RDASI Newsletter - June 2000
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. The latest buzz words have changed from ‘pivot’ and ‘diversify’ to ‘September Cliff’ and ‘Economic drop-off', but here at RDASI we’re not interested in the negative scaremongering of the media.
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.
We’re here to encourage more of that and to advocate whenever and wherever we can for this region. We know 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.
Continuing in a positive vein, some interesting data was released last week debunking the myth that regions are experiencing a population deficit. In fact, Regional Australia Institute (RAI) has been touting its findings which state that regional Australia in fact grew in population by over 65,000 people. If you’re interested in reading the whole report or downloading their fact sheet you can do that HERE.
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. The reduction in office overheads, commute times and transportation emissions, have been matched with an unexpected increase in productivity, providing better live/work balance and positive outcomes all around.
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.
It was wonderful to receive acknowledgement this week from our Minister, Hon Nola Marino on the work we’ve been doing to communicate with the Federal Government during the pandemic. Take a look at the official press release HERE.
SISP Update
Last week Crookwell Public school students were treated to a live zoom session with Isabel and Leo from the Gullen Range Wind Farm. Students have been using STELR wind turbine kits to develop working models to solve problems on supplying energy to various inventions. Leo gave the 3 classes of Year 5 and 6 students a fabulous insight into the workings of a local wind turbine then finished with a lively Q and A session. With Covid-19 restrictions slowly lifting, industry are looking forward to getting back into the classroom with students, but ‘virtual visits’ still remain a quick and easy way to interact and engage with students across the region!
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.
Thousands of Hong Kong citizens in Australia have been offered visa extensions of up to five years on top of their usual visa rules following a crackdown on personal freedoms by China.
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.
Bushfire Industry Recovery Package
This NSW Government funding package will help forestry, horticulture and agriculture industries impacted by the recent bushfires to rebuild, recover, regrow and remain the heartbeat of regional economies.
Sector development grants will facilitate the medium and long-term rebuilding of regional NSW’s agricultural industries. Funding is available for projects focussing on job creation and that increase value-add production, support supply-chain efficiencies, product diversification and market expansion.
Applications are open until 17 July. For more information, including how to apply, program guidelines and eligibility critiera, please visit www.nsw.gov.au/bushfire-industry-recovery-package.
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.
Farmers will find technical information with links to support and services on www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au or www.farmhub.org.au, or you can call the southern Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1800 319 458.
Mental health services are also available in the South East and can be accessed by calling 1800 011 511 for referrals, or if you are in crisis.
Read about one Aussie farmer's test of resilience through unprecedented times.
Find Red Leaf's Katrina Sparke's story HERE
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 Business Networking meetup and spend some time with locals in business.
