RDASI Newsletter - November 2021
A message from the CEO
As we edge another month closer to Christmas, our regions are opening up, bringing opportunity and fervour. Retail, hospitality and tourism, three of the hardest hit sectors during the lockdowns will be kicking off their recovery process again.
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.
Ag Day 2021 is at the end of this month and RDASI is celebrating the occasion by producing a short film to showcase the innovative people, practices and programs in our Southern Inland Ag Community. The film is being launched on Ag Day, November 19th. Find out more below and head to this link to view the trailer AG Day 2021.
Our online Grant finder portal is a key piece of software making it easier to help anyone searching for funding. When you register your criteria, an automatic email will be sent once an opportunity hits the list. There are also useful tips and hints on how to write approval worthy applications. We can help with that too. Get in contact with us at grants@rdasi.org.au to discuss your project.
This Christmas, I’d like to encourage everyone to buy local. We have amazing retailers, creatives and producers in our region who would really appreciate your support. The last two years have been tough, so instead of shopping with the big brands, take a look at what you can discover locally.
RDA Southern Inland Launches Ag Day 2021
With the challenges our Ag community have endured over the last few years, RDA Southern Inland couldn’t let this year pass without celebrating the incredible innovative People, their Practices and the Programs that have supported them through these times.
‘For the Love of Ag’, was born, a short film featuring local Southern Inland farmers and graziers doing inspirational things.
The film is due for release on Ag Day, Friday 19th November and RDASI is encouraging people in the Ag Industry to organise a get together with family and friends to mark the occasion and watch the film. For ideas on what to do and to register your event go to agday.org.au, a National Farmers Federation initiative.
The film has been made possible through the support of RDASI’s partners Coordinare, Local Land Services, National Farmers Federation and NSW Farmers Association.
Regionalisation: National Address by Senator the Hon. Bridget McKenzie
On Friday 12 November, the Regional Australia Institute will host Senator, the Hon. Bridget McKenzie where she will deliver her first national keynote address as Minister for Regionalisation and outline the Government’s plan for the future. Read more about the event or register here.
NSW Accommodation Support Grant
The NSW accommodation support grant is available to accommodation providers who experienced cancellations for stays between Friday 25 June and Sunday 11 July 2021.
You may also be eligible for this grant if you run a private residence as an Airbnb or short-stay accommodation rental. You must meet the eligibility requirements for the grant and show that the income from the holiday accommodation is your primary income.
Applications are open until 30 November 2021. Learn more here.
Innovate with NBN
Grants are open to businesses that are harnessing the benefits of the nbn™ network to develop products or solutions that improve digital participation, productivity or social outcomes for regional and remote Australians. VIEW ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND APPLY HERE
Goulburn Mulwaree Council and Destination Southern NSW successful in Building Better Regions Fund Grants
Goulburn Mulwaree Council have been successful in obtaining a $250,000 grant towards the development of the Shibetsu Japanese Gardens. The gardens will feature maple trees, cherry blossoms, pathways and a gazebo, all centred around a koi pond and a system of seven gentle waterfalls.
Visit Goulburn Mulwaree Council website for more information.
Destination Southern NSW were granted $20,000 to facilitate the Tourism Business Leadership and Capability Mentoring Program in Yass. The project will deliver a 12 month personalised mentoring program, designed to drive leadership and capability development for eight local tourism business owners.
Regional Events Acceleration Fund
The Regional Events Acceleration Fund helps organisations attract new major international and domestic events to regional areas.
The Fund offers two streams:
Stream One: Major Event Operations and Infrastructure with grants available between $50,000 and $200,000.
Stream Two: Major Event Attraction and Enhancement offering grants from $100,000.
Applications close 5pm Friday, 17 December 2021. Click here for further information and to apply.
Economic Recovery Strategy
Families, individuals and businesses across NSW will benefit from a targeted $2.8 billion package developed to accelerate recovery following the three month lockdown due to the Delta COVID-19 outbreak.
The NSW Government’s Economic Recovery Strategy includes funding to stimulate economic activity in cities and regions with a strong focus on rebuilding and supporting businesses, helping the hip pocket and boosting jobs. READ MORE.
2022 Regional Youth Taskforce recruitment
The Regional Youth Taskforce is a Ministerial advisory group comprised of 18 diverse members, aged 12-24, with two members representing each of NSW's nine regions.
The Taskforce advises the Minister for Regional Youth on issues that affect young people living in regional NSW. It provides young people from all corners of rural and regional NSW with unique opportunities to meet with government and inform decision making. To find out more or apply, visit nsw.gov.au/RegionalYouthTaskforce
