We’ve been changing things up at RDA Orana and will be delivering our newsletter to you on a fortnightly basis from now on.
Connecting the Orana-Hunter and Beyond Transport Study Roundtable Meeting
On Wednesday 30 October RDA Orana and RDA Hunter will host the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP, along with regional MPs, key industry, transport and tourism representatives to discuss the outcomes of the Orana Hunter Connections and Beyond Golden Highway Transport Study. The study resulted in the development of road and rail business cases for transport solutions between Newcastle and the Orana, across the Golden Highway corridor.
The Golden Highway serves as the backbone of our regional economies, supporting more than 2.5 million tonnes of freight in the corridor, travelling by road and rail.This volume is expected to reach 6.3 million tonnes over the next decade, due primarily to the expansion in renewable energy and mining sectors. These changes require a plan of infrastructure improvements that will keep freight moving safely and efficiently between the Orana region to the Hunter Region and Port of Newcastle. If you received your invitation to attend the event, please RSVP.
I look forward to reporting on the outcomes of this meeting and how it will benefit our region.
Supporting the community through business development and sourcing funding
A key role of RDA Orana is to work with local businesses, organisations and community groups to ensure they can take advantage of all possible opportunities for growth and development. We do this through the Orana Grants Hub and our grant writing and business development services. There is currently funding available through the Australian Government’s Growing Regions Program Round 2 that funds capital works projects that will enhance liveability, bolster social cohesion and support local amenity in regional rural and remote communities, as well as the $128 million over four years through the NSW Government’s Community and Employment Benefit Program, which will support communities impacted by the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone. If you are looking for help or assistance in accessing or applying for funding please give me a call.
Baaka Cultural and Art Centre - tender awarded for Ellipse Permanent Exhibition
I’m excited to announce the successful tender for the Baaka Cultural and Art Centre Ellipse Permanent Interpretative Exhibition, which will be the heart of the centre and tell the story of Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal people of the middle and lower Darling River region. Nationally award winning Design specialist Multistory, led by Creative Director Scott Watson has been appointed to undertake the project. Multistory has extensive Indigenous cultural consultation experience and has worked alongside and co-designed projects with multiple Aboriginal orgainisations across Australia including Mowanjum Aboriginal Art and Culture Centre (WA), Riverparks Interpretive Nodes & Sikh Heritage Trail (WA) and Burlganyja Wanggaya - nationally and state award winning interactive exhibition located at Gwoonwardu Mia, Carnravon (WA).
This is a major milestone in the development of the $9.5 million Baaka Centre which will celebrate and recognise the culture and stories of Aboriginal and Non Aboriginal people of the region. To learn more about the centre visit www.baaka.org.au
Events
Orana Youth Forum 2024
The inaugural Orana Youth Forum 2024 will be held on Wednesday 6 November at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre featuring an array of exhibitors, keynote speakers and hands-on interactive activities. The aim of the Forum is to bring together high school students from across the region with businesses, training providers, employment services and tertiary institutions to provide a greater understanding of what career paths are available in the Orana into the future. We will provide more information about this exciting event in the coming weeks.
Save the Date: Orana Outlook Forum 2024
The third annual Orana Outlook Forum will be held in Mudgee on Wednesday 27 November 2024 at Blue Wren Farm from 10 am - 4 pm, followed by networking drinks. The Orana Outlook Forum brings together industry-leading speakers that will drive conversations about the future of the region, spotlighting challenges and opportunities for the year ahead. Remember to save this date in your calendar.
Jimmy Barnet Espresso and The Plaza
Our team at The Exchange Orana has been busy collaborating with Errin and Vinne Williamson from Jimmy Barnet Espresso and Old Dubbo Gaol to activate The Plaza area in front of Old Dubbo Gaol. On Tuesday 24 September, we will launch the ‘Revitalisation of Jimmy Barnet Espresso and The Plaza’ with an aim to foster stronger community connections and a welcoming environment. A temporary art installation will feature on The Exchange Orana building. The Plaza will be set up with tables and chairs, bean bags and kids games while Jimmy Barnet Espresso will open a second window alongside The Plaza with an all new toastie selection. Come down and visit the new area in your lunch break and enjoy the beautiful spring weather!
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