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.

RDA Southern Inland received a letter of thanks for our short film, "For the Love of Ag", from The Hon Nola Marino MP, Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories and Federal Member for Forrest.

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 the expected upsurge in regional travel from this weekend, we know we’ll be hearing from many of our small business owners about the issues of finding staff. Workforce development is a key strategic pillar for RDASI and we’re pleased to be working closely with the Local Jobs Facilitators in the Illawarra South Coast and Canberra regions as part of the Local Jobs Program funded by the Federal Government.

I wish to acknowledge the work of Gladys Berejiklian as our Premier over almost five years. I’d also like to congratulate Dominic Perrotet MP coming into the role as the youngest Premier ever, and Paul Toole MP the new leader of the Nationals and now Deputy Premier.

As a former small business owner, I know all too well the responsibility you feel to your team members, your landlord and your suppliers. RDASI is here to help and support you. With direct communication to the Federal Government, we can share your concerns and issues straight to our Minister.

The countdown is on to National Agriculture Day on Friday, November 20, with all Australians urged to start planning their celebrations.

Now in its fourth year, Ag Day is proudly supported by the National Farmers Federation and the publisher of this masthead, Australian Community Media, and seeks to raise the profile of agriculture right across the community.

There is more to Goulburn than grazing land and sheep. It’s a place for many different farming industries. When farmers have money, they circulate it round. When they are doing well, the towns are doing well.

National Ag Day is held on the 21st of November each year and brings awareness to the importance of Australia’s farmers and our agricultural sector. RDA Southern Inland, with support from a number of sponsors, organised the Southern Inland Ag Day Gala Dinner to recognise local farmers and agricultural businesses residing in the Southern Inland region.

Regional Development Australia Southern Inland (RDA Southern Inland) was delighted to receive a $10,000 grant from Coordinare - South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network, through their Empowering Communities Drought Support Program for Goulburn’s Ag Day Gala Dinners where the event will celebrate the contribution farmers make to our regional economy and provide an opportunity for farmers and the community to come together.

With direct contacts to all levels of Government, industry experts and business support we’re here to help. We may not have all the solutions, but we’ll try our best to point you in the right direction at the very least.