Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sydney

The latest edition of our RDA NSW newsletter is live! This issue is packed with insights, opportunities and stories shaping our regions, including: 📌 An exclusive podcast interview with Regional Development Australia - Mid North Coast CEO & Director, Dr Madeleine Lawler, on the challenges and opportunities facing the region. 📌 New grant opportunities to help drive your projects forward. 📌 Upcoming events you won’t want to miss. Whether you're a business leader, policymaker, considering a move to the country, or simply passionate about regional development, there’s something for you in this edition. 🔗 Read it now: https://lnkd.in/dVXpUFyK #RegionalNSW #RDANSW #EconomicDevelopment #FutureOfRegions #CommunityGrowth #MidNorthCoast Images courtesy Destination NSW

The First Nations Digital Support Hub and Network of Digital Mentors programs are now open for applications. 💻 Digital Support Hub – supports people to be online safely and effectively and understand the connectivity option which is best for them. 👩💻 Network of Digital Mentors – trains mentors to help community members use online services, build their digital skills, and stay safe online. Applications close 13 March 2025. Find out more: tinyurl.com/y6p859ek #DigitalInclusion #ConnectingAustralians

The Australian Government has announced a world-first reform to deliver universal outdoor mobile coverage across Australia. Through the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO), mobile carriers will be required to provide voice and SMS access almost anywhere under the open sky – covering up to 5 million square kilometres and over 37,000km of regional roads. 🚜🌏 This is huge news for farmers, travellers and emergency responders, ensuring better access to Triple Zero, closing mobile black spots, and improving communication during disasters and power outages. 💡 Powered by Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) and Direct to Device (D2D) technology, this initiative is a game-changer for connectivity in remote and regional Australia. Legislation will be introduced in 2025, with implementation expected by late 2027. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/gJY4tDWF Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts #UOMO #MobileCoverage #RegionalAustralia #LEOSat #Connectivity #AlbaneseGovernment #D2D #TripleZero #DigitalFuture #Telecommunications

📣Do you have an engaging and innovative arts project that will help grow audiences in regional and remote Australia? Round 20 of the #FestivalsAustralia program is now open and offers funding to support individual arts projects delivered at a festival or significant one-off community celebration. The program recognises the important role festivals play in a thriving creative and cultural sector by connecting communities and promoting local talent to tell #Australian stories – a key focus of #Revive, Australia’s National #CulturalPolicy. Applications close 11:59pm (AEDT), Tuesday 18 March 2025 ➡ https://lnkd.in/gCWZDM-M #EnrichingCommunities #RegionalArts

Singleton Bypass Update: Major Milestone Reached Big news for the Hunter region – construction on the $710 million Singleton Bypass is charging ahead, with four of six bridges now taking shape. This transformative project will: ✅ Remove 15,000 vehicles from Singleton’s CBD daily ✅ Reduce congestion by bypassing five sets of traffic lights ✅ Boost freight efficiency and improve road safety ✅ Support 1,300+ jobs during construction. With the first girder placed on the 1.6 km Doughboy Hollow bridge, this vital infrastructure is coming to life – and it’s on track to open by late 2026 (weather permitting). 📖 Read the full story and discover how the bypass will reshape the region: https://lnkd.in/gHyXj_XS #SingletonBypass #HunterRegion #Infrastructure #RegionalDevelopment #BuildingTheFuture Regional Development Australia Hunter

Shaping the Future of Inland NSW – 2025 Growth Summit! The Inland Growth Summit returns for its 7th year, bringing together local innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders who are driving growth, investment, and transformation across inland NSW. 📅 Thursday & Friday, 13–14 March 2025 📍 Lazy River Estate, Dubbo Over two dynamic days, attendees will: ✅ Hear from inspiring keynote speakers shaping the future of inland industries ✅ Engage with industry experts & mentors on the latest trends and opportunities ✅ Explore new ideas & pathways for business and economic growth ✅ Connect with like-minded professionals and build valuable partnerships. 🎤 Key Themes: 🏗 Workforce & Training – Building the talent pipeline for regional industries 🌾 Agriculture – Innovations driving productivity and sustainability 🌍 Tourism & Hospitality – Unlocking opportunities for regional tourism growth ⚡ Energy – Exploring the future of renewables and regional energy solutions 🏠 Housing & Construction – Addressing infrastructure and development challenges 🌟 Conference Dinner: A special evening to network, connect, and celebrate the people and ideas shaping inland NSW. 🔗 Discover more & register today: https://lnkd.in/g-2TsqwK If you’re passionate about regional innovation, economic development, and investment, this is an event you won’t want to miss. RDA Orana #InlandGrowthSummit #RegionalInnovation #DubboNSW #RDAOrana #FutureOfNSW #Entrepreneurship #BusinessGrowth #EconomicDevelopment #WorkforceDevelopment #TourismNSW #SustainableAgriculture #RenewableEnergy #RegionalHousing #Networking #InvestmentOpportunities

