It’s been a busy few weeks settling into our new home at The Exchange Orana. To help clarify any confusion about the transition - RDA Orana has taken over the management of The Exchange, while founder Jillian Kilby still owns the building. We aim to grow The Exchange into the regions and will now be The Exchange Orana. It will allow us to expand our operations and events, provide a home for The Vault Talent Bank and a base for our 12 local government's within RDA Orana with working and meeting spaces. Please call in and say hello when you get a chance!

Orana Youth Forum

Another new initiative we are embarking on is the inaugural Orana Youth Forum - which will be held on Tuesday 15 October 2024 at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre. Our aim for the event is to bring together students from across the region with training providers, employment services, businesses and tertiary institutions to provide a greater understanding of what possibilities are available.

We know there is a skills shortage across the country. We aim to highlight career paths that are in demand and shine a light on jobs for the future - especially those in the new energy sector that will be in short supply and high demand as the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone starts to pick up pace. 

According to Working Future: The Australian Government’s White Paper on Jobs and Opportunities, digital and technology jobs will grow by 21 per cent by 2033, while the care and support economy is expected to grow by 22 per cent by 2033. Projections produced by Deloitte for Jobs and Skills Australia show that the occupations key to the clean energy workforce will need to increase by around 30 per cent by 2033 to deliver the net zero transformation. This represents an increase of 213,000 workers. 

Filling skills needs and building our future workforce is a priority for RDA Orana. We hope the Orana Youth Forum will provide our young people with information about the current opportunities and pathways available to them. 

If you are an employment or training provider, business or tertiary institution that would like to participate in the event as an exhibitor please call or email me.

Cheers for now

Justine

Regional Telecommunications Survey

The Regional Telecommunications Review is an opportunity for people living and working in regional, rural and remote Australia to share their views and experiences using telecommunications services. Sharing your views and experiences will help the Committee gauge the adequacy of telecommunications services and determine current and future needs. 

Regional Movers Index - March 2024 Quarter Report

New Energy Apprenticeships Program

New Energy Apprentices are eligible to receive up to $10,000 during their apprenticeship and work with an industry mentor. The New Energy Apprenticeships Program is available to Australian Apprentices working in the clean energy sector.

From 1 June 2024, the program will be expanded to provide more opportunities for apprentices and trainees in the clean energy sector. There are 40 occupations listed as clean energy on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.

Strengthening Rural Communities – Prepare & Recover

Rugby For Good

In 2023, the NSW Positive Rugby Foundation invested $1.4M back into community rugby across NSW via our Rugby For Good programs.

• Record funding into Girls & Women’s Rugby
• 533 coaches completing the ‘Start Talkin’ Mental Health module
• Delivered 32 ‘Get Talkin’ Mental Health Workshops
• Rugby Tackle Life being delivered in 13 disadvantaged schools in Western Sydney
• Officially opened the Dubbo Hub and employing 5 regional development staff
• Delivered over 90 Holiday break camps with over 2000+ kids attending across Central west, Western Plains and Central North NSW
• Started ‘Rugby in The Park’ – Our Rugby For Good program for the homeless & socially disconnected members of society
• Kick Started our Rugby For Good program delivered in Youth Justice centres

Western NSW Business Awards Winners

Congratulations to the 2024 Western NSW Business Awards winners in the Orana region!

• Outstanding Young Business Leader - Emily Stanton, Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park, Nyngan
• Employer of Choice Award - 21 employees and over - Ben Furney Flour Mills, Dubbo
• Excellence in Sustainability - Lazy River Estate, Dubbo
• Outstanding Community Organisation - Marathon Health, Dubbo
• Outstanding New Business - Small Batch Brewery and Hop Farm, Mudgee
  

The Vault Talent Bank

The Vault Talent Bank is an online platform that links individuals and businesses to skilled consultants, professionals, sole traders, and start-ups who live and work in the Orana region. Join The Vault Talent Bank today to showcase your skills or business, and discover exciting opportunities!

Community Safety & Crime Prevention Plan - Dubbo Region

Help us understand what a safe community looks like for you. Pop-ups are planned across June, and the feedback page supports input to shape the Dubbo region's community vision, action plans, and identification of public spaces where the community feels unsafe.

Women in Construction

A fee-free opportunity for women wanting to join the construction industry. The BOOTS (Building Opportunities through Outreach Training and Support) program will provide hands-on trade experience and potentially lead to permanent employment for the right candidates

Award and Minimum Wages to Rise 3.75%

The Fair Work Commission has increased award and minimum wages by 3.75 per cent, effective 1 July. The decision will raise the minimum wage from $882.80 to $915.91 a week and from $23.23 to $24.10 an hour.

In the news:

• Federal government to halve overseas migration from record highs amid housing shortage

• Supporting workers, employers and communities through energy system changes

• Federal budget: what’s in it for you?