RDASI Newsletter - June 2022
CEO Report
What a start to winter we’ve had with arctic temperatures across our region and snow falling in the Upper Lachlan and Snowy Monaro overnight. I’ve had word that the ski resorts are planning to open a week earlier than expected due the early snow, so it looks like this is going to be a fantastic season for our most Southern Local Government Area (LGA).
It’s certainly been an exciting time for RDA’s, with new Ministers sworn into their roles this week. I’d like to congratulate the new Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, The Hon Catherine King MP, the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP and the Assistant Minister for Education and Regional Development, Senator Anthony Chisholm. We look forward to working with these new Ministers to build strong, vibrant and resilient regional communities in the Southern Inland of NSW.
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. With direct contacts into all levels of government, we welcome your communication and feedback on what your local towns are seeing as challenges and opportunities. We need your input to be your voice, so please contact us at connect@rdasi.org.au with any information you would like to discuss.
As you can see below, we are excited to announce a fabulous opportunity to join our team. The Events and Communications Officer will be responsible for all internal and external events and comms development and management. The role is work from home, as long as you live in the Southern Inland region and no two days will be the same. Please take a look at the link for further details on the role and how to apply.
With the election now out of the way, it’s time to get on with what we do best. Thanks for supporting us and we look forward to making our incredible region the best place to live, invest, work and play.
Building the Good Life: Foundations of Regional Housing
New research released this month holds the key to meeting the growing demand for housing in regional towns and cities around the country, according to the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).
RAI CEO Liz Ritchie says understanding the six new markets identified in its latest report – Building the Good Life: Foundations of regional housing, will help deliver more affordable and appropriate homes.
“Regional Australia is experiencing a moment in history like no other. In the decade to 2020, its population grew by an average of 76,500 people per annum. A life in the regions is now more attractive than ever before,” Liz Ritchie said.
“As millions of Australians either choose to stay in the regions, or make the move, this surge in popularity brings with it growing pains that need addressing as we contend with the unique settings facing our regions,” Ms Ritchie said.
The research aims to provide policymakers, industry and regional leaders with new information about the six different housing markets in Australia and highlights the need for place-based initiatives moving forward.
Regional Connect events are coming back and going quarterly!
Following discussions between RDASI and local Chambers of Commerce in Goulburn, Yass and the Southern Highlands, it has been decided to hold Regional Connect events on a quarterly basis, instead of monthly, and for each quarter to focus on a particular highly topical subject with key speakers addressing a range of related matters.
The first round of events will be held in August 2022 and will focus on the subject of Workforce Development.
More information will follow shortly on the RDASI website but, for now, save the dates for the Regional Connect events in August:
Goulburn Connect – Wednesday, August 10
Yass Connect – Wednesday, August 17
Highlands Connect – Thursday, August 18
The Commissioner’s Year in Review
It will come as no surprise that the second year of COVID-19 was a severe challenge for small businesses, with the NSW Small Business Commission receiving an unprecedented 47,500 enquiries in 2021, a 53 per cent increase on the previous year.
The issue that dominated the concerns of small business was rent relief and getting support from the Commission’s mediation service to negotiate it.
The Commission provided detailed advice to government on many matters affecting small businesses, including reviewing proposed legislation and regulations for their impact on the sector.
Manufacturing Industry Training Needs Analysis – Have Your Say
RDA Southern Inland is seeking input from businesses on the gaps in training needs in the manufacturing industry in the Goulburn-Mulwaree Local Government Area.
The purpose of this data collection is to determine the specific needs of the industry which will then be used to investigate opportunities to bring this type of training to our region.
If you are a business that fits this profile, please take a moment to complete the short survey via the link below:
Regional Skills Relocation Grant: Assistance for eligible businesses to entice workers to the region
Grants of up to $10,000 are available to regional businesses operating in NSW in eligible industries to assist with critical skilled job vacancies.
The funding assists with relocation costs of eligible skilled workers who move from metropolitan areas to Regional NSW for work.
Find out if you are eligible or to apply:
www.investregional.nsw.gov.au/investment-support/regional-skills-relocation-grant
2022 NSW Tourism Awards
Managed by the NSW Tourism Industry Council, and in partnership with Destination NSW, nominations for the NSW Tourism Awards are now open, offering all businesses operating in the NSW visitor economy the opportunity to unite in celebration of the outstanding innovation and resilience they have shown over the past few years and be rewarded for their massive efforts.
Check the categories & criteria and nominate your business now.
Nominations close 15 June and submissions are due 24 August.
Disaster Risk Reduction Fund
The Local and Regional stream of the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund is now open for applications.
Councils, joint organisations of councils, not-for-profits and other local groups are encouraged to apply for this fund stream, which offers between $50,000 and $1.5 million to eligible organisations.
This stream supports place-based initiatives that help communities prevent and mitigate natural disaster risks.
The fund will be open for applications until 1 July 2022.
Festivals One-Stop Shop
A one-stop shop has opened for Music festival organisers to help them plan the ultimate safe and sound event.
The online Music Festivals Guide has been developed to make it easier for operators to organise their events and get on with the job of entertaining communities. The online resource will enable festival organisers to refer to a simple approvals checklist, understand who to talk to, what approvals are needed, and when, so the festival runs smoothly.
Visit the NSW Music Festivals webpage for more information.
Women's Leadership Development Scholarships
Women & Leadership Australia (WLA) is offering Development Scholarships of up to $5,000 per person which are available for women working across various industries and sectors in Australia. The scholarships aim to assist participation in one of 4 key WLA development program levels.
Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism
The NSW Government is launching a Digital Skills Accelerator for Tourism program to help NSW tourism businesses transform their online marketing.
Destination NSW has partnered with digital consultancy Tourism Tribe to offer the free program to accommodation providers, tour companies and visitor attractions.
Find out More
Regional Events Acceleration Fund
Applications for Round Two of the Regional Events Acceleration Fund are open, with a further $20 million in funding for events hosted in regional NSW between July 2022 and June 2023.
The aim of the funding is to help attract new events to the regions, make existing iconic regional NSW events even bigger and better and improve accessibility and inclusion at major events.
Find out More
SRBEC Rebranding
Southern Region Business Enterprise Centre (SRBEC) is re-branding to Enterprise Plus.
Enterprise Plus will continue to deliver Australian Government, NSW Government and ACT Government business advisory and education programs and will assist businesses to become more sustainable, to generate employment opportunities and to assist young people with their career and educational journey.
The current website will remain active for now and the new website address is enterpriseplus.org.au.
Advanced Manufacturing Commercialisation Fund
The Advanced Manufacturing Commercialisation Fund provides small to medium manufacturing enterprises with matched funding to commercialise new products and processes.
Funding is availble for SME enterprises undertaking projects that align with one or more of the 6 National Manufacturing Priorities:
food and beverage
medical products
resources technology and critical minerals processing
recycling and clean energy
defence
space
Superannuation changes from 1 July
From 1 July 2022 two important super guarantee (SG) changes will apply to your business if you have employees. The amount businesses have to pay will increase and the income threshold is being removed. Find out More
Beware of fake ABN, TFN websites
With tax time nearly upon us, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) is urging taxpayers to be vigilant following an increase in reports of fake websites offering to provide tax file numbers (TFN) and Australian business numbers (ABN) for a fee. Find out More
On behalf of the RDA Southern Inland Committee and Staff, we trust you have enjoyed this newsletter. Please forward any feedback and suggestions to connect@rdasi.org.au.
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