Part of what we do at RDA Orana is connecting people -  that might be through events, workshops and training or even our catch ups at The Exchange Orana. We do this to create connections, build relationships and learn from each other -  where we gain experience and lessons learned, we hear stories that ring true and gather ideas that inspire us and gain greater understanding of the areas RDA Orana can support.

The Inland Growth Summit, being held in March is one of those experiences that will highlight a greater understanding of what matters to our region and how we can benefit from each other.  The reasoning behind the summit was to gain learnings from other regions - what they are doing better and how we can introduce those ideas into our local economy to create new opportunities.

We have an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers and panelists who will discuss topics that matter, including workforce and training, agriculture, tourism and hospitality, energy and housing and construction. Under the theme Stronger Together we will focus on communities working together to achieve positive outcomes for regional NSW. 

The summit will feature a variety of panels and networking opportunities for anyone interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and the future of regional NSW. Our confirmed speakers and panelists include:

• Echuca Regional Health Program Manager, Connecting the Dots, Gemma Bilardi
• The Energy Charter, CEO Sabine Heindl
• RELA CEO, Michael Katz
• REMPLAN Director and Principal Economist, Teresa Bullock-Smith
• NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Director Regional Workforce Policy and Evidence, Josie Howard
• Rabobank Commodities and Farm Inputs Analyst, Paul Joules
• Boydells Owner and Vigneron, Daniel Maroulis
• Weldon Co Advisory and Future Agent Academy Director, Cecille Weldon
• Humans of Agriculture Founder, Oli Le Lievre
• Charles Sturt University Senior Research Fellow, Energy and Circularity Gulbali Institute, Dr Simon Wright

The Summit will provide an opportunity to exchange knowledge and experience, establish and strengthen partnerships and co-develop solutions for the Orana region.

Book your early bird tickets HERE.

International Women’s Day - Women Winging It - Friday 7 March

Tickets are now available for our Women Winging It event which celebrates NSW Women's Week, the event will feature a full-day program filled with three fabulous sessions - you can choose to attend one or all of the sessions.

Start your day strong with an energising HIIT workout and stretch session lead by renowned Fitness Trainer Kate Ivey, perfect for all fitness levels. Afterwards enjoy breaky and chats - the best way to start your day.

Take a break from your routine and join us for a thought-provoking midday masterclass where you'll learn, connect and grow your professional network, plus enjoy a delicious lunch.

Finally, unwind with a glass of bubbles for our third session and enjoy a candid panel conversation on winging it featuring artist Lottie Rae and other fabulous entrepreneurs at The Exchange Orana. 

The first 10 full-day ticket holders will receive complimentary coworking access for the day!

Book your tickets HERE.

RDA Event Calendar

We are planning for an exciting year ahead with our annual forums including:

• The 2025 Inland Growth Summit being held at Lazy River Estate from 13 -14 March.
• The Resources, Energy, Industry and Innovation Forum to be held at Taronga Western Plains Zoo from 18 -20 June.
• The 2025 Orana Youth Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, 26 August, at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre.
• The Orana Outlook Forum will be held in November with a date yet to be determined.

Mark your calendars with these dates so as not to miss out!

Cheers for now

Justine

Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program

The NSW Government Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program is open to initiatives that promote regional economic development and support employment creation and retention.

Application closes: 20 February 2025, 5:00 pm

The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) visiting Western and Far Western NSW in February 2025 as part of its Rural and Regional Outreach Program (Outreach)

The Outreach program includes free in-person corruption prevention workshops for NSW public officials and staff from local non-government organisations. The workshops will be held in Dubbo and Broken Hill.

Narromine Community Strategic Plan 2035 Consultation

Narromine Shire Council is undertaking a review of its 10-Year Community Strategic Plan (CSP), and is inviting you to participate and share your feedback. The survey will close on 31 January 2025.

Dubbo Regional Council has been awarded $14.6 million

Under Round 2 of the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Program to upgrade the runway at Dubbo Regional Airport. This project will upgrade and strengthen the main runway, associated taxiways and aprons to support the operation of large air tankers and emergency services, ensuring the airport remains a reliable gateway to the region.

Leadership Foundations Workshop 2025

Leadership Foundations is your gateway to cultivating the essential knowledge and skills you need to lead effectively. This workshop is specifically designed for people who are new to leadership or managerial roles, regardless of industry or years of experience.

When: Thursday 20th of March 

Location: The Exchange Orana, Dubbo

Grant of the Week

Mid-Western Regional Council Community Grants Program

Applications are now open for the Community Grants Program, supporting projects and activities that align towards the Mid-Western Council 2030 Community Plan. 

Applications close 12 February 2025

The Vault Talent Bank Spotlight

Name: Grace Walker

Business: Flying with Grace Recreational Training School

Occupation: Flight Instructure

Location: Narromine

Bio: Grace has 12 years experience in health, as well as 4 years in social work, which allows her to understand and tailor training to each individual.