary delights to new customers.
Sponsor - Get additional exposure and promotional opportunities by partnering with the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce to deliver this amazing event.
Federal Budget 2023-24
What it means for small business - Budget snapshot
One month left to submit Regional Connectivity and Mobile Black Spot Grants applications
The Albanese Government is encouraging groups to apply for the Mobile Black Spot Program (MBSP) and Regional Connectivity Program (RCP) grants program, with $160 million in overall funding available to ensure all Australians have access to improved phone reception and broadband, regardless of where they live.
Western Sydney Airport secures agreement for first flight
The Australian Government has welcomed Qantas and Jetstar as the first airlines to sign up to the Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI) to operate domestic flights.