Navigating Skilled Migration in 2025? We’ve Got You Covered! Are you a business, industry leader, or skilled worker looking to stay ahead of Australia’s evolving migration pathways? The 2025 NSW Skilled Migration Seminars are your chance to get first-hand insights from government and industry experts on the latest visa changes. 📢 Following major updates from the Department of Home Affairs, these free seminars will unpack: ✅ The new National Innovation Visa ✅ Updates to the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa ✅ Pathways for businesses to recruit skilled workers when local talent isn’t available. 🎤 Hear directly from: 🔹 The NSW Government on skilled migration and local workforce initiatives 🔹 The Department of Home Affairs (BIRO) on employer-sponsored and state-nominated visa options 🔹 The Migration Institute of Australia on professional guidance for businesses and migrants. 📍 Coming to 12 NSW locations + a webinar: 🔹 Wollongong – 4 March 🔹 Queanbeyan – 5 March 🔹 Albury – 6 March 🔹 Broken Hill – 11 March 🔹 Dubbo – 12 March 🔹 Orange – 13 March 🔹 Wagga Wagga – 14 March 🔹 Lismore – 18 March 🔹 Tamworth – 19 March 🔹 Newcastle – 20 March 🔹 Buronga – 24 March 🔹 Parramatta – 25 March 💻 Webinar – 1 April. ⏰ Sessions start at 10:00 AM (Buronga starts at 12:30 PM) ☕ Light refreshments provided 🔗 Secure your FREE spot today: https://lnkd.in/g4YvdVuy Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical insights, connect with experts, and plan for the future of skilled migration in NSW. Australian Department of Home Affairs Migration Institute of Australia #NSWMigration #SkilledMigration #BusinessGrowth #NSWGovernment #MigrationPathways #VisaUpdates #SkilledWorkers #AustraliaMigration #RegionalDevelopment #WorkforcePlanning #IndustryInsights #EconomicGrowth

Applications are now open for the 2025 Indigenous Apprenticeships Program This 12-month paid apprenticeship is your gateway to a career in the Australian Public Service (APS), offering hands-on experience and nationally recognised qualifications. 🔹 Gain a Certificate IV in Government (APS2) or a Diploma in Government (APS3) 🔹 Work across a range of government departments and agencies 🔹 Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from all backgrounds—school leavers, recent graduates, and career changers welcome! 🔹 Roles available in metro, regional, and remote locations across Australia. Applications close Sunday, 2 March 2025. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/gJwqeP48 Services Australia #IndigenousCareers #APSJobs #GovernmentCareers #IndigenousApprenticeships #CareerOpportunities #DiversityAndInclusion #FutureLeaders

Backing Regional Aviation: $12M for NSW Airport Upgrades For many regional communities, airports are more than just travel hubs – they're lifelines. From emergency medical transport to boosting local tourism and industry, strong regional aviation keeps our communities connected. The Australian Government is delivering almost $12 million to upgrade key regional airports across NSW, supporting critical infrastructure like runway extensions, resurfacing, lighting, and drainage. These upgrades will: ✅ Enhance safety for passengers and emergency services ✅ Strengthen connections for regional businesses and tourism ✅ Support firefighting and aeromedical operations in times of crisis. Major projects include: 🛫 $3.8M for Merimbula Airport – Extending the runway for larger aircraft, including firefighting tankers and military transport. 🛫 $5M for Albury Airport – A full runway overlay to accommodate larger aircraft and emergency services. 🛫 Upgrades for Moruya, Moree, Griffith and Mudgee airports – Ensuring continued operations and emergency response capability. Investing in regional aviation means investing in safer, more connected communities. Read the full story: https://lnkd.in/gcuMiEjU Regional Development Australia - Southern NSW and ACT Regional Development Australia Murray Regional Development Australia Northern Inland Regional Development Australia Riverina RDA Orana #RegionalAustralia #Aviation #NSW #Infrastructure #RegionalDevelopment #Tourism #EmergencyServices #StrongerRegions

Help is on the way to finally ease Hunter bottlenecks!🚦 If you’ve ever been stuck in holiday traffic exiting the M1 Motorway at Newcastle (and who hasn’t?!), then this is a very good news story. The Australian and NSW governments are investing $15 million to progress planning for much-needed upgrades at the John Renshaw Drive, M1 Motorway, Weakleys Drive, and New England Highway intersection—one of the region’s worst traffic chokepoints. These upgrades will cut congestion, improve safety, and support freight movement, ensuring smoother journeys for locals, holidaymakers, and heavy vehicles connecting to the Port of Newcastle and Newcastle Airport. 🚧 Key improvements being explored: ✅ Upgrades to the M1 Motorway and Weakleys Drive intersection ✅ Lane duplication on Weakleys Drive between Enterprise Drive and Canavan Drive ✅ Better access from Weakleys Drive to the New England Highway. With this planning underway, relief is in sight for one of NSW’s fastest-growing regions. 📢 Read the full article for all the details: https://lnkd.in/gDYAkHnN Transport for NSW Regional Development Australia Hunter #Infrastructure #HunterRegion #JohnRenshawDrive #NSWGovernment #RoadUpgrades #Transport #RegionalGrowth #RDAHunter