Hi there what a busy couple of weeks it has been for us here at RDA Orana. We've celebrated women at our Women Winging It event, held a successful Inland Growth Summit and attended numerous migration seminars that have been held across the state. We're also thrilled about the news of the reappointment of our Board Chair Brad Cam for a further four years.

RDA Orana Board Chair reappointed

We are very excited to announce the reappointment of the RDA Orana Board Chair, Brad Cam to the role for a further four years. Brad has held the position of Chair since 2020 and has overseen the growth of the organisation, guiding board members and working alongside staff.

In the coming month, the Board will begin working on our strategic and growth plan.

Brad is passionate about growing industry, expanding the economy, creating opportunities and helping businesses overcome the obstacles they may face across the Orana region.

Elevate your board and executive leaders’ performance

We are very lucky to be hosting the much sought-after Australian Institute of Company Directors - Company Directors Course in mid-May 2025, providing world-class governance education in the Orana region.

By undertaking the Company Directors Course in-house at The Exchange Orana, board members, directors and senior executives will be provided with innovative opportunities to build their governance knowledge together.

The course will provide critical governance knowledge that underpins improved board productivity and performance, and improved governance understanding leads to better outcomes, no matter the size or stage of your organisation.

Numbers are limited for the course and registrations close on Monday 24 March. For more information and to register email: ceo@rdaorana.org.au

The Welcome Experience Orana regional welcome events

The Welcome Experience Orana team hosted three separate welcome events earlier this month to foster community integration, support workforce retention and strengthen social and professional networks.

The Walgett and Bourke events were the largest to date, with more than 70 attendees at each and reflects the strong demand for community engagement and support services in these towns.

The Welcome to Bourke event was the largest gathering in the past 16 years and is a testament to the work the Local Connectors are doing in our regional towns.

The Dubbo Welcome gathering was part of Dubbo Regional Council’s long-running New Residents Night, which saw more than 50 new residents attend the evening.

Successful Inland Growth Summit

Thanks to everyone who attended our first event of the year - the 2025 Inland Growth Summit Stronger together: Innovation, Change, Impact which saw hundreds of delegates travel from across the state to hear from keynote and panel speakers about issues that are affecting regional NSW.

Panel discussion was robust across all sessions which focused on workforce and training, agriculture, tourism and hospitality, housing and construction and energy.

What resonated over the two days was the importance of community, collaboration and capacity building.

If we want to see our town and regional cities grow and thrive we need communities to come together and support their people, industries and professions.

Keep an eye out in coming weeks - when we will announce the lineup for the Resources Energy Industry and Innovation forum.

Cheers for now

Justine

AIDC Company Directors Course™ Coming To Dubbo

For more than 40 years, the AICD’s Company Directors Course has been the benchmark in Australian governance education. The Exchange Orana is thrilled to partner with The Australian Institute of Company Directors, to bring their Company Directors Course™ right here in the Orana region.

Course dates: 12 - 16 May 2025

Registrations close: Monday 24th of March

Lifeline Information Session

The Mudgee Lifeline Central West Hub Information Session on Thursday, 3 April, at Club Mudgee. This session presents a valuable opportunity to contribute to the future of mental health support in Mudgee.

Far North West Air Services Community Survey

Since 2019, NSW Government funding secured by the Far North West Joint Organisation has supported the return of regular passenger flights to Bourke, Cobar, Walgett, and Lightning Ridge. However, beyond November 2025, no further funding has been secured, putting the future of these critical services at risk. Your feedback is essential in demonstrating the importance of air services to these communities.

Business NSW Workplace Update - Industrial Relations (Dubbo)

On Thursday 3 April, Tamsin Lawerence, Associate Director from Australian Business Lawyers & Advisors will provide employers with a comprehensive overview of the most critical Industrial Relations changes for 2025, structured around the lifecycle of an employee.

From recruitment to post-employment, attendees will gain practical insights into compliance and strategies to avoid costly errors under the latest Fair Work Act reforms

Wilcannia Careers Expo Day 2025

The Wilcannia Careers Expo will take place on Thursday, 10 April, at Bourke Oval, Wilcannia, from 10 am to 3 pm. This event provides an opportunity for attendees to explore career and training pathways, connect with industry representatives, and gain insights into future employment opportunities.

The program will feature a guest speaker, a dance performance, and entertainment from the Wilcannia Choir. A free BBQ lunch will be provided for all attendees.

Back O' Bourke Easter festival - celebrating 10 years

The Back O' Bourke Easter Festival is a multi-day celebration, with events and festivities for the whole family over the Easter weekend. It's a fabulous weekend not to be missed!

Grant of the Week

Dubbo Regional Council – SPARC Support Grant Program

This program aims to support cultural organisations and individuals to initiate and develop projects that support regional creative diversity, innovation and growth. Funding is capped at $10,000 per round.

Applications close on the 18th of April.

The Vault Talent Bank Spotlight

Name: Jack Randell

Occupation: Artist

Bio: Jack Randell has an Honours Degree in Fine Arts for University of NSW, a Post-Graduate Diploma in Vocational Education and has worked in the film industry, advertising, education, and the music industry.

Jack has managed public art projects with design processes lasting several months, and production and delivery processes lasting several weeks. The many public art works created have always been delivered within budget, and within the agreed timeframe.