RDASI Newsletter - July 2020
A message from the CEO
Over the last four weeks RDASI focus has moved to recovery and what that might look like for the remainder of the year. We want to direct our region into the learnings and opportunities this most challenging 6 months has provided. So many of our regional businesses have positioned themselves in a more positive direction, learned to diversify and found rewards within.
One of the positive outcomes of COVID-19 for our regions has been the forced decentralisation of much of our workforce. Both employees and employers have had a taste of what can be achieved when home and work reside in different locations.
We know all too well the benefits living regionally can bring. Lower housing prices, faster career progression and improved lifestyle choices are all secrets us locals already hold dear. And we’re happy to share these advantages to build stronger, more vibrant communities.
Recently our Chairman, Hugh Cooke attended the launch of National Farmers Federation’s blueprint for agriculture-led recovery which is set out in their release ‘Get Australia growing’. This blueprint is extremely important and adds national strength to RDASI work.
In particular, some of the NFF pillars within this blueprint being;
Creating new growth opportunities for our agri-food exporters
Create jobs on-farm
Champion ‘regionalisation’
Creating better outcomes for the environment and for farm businesses
RDASI knows we have incredible resilient people and the boundless potential just waiting to be recognised. 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.
SISP Update
Last month, Crookwell High and Crookwell Public were very lucky to be treated to a private Biala Wind Farm blade viewing at the Crookwell Showground. The blade, measuring 69 metres long, was the last blade to be delivered to Biala Wind Farm and we were fortunate to have it detour to the showground for students to get an up-close on the truck! At close range, students were able to see just how big these blades are, how they curve and the finer details. The blade will be added to a 110 metre tower, with each wind turbine being constructed in about 2 days.
Over the past few weeks, we have also been lucky to have the brilliant Dr Brad Tucker dialling in to a number of classrooms to talk about all things space. Brad has had zoom sessions with Glenquarry Public, Boorowa Central and Exeter Public, with topics of discussions ranging from dark energy and dark matter to the most common animal to enter space (jellyfish!). These virtual sessions have been invaluable to student in primary and high schools and we are grateful to be able to continue to engage with students in a virtual manner.
Skilled Migration Updates
From 23:59 AEDT on the 28th of March 2020 all people entering Australia have been required to undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine at designated facilities (for example, a hotel), in their port of arrival.
Travellers will be transported directly to those facilities after appropriate immigration, customs and health checks.
Designated facilities will be determined by the relevant state or territory government and will ordinarily be in the city of entry where the traveller has cleared immigration, but facilities in other areas may be used if required.
We are constantly making sure we are up to date on any new visa holders information during COVID-19. At this point we have not been informed of any financial assistance for migrants, however we will be posting regularly to our social media platforms with updates on this.
JobKeeper Payment updates
On August 7, the Government announced further changes to the JobKeeper payment including the reference date for determining employee eligibility for the existing scheme and the extension. On July 21, the Government announced the extension of the JobKeeper Payment by a further six months to 28 March 2021. The payment rate will be reduced and a lower payment rate will be introduced for those who work fewer hours. Learn more about the JobKeeper Payment for employers and employees or sole traders and other entities.
Drought Support
The impacts of drought on farming communities are far from over and COVID-19 and the recent bushfires are adding further stress. For information on support and services in NSW connect with Service NSW or call 13 77 88.
Goulburn Connect
Goulburn Connect allows businesses to share their experiences and knowledge in running a small business, whilst also growing their network. Come along to the next Business Networking meetup and spend some time with locals in business.
