RDA Orana and Hunter officially launched the Orana Hunter Connections and Beyond Golden Highway Transport Study business cases at this week's roundtable meeting with the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, The Hon Jenny Aitchison MP.

The roundtable meeting included keynote speakers from the Port of Newcastle, EnergyCo and Transport for NSW who spoke to a large audience of industry, business and state and local government representatives who all have an interest in the upgrade of the Golden Highway road and rail corridor.

The Golden Highway serves as the backbone of our region’s economy supporting more than 2.5 million tonnes of freight in the corridor, travelling by road and rail. 

This volume is expected to reach an estimated 6.3 million tonnes over the next decade due to the expansion in renewable energy and mining sectors.

These changes require a plan of infrastructure improvements that will minimise impacts on local communities while keeping freight moving safely and efficiently between the Orana and Hunter regions and the Port of Newcastle.

The Road Corridor Business Case, proposes upgrades including bridge replacements, bridge widening, new overtaking lanes, upgrades to railway crossings and intersections, while the Rail Corridor Business Case aims to enhance the competitiveness of Australian exports, reduce environmental impacts through decreased road freight, and improve safety by reducing traffic accidents and fatalities.

The business cases confirm the value of improving the Golden Highway road and rail connections between our regions so we can maximise our shared competitive advantages and seize the once-in-a-lifetime development opportunities for the benefit of our communities and a long-term view.

A key outcome of the roundtable meeting was the support for the formation of a Golden Highway Taskforce, which will help lobby for infrastructure improvements to minimise impacts on local communities while keeping freight moving safely and efficiently between the Orana and Hunter regions and the Port of Newcastle.

Orana Youth Forum

The countdown is on with only five days until the inaugural ACEREZ and EnergyCo Orana Youth Forum.

The Forum will provide an opportunity for young people in the region to hear from business, industry leaders, universities and training providers about jobs for the future and how the next generation will be growing and building our region.

The event will include speaker sessions and an exhibition hall featuring more than 30 exhibits from a cross-section of business, vocational, apprenticeship and trainee providers, industry representation and tertiary institutions, along with an outdoor activity space.

We’ve secured an exciting lineup of keynote speakers in the theatre to inspire our young people, including:

• 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

This will be followed by an industry and opportunities session featuring:

• Squadron Energy First Nations Engagement Facilitator, Justin Toomey-White
• Precision Pastures Soils and Pasture Agronomist and General Manager Operations, Drew Walsh
• Tomingley Gold Operations Third Year Electrical Apprentice, Jack Finlayson
• Marathon Health Speech Pathologist, Paige Hughes and Occupational Therapist, Hannah Brooker
• Australian Government Regional Education Commissioner, The Hon. Fiona Nash

The afternoon session will feature an interactive workshop with University of NSW Senior Lecturer, Sandeep Kirpalani who will focus on careers in new energy, circular economies and sustainability.

Thank you to our sponsors who have supported the Forum including naming sponsors EnergyCo and ACEREZ and our gold sponsors, Brewarrina Shire Council, Dubbo Regional Council, NSW Mining and Tilt Renewables.

Cheers for now

Justine

NSW Tourism Award finalists announced

The NSW Tourism Awards 2024 have officially announced their finalists, celebrating the outstanding contributions of businesses and operators in the tourism sector across New South Wales. This inaugural event has seen remarkable engagement, with more than 200 nominations reflecting a strong commitment to excellence in visitor experiences. Among the finalists from the Destination Country and Outback (DNCO) region are:

* Old Dubbo Gaol

* Outback Music Festival Group Pty Ltd

* Dubbo Regional Council

* Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park

We wish these operators the best of luck when the winners are announced at the Gala Awards Dinner on 28 November 2024.

Spark Dubbo

In partnership with Spark Festival, Charles Sturt University, ACS Labs and Investment NSW, join us for discovery, ideas and connection to the NSW regional ecosystem.

Meet minds, share ideas and skills, find your future collaborators or tell others about your venture. Whether curious about innovation and technology, or a seasoned expert, this event is designed to foster engagement and collaboration across the thriving tech-enabled communities that call regional NSW home. 

Save the date and join us in Mudgee

Tickets will go on sale soon for the 2024 Orana Outlook Forum! Join us on Wednesday 4 December, at the picturesque Blue Wren Farm in Mudgee for a comprehensive look at the issues and opportunities impacting the Orana region.

This year’s forum will feature insights from industry and government leaders on a range of critical topics, including government policy, renewable energy advancements, healthcare, housing, tourism, agriculture, workforce development, and environmental and social challenges.

NBN local community information sessions

nbn staff will be available in November to share information and address any questions you might have about the nbn®.

Information sessions will be held at Nyngan on 6 November and Warren on 7 November.

Event Development Fund NSW

The Event Development Fund supports organisers of established events in regional NSW by providing funding of up to $50,000 for their growth and continued success. Eligible applicants must have previously received maximum funding through the Flagship Event Program.

Dubbo ASX200 CEO series - supported by Qantas

Dubbo ICAM Lead Investigator Course

The ICAM (Incident Cause Analysis Method) course equips HSE, operations, and maintenance supervisory personnel with a structured approach to conducting effective systemic investigations. Based on the work of renowned psychologist and human error expert Professor James Reason, this course provides practical tools for investigating HSE incidents.

This program offers grants supporting local projects aligned with the Mid-Western Council Towards 2030 Community Plan. Categories include youth and disability representatives, business associations, community groups, events, non-capital and capital projects, and sports. Funding ranges from $500 to $25,000, depending on the category, with additional in-kind and council asset grants available.

Closing date: 12 November 2024