2024 is already looking like it will bring a mix of opportunities and challenges for regional NSW, and we will be leaning on our stakeholders to support us deliver the programs we know will drive economic and social development.

As we step into 2024, RDASI can't help but share our enthusiasm and anticipation for the incredible opportunities and collaborations that lie ahead.

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.

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.

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.

The Welcome Experience in Goulburn has seen several new residents supported through the transition a move requires. This program has been developed with years of research, with the understanding that the first three months are key to settling and creating long term roots. I commend the State government for acknowledging this and we believe this program is already having a very positive effect.

RDASI is on the front foot when it comes to providing real, on-the-ground responses to government inquiries. Our August submission, was the Communications Legislation Amendment Bill (2023) and the responses to our survey providing the context to our submission, were certainly passionate. We appreciate the time it takes to complete these survey’s and thank everyone who responded. If you would like to read any of our submissions, please go to our website and check out our strategy page.

Our Board meetings are more than mere routine events, they hold incredible significance in shaping the course of our RDASI journey. Our Board comes together to breathe life into our mission and values. The collective power fuels progress and fosters a culture of excellence.

June saw the facilitation of our JobsSI program in Goulburn, Queanbeyan and Cooma. We produced multiple industry tours in these targeted regions focussed on construction, trades, aged and disability care services which were both well attended and achieved excellent jobs pathways outcomes for numerous participants.

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.

RDASI is excited to be able to finally announce our successful tender bid to be the host agency for the new State government program, the Key Worker, Welcome experience in Goulburn. This is a pilot for the first twelve months, with the intention for it to run over three years and as such, we will be implementing the program whilst also providing direct intel to the state government to improve and develop the project moving forward.

With the next roadshow of Regional Connect events now locked in, we are very excited to announce an expansion of the program into Queanbeyan-Palerang and Hilltops. Government grants are available for a vast array of development programs and we are bringing our grants extraordinaire, Tash Maguire on tour to talk you through grant writing tips and tricks.

February was a jam packed month, which saw our Regional Connect events kick off for the year with a bang. They were so successful that we’re expanding them to include two additional LGAs. February also saw the regional visa program have another recent change in criteria, making it easier for skilled migrants to apply for the 491 visa.

Just like that we’re back to work and RDASI is kicking off the new year with a bang. We have four Regional Connect events being held over February in collaboration with our local chambers focussed on visas and migration. We are bringing the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) and Migration Institute Australia (MIA) to the regions to discuss the various programs they have directly with businesses. If you have challenges with staff acquisition, then get along to one of the locations listed below and ask questions directly to the experts.

Reflecting on the year that’s been, we need to be grateful for the opportunities Regional NSW abounds. With incredible community-minded people, beautiful open spaces, vast infrastructure investments, employment options like never before and a wealth of experiences and adventures to explore, we literally live in the best place on earth.

Last month was again a busy one for our team. Our workforce development programs have been very successful. 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.

Our team has been working at peak capacity and with that has come a succession of successful engagements. When we’re out in our regions, we make sure to speak to as many people as we can. We like to hear your perspectives, what’s challenging you and of course, what’s going really well. We meet with councils, tertiary educators, state government representatives, non-profit organisations, business advisors, chambers of commerce and most importantly businesses and the people who own and run them.

August has been another exceptionally busy month for RDASI. Many of our local industries have told us that workforce issues are critical and so RDASI is partnering with three local chambers, Business Southern Highlands, Goulburn Chamber of Commerce and Yass Chamber of Commerce to bring a specialist HR consultant to the regions.

RDASI proudly sponsored the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce business awards which were held on Friday 5 August. A massive congratulations goes to the Goulburn Chamber for holding such a wonderful event. Congratulations must also go to the various winners of the awards. Small businesses are the economic backbone of our communities and supporting them is paramount to maintaining the strong regional communities we hold so dear.

RDA Southern Inland's Southern Highlands Stakeholders Dinner held at Southern Highlands Brewing & Taphouse on 23 June was a great success! Almost 50 locals joined us to network and meet the new business support people servicing the Wingecarribee Shire.

Recently RDASI has been your voice in several strategic discussions for our region. Participating in the Southern NSW Destination plan update, the Regional Economic Development Strategies updates, and the Resilience Blueprint project we have provided on the ground local intel contributing to the planning and sustainable development of our beautiful region.