It’s been a busy couple of weeks of consolidation as many of our recent project announcements are underway, such as, The Orana DAMA,  The Welcome Experience Orana, Baaka Cultural and Art Centre, The Vault Talent Bank and we are well into planning the inaugural 2024 Orana Youth Forum, which will be held on 6 November.

I attended the Regional Industry Skills Forum during the fortnight which provided an insightful overview of the NSW Skills Plan, how it will guide government decision making and funding for the vocational education system and TAFE, and what it will mean for our region. The forum included an address from The Hon Steve Whan, Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, as well as presentations about the NSW Skills Plan, regional data insights and workshops to gain feedback from our region to ensure outcomes of the plan are relevant to our region.

We hosted two very successful Beat Self Doubt and Lead with Confidence workshops in Dubbo and Bourke with nearly 30 participants in each session. These sessions focused on reducing self doubt, taming your inner critic and stepping into your own personal power. It was an insightful workshop and provided practical ways to address issues of self-doubt and emotional intelligence in empowering regional talent. Thank you to everyone who attended. Keep an eye out in our events calendar for more workshops being held at the Exchange Orana and throughout the region.

Last Monday I also had the opportunity to be on the Landholder Insights Panel at the Energy Charter National Landholder Training in Wagga Wagga, sharing practical experiences and insights with land agents and community engagement professionals in renewable energy projects, with a focus on delivering improved outcomes for landholders across the East Coast of Australia.

Advertisements for The Welcome Experience Orana Local Connector and Admin Support positions have now closed. We have received an overwhelming response to these positions, with an extremely high calibre of candidates. We will be making contact with all applicants over the coming weeks.

Have a great week, 

Cheers for now

Justine

Wine Tourism and Cellar Door Grant – Round 6

Expressions of Interest: On Farm Connectivity Program

Expressions of Interest are now open for businesses and suppliers of ag-tech to take part in Round 2 of the On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP).

The EOI will establish a list of approved suppliers who will have the opportunity to sell on-farm connectivity solutions and related devices set out in the List of Eligible Equipment to eligible primary producers.

ANZSCO Comprehensive Review: Consultation Round 4

Changes to Workplace Laws started on 26 August 2024

• Casual employment changes - Rules about casual employment have changed, including how casual work is defined, pathways to permanent employment, and employee and employer responsibilities.
• Right to disconnect - Employees have the right to refuse contact outside their working hours unless that refusal is unreasonable. This doesn’t apply to small businesses and their employees until 26 August 2025.
• Independent contractor changes
• Minimum standards and protections for some contractors - If you’re in the gig economy or road transport industry, find out about new minimum standards and protections for some contractors. Visit Regulated workers.

Diversity and Inclusion: Cultivating Collaborative Teams

Discover the transformative potential of diversity and inclusion with this dynamic and impactful free short course with Austmine.

The ‘Diversity and Inclusion: Cultivating Collaborative Teams’ online course will explore the competitive benefits that arise from a diverse workforce, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to leverage diversity and inclusion as strategic advantages.

Small Business Month - Dubbo Expo

Small Business – Big Ideas! with Clarence Slockee
Clarence Slockee of Jiwah and Gardening Australia will be sharing insights and learnings from his own personal small business journey.

 When: 1:00pm – 7:00pm, Wednesday 9 October 2024

Natural Resources Access Regulator

Develop your understanding of water compliance in NSW to help protect our water resources and ensure communities and the environment can get a fair share.

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!

In the news:

• 3G shutdown: date extended

• Net zero targets won’t be met unless regions are given the power

• Australia Post delivers more parcels and faster with modernisation reforms