RDASI Newsletter - November
CEO REPORT
Our CEO Report takes you on a journey through our organisation, sharing our stories of challenges overcome and the achievements celebrated.
With October now over, the end of the year is scarily near. RDASI proudly supported Small Business Month events in the region and partnered with the Upper Lachlan Shire and Hilltops councils to present a Small Business Forum in both regions. Thanks to all our wonderful stakeholders who joined us, provided advice, and intelligence at the events. We so greatly appreciate Regional Tech Hub, Telstra, NBN Local, Department of Regional NSW, Local Land Service, NSW Farmers, AusIndustry, Enterprise Plus and Baytree Strategy for giving their time and enthusiasm to our regional communities.
There is so much information and support available for FREE and we encourage you to seek out the amazing local people who represent these organisations. If you would like to connect with any of them, please visit the RDASI website.
Ag Day is on the 17 November, and we love to celebrate the contribution our farmers make to our communities. Suzie has put together a great speaker line up, featuring The Unbreakable Farmer, Warren Davies. We’re holding it this year in Yass at the famous Club House Hotel and our fabulous supporters have helped keep the price of the tickets down, which include food, drinks, and live music. Come join us for a great night out and have a laugh while celebrating all things farming. Grab your tickets HERE.
Last week I was in Jindabyne to join the Community Action Group (CAG) for the Special Activation Precinct (SAP). Of course, we are disappointed with the decision of the State Government to reduce the funding of the initial stages from $390mil to $196mil, however, we are committed to help the community express their opinions on what the key projects should be to deliver the best long-term outcomes. We will be assisting to deliver a submission in response to the public exhibition of the planning documents, so please keep a look out for our communications on that.
You may have heard there are changes taking place within the RDA network affecting our region. Following a recent review by the Hon Kristy McBain MP of RDA boundaries in NSW, the ACT and Jervis Bay Territory, a restructure will take place that will impact the Southern Inland, Illawarra, Far South Coast, the ACT and Jervis Bay Territory.
From early 2024, RDA Southern Inland and ACT will merge, and include the additional local government areas of Eurobodalla and Bega Valley, to form RDA Southern NSW and ACT. Shoalhaven and Jervis Bay Territory will fall under the jurisdiction of Illawarra, creating a re-defined region, RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven.
Chair positions for RDA Southern NSW and ACT and RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven are currently being advertised, with a closing date of 5pm AEDT on 13 November 2023. Please visit the RDASI website for further information and to access the application process. The permanent Chair, appointed by the Minister, will be responsible for determining each RDA's future Board membership and operational requirements.
These new arrangements will commence in early 2024. Until such time, our service delivery arrangements will continue as is. If you have questions regarding the Chair application process, please contact the RDA Management Team on 1800 505 938 (Monday-Friday 9am-5pm AEDT) or email rdaapplications@infrastructure.gov.au. For any other questions, please email me at carisa.wells@rdasi.org.au.
We are excited about these changes. We ask for your patience if we take a little longer to respond to you over the coming months. As you can imagine, there’s quite a bit to manage to get us to the new year and affect the Ministerial Directives we’ve been given.
As always, we are here to assist our communities to thrive, so please get in contact if you need support.
Carisa Wells
Ag Day Celebration
BOOKINGS CLOSE TUESDAY - DON'T MISS OUT!
The RDASI Ag Day Celebration will recognise and honour our dedicated farmers and bring the community together to show our support for the agricultural sector.
Come and hear inspiring stories and gain insightful learning and perspectives from our incredible speakers.
Warren Davies – The Unbreakable Farmer
Phil Graham – local Yass farmer/mentor
Sam Longmore - local Yass farmer/Oh Bull Dust/Slalom water skier
Catriona McAuliffe - NSW Farmers
It will be a night of great food, drinks, guest speakers, and live music.
If you need accommodation, we have rooms held at great rates in Yass!
Proudly Sponsored by: Telstra, Regional Tech Hub & Elders
Small Business Month - Upper Lachlan Shire
We are thrilled to report that our recent Small Business Event in the Upper Lachlan Shire was a success. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who contributed to its outstanding outcome.
The event was a testament to the power of collaboration and the strength of our small business community. The enthusiasm, engagement, and innovative ideas that were shared during the event were nothing short of inspiring. It's clear that our region is home to a vibrant network of entrepreneurs and professionals dedicated to the growth and success of small businesses.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all our stakeholders, partners, and sponsors who made this event possible. Your unwavering support and commitment to the small business community in the Upper Lachlan Shire are invaluable, and we couldn't have achieved such success without you.
To our attendees, we appreciate your participation and the passion you brought to the event. Your presence and active involvement made this gathering a dynamic and enriching experience for everyone.
We look forward to building on the momentum created during our time together.
ID Support NSW
If your proof of identity documents or credentials are stolen or fraudulently accessed, it can be hard to know what to do next to protect yourself. ID Support NSW is here to help.
$30 million On Farm Connectivity Program now open for applications
Applications are now open for Round 1 of the Albanese Government’s new On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) to increase the uptake of agtech to boost productivity, growth and sustainability of Australia’s primary producers.
Future Drought Fund public consultation sessions
On 26 October 2023, the Australian Government announced $17.7 million from the Future Drought Fund (FDF) will be used to progress essential activities in line with key recommendations from the recent Productivity Commission Inquiry into the effectiveness of the FDF.
Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program ready for take-off
Australia’s airstrip network provides a vital service to people living in rural and remote areas.
The Remote Airstrip Upgrade Program (Round 10) will improve network safety, while enabling better access to important supplies and emergency care for all Australian communities.
Service NSW Business Connect
Eligible business customers can access up to 8 hours of free support per financial year, which includes business advice sessions and events. Online resources are free and available at any time. For paid events, you may be asked to pay a deposit to confirm your booking, by the service provider delivering the event.
Destination NSW Inbound Strategy Workshop
The Inbound Strategy Workshop is designed to provide visitor economy businesses with the necessary steps to develop and sell export-ready products to international visitors via the inbound travel trade.
When: Thursday 23 November, 10.00am - 4.00pm
Where: Quest Nowra, 130 Kinghorne St, Nowra NSW 2541
