This week, year 12 students from across the state began the HSC, the culmination of 13 years of schooling and study. It's a daunting stage of life where our young people make decisions about what they want to do with their lives and investigate possible career paths to follow.

To open the door to new opportunities and possibilities for our young people, RDA Orana is excited about the inaugural EnergyCo and ACEREZ Orana Youth Forum which will take place on Wednesday 6 November at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.

Thank you to EnergyCo and ACEREZ  who have come on board as naming sponsors for the inaugural event.

The Forum aims to highlight employment opportunities and showcase the unique pathways available to our young people in the region, utilising new energy markets for traineeships and apprenticeships and business in demand. It will feature an exhibition hall with more than 30 exhibitors, seminars with inspirational keynote speakers in the convention centre, and an outdoor interactive space utilising the Dubbo Regional Council car park and Victoria Park.

Confirmed speakers include: 

• Australian School of Entrepreneurship CEO, Jahin Tanvir
• Tie Dye Project President and 2024 Dubbo Citizen of the Year, Molly Croft
• ABC Heywire Winner, Kirra Hampson
• Australian Government Regional Education Commissioner, The Hon. Fiona Nash.

We’re also looking for exhibitors who focus on careers in demand in healthcare, agriculture, education and training, construction, mining and renewable energy to feature in the exhibition hall. 

If you are interested or would like more information visit www.oranayouthforum.com.au or contact our Event Manager, Kate Wade events@rdaorana.org.au

Transport Roundtable meeting on 30 November

Our Orana-Hunter Connections and Beyond Golden Highway Transport Roundtable meeting will be held on Wednesday 30 October. All local councils from both the Orana and Hunter region have been invited to attend along with key stakeholder businesses and State and Federal MPs from the regions. This is our chance to sit down with State Government Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP and discuss how the Golden Highway can become the road of opportunity for the Orana-Hunter regions through the outcomes of the recently completed Orana-Hunter Connections and Beyond Golden Highway Transport Study Business Cases. 

If you’re reading this and have been invited please RSVP, if you feel you should be included in the meeting, please contact me for an invitation: ceo@rdaorana.org.au.

To find out more information about the Orana-Hunter Connections and Beyond Golden Highway Transport Study Business Cases visit: www.rdaorana.org.au/projects/the-orana-hunter-golden-highway-transport-study

Congratulations to our new local government leaders

It is wonderful to see so many new faces after the recent local government elections. Local councils play an important role in leading and shaping their communities. These elected representatives reflect the diverse nature of their communities and understand what matters to local people. I look forward to meeting the region’s new Mayors and Deputy Mayors on my travels across the Orana region.  Congratulations to you all on your appointments. Representing and advocating for the needs and wants of our community, as well as balancing those needs and wants against the limitations of budgets and resources, is a challenging but rewarding task. It is great to see a mix of new and experienced Councillors bringing continuity and new perspectives to the regions they serve.

Cheers for now

Justine

3G Network Shutdown on 28th October

It’s under two weeks until the 3G network is shutdown on 28 October. It’s so important that you act now to update or replace any impacted devices. Devices which may be impacted include phones, smartwatches, tablets, in-home personal emergency alarms, EFTPOS terminals and fire and security alarms.

Regional Airports Program – Round 4

Applications are now open for Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, with up to $7.5 million in funding available for regional airports to undertake essential works to improve aviation safety, access and transition to net zero emissions.

Orana Youth Forum - Exhibitors Wanted

Save the Date - The Orana Outlook Forum

Our third annual Orana Outlook Forum will be held in Mudgee at Blue Wren Farm on the 27th of November 2024.

With funding up to $10,000, this program aims to support cultural organisations and individuals to initiate and develop projects that support regional creative diversity, innovation and growth.

Closing: 5pm, Monday 28 October 2024

Health and Safety Representative (HSR) Refresher Training

Join the SafeWork NSW-approved 1-day Health and Safety Representative (HSR) refresher course on Monday, 21 October 2024, at the Orana Skills Centre, 9-11 White Street, Dubbo NSW. This face-to-face course renews your knowledge and skills to effectively fulfill your role as an HSR in NSW, as required by Work Health and Safety legislation.