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.

Last month was again a busy one for our team. Our workforce development programs have been very successful. Local employers were able to connect directly with jobseekers and school age kids to discuss opportunities and careers pathways.

Advocating for regional solutions is a large part of our work, so please get in contact with us if you have an issue of challenge you need assistance with.

Small Business Month kicked off in March and with it our grants guru, Phil Gibson is hosting a number of targeted grant writing workshops throughout the month. RDASI can assist businesses and community organisations with their project development and grant writing, so please contact Phil at grants@rdasi.org.au for any grant assistance that you may need.

Retail and hospitality businesses across the region are telling us this has been the quietest January on record and that the challenge to maintain their workforce while mitigating the covid landscape is overwhelming.

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.

On June 21st, we held our first Board meeting with our new members. We have a completely refreshed Board who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to RDA-Southern Inland. If you'd like to read more about who they are and what expertise they bring. We would like to thank the outgoing Board members, Sue Whelan OAM, John Bell, Jenny Calkin and Mark Bradbury for their passion, time and dedication to RDASI.

Welcome Phil Gibson to the RDA Southern Inland team. Phil started with us as our Grants and Projects Officer. Phil has extensive experience in grant writing and funding acquisition and is available to assist businesses and community groups with the application process on a fee-for-service basis.

RDA Southern Inland, provides support to time-poor businesses in the region to connect with others and access business support and information.