RDASI Newsletter - November 2022
CEO Report
We are very excited to announce that we had a new team member join us last month. Lenka Vysokai will be assisting Mel Jones in our workforce development and migration programs. Lenka lives in Bigga in Upper Lachlan, on a rural property with her husband and two children. Lenka is herself an immigrant from Slovakia, so knows all too well the challenges new migrants face when considering visa options and pathways to permanent residency. Lenka is looking forward to helping find solutions to the pertinent workforce issues we are currently experiencing in our regions.
Housing affordability is a major concern in our regions and unfortunately, the positives of having regional population movements is being impeded by the excessive increases in housing costs, to both buy and rent. NSW RDAs joined forces last month to host a ‘Housing Workshop’ at the Economic Development Australia conference. Challenges were discussed along with innovative solutions presented by some amazing forward-thinkers. RDASI was proud to support a local Yass business, F1 Homes to attend as part of the solutions discussion. F1 Homes build modular, stand-alone, energy efficient 1 to 3 bedroom houses that can be transported, perfect for emergency or short-term accommodation, but luxurious enough to be a permanent residence. Check out their innovative solutions HERE.
The budget announced last week provided some provisions for housing and workforce including additional fee-free TAFE places and increased migration levels. However, where many businesses believe it fell short was that there was no plan to calm energy price rises. This will have an enormous impact on all commodities, as the more expensive production costs become, the more expensive consumer prices become. Our regional towns rely on small supermarkets and local producers and so the expected 50% price rise could have devastating effects. Read the Regional Ministerial Budget Statement 2022-23: Investing in our Regions with Purpose and Integrity.
Last month was again a busy one for our team. Our workforce development programs have been very successful. Young Change Agents held in Goulburn for years 9 and 10 students to learn entrepreneurial, design thinking had almost 50 participants. In partnership with Goulburn Rotary, we were able to provide a 100% funded program, including catering and transport for these budding entrepreneurs. Collaboration is key to successful program implementation and the co-ordinated effort of the Yass Valley council, Local Jobs Program, TAFE, NSW Government and RDASI enabled the Yass Valley Jobs drive. Local employers were able to connect directly with jobseekers and school age kids to discuss opportunities and careers pathways.
Advocating for regional solutions is a large part of our work, so please get in contact with us if you have an issue of challenge you need assistance with.
Carisa Wells
Small Business Month
Last chance to secure your spot at our FREE WELLNESS DAY as part of Small Business Month.
If you want some time out from this busy second half of the year, come and join us for a FREE Wellness Day -Stress to Resilience in the Snowies.
Come and have a fun day of meditation ( and try AtOne's VR meditation experience), breath-work, bushwalks, stretching, sound healing, TRE, healthy food and the option of an ice swim in the river for those who area up for it!
Take some time out for yourself and join us on Remembrance Day for a half day or full day.
Register now to this fab FREE event, completely funded by the NSW Government.
RDASI BRINGS YOUNG CHANGE AGENTS TO GOULBURN
On 12 October 2022, RDASI hosted social enterprise Young Change Agents to deliver a one day program dedicated to developing the entrepreneurial skills of year 9 and 10 students.
43 students from Goulburn, Crookwell and the Southern Highlands participated and worked in teams to identify problems young people experience when it comes to finding and choosing the right careers, followed by ideation, validation, prototyping and pitching. By the end of the day, a total of nine social enterprise ideas were pitched.
Special thanks is extended to both the Rotary Club and Goulburn Workers Club for their generosity and support of this event, which we hope to offer again next year.
DEPARTMENT OF HOME AFFAIRS DELIVERS INFORMATION SESSIONS IN OUR REGION
During October Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) in conjunction with RDASI, delivered visa information sessions in Goulburn and Queanbeyan for businesses considering sponsoring workers. A great cross section of industries attended and asked some very pertinent questions.
Further sessions are planned with DoHA representatives attending the Wingecaribee Business Expo on 17th November and Snowy Monaro early in the new year.
BUSINESS CONDITIONS SURVEY
Tell Business NSW what you think about the recent Commonwealth Budget, rising interest rates, energy costs and cybersecurity risk
Business NSW wants you to understand how your business is coping and what you need to get through current challenges. They will collate all the responses received and present them directly to the NSW Government. The survey should take only 5 to 10 minutes to complete.
Certificate IV in Wool Classing
TAFE NSW are looking to offer the Certificate IV in Wool Classing in a number of locations in 2023.
The nationally recognised Certificate IV in Wool Classing enables you to become a professional wool classer registered with the Australian Wool Exchange (AWEX).
Build your career in wool handling and wool clip preparation and be part of a prestigious and profitable industry. This is nationally recognised training with traineeships allowed. Learn to:
• Class wool to industry code of practice standard
• Manage shearing and crutching operations
• Prepare wool clips for sale
• Liaise with woolgrowers and brokers to determine classing strategies
• Work safely to meet WHS requirements
• Implement and monitor quality assurance processes
Commencing in 2023 (location dependent on demand) and will include combination delivery which is part time, variable with a mix of online evening sessions 7pm-8:30pm two nights per week, and practical sessions two days per month February-November at specified locations over a Thursday/Friday or Saturday. This timetable may change and will be confirmed by your teacher.
Locations include Cooma, Goulburn, Young, Yass. (Yass, Cooma & Young subject to minimum enrolment numbers of 10).
Applications for the 2022 Innovate with nbn Grants Program now open
This initiative aims to help regional based businesses and individuals transform their great ideas into game-changing achievements. There is $125,000 in total funding up for grabs to support regional and remote businesses drive the development and adoption of their ideas. Across seven categories – Agriculture, Arts, Education, Health, Indigenous Business, Tourism, and Women in Regional Business – each winner receives $15,000.
The overall Innovate with nbn® Champion will be awarded an additional $20,000 grant to help take their idea to the next level. Applications are open now and close on midnight Sunday 20th November. For more information and to apply visit www.nbnco.com.au/innovatewithnbn.
