BUILDING BETTER REGIONS FUND ROUND 3 NOW OPEN
RDA FSC is pleased to advise that the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Michael McCormack MP has today announced the opening of Round Three of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).
Rounds One and Two of the BBRF were highly competitive with 1776 applications received, with just over a quarter of these receiving funding. Round three provides an additional $200 million, giving further opportunity for eligible applicants to apply.
A key component under Round Three is that up to $45 million has been earmarked for tourism related infrastructure projects that will help stimulate local economies by investigating in the tourism sector. This sector is vital for our regional and remote communities, creating jobs, stimulating new business and sustaining long term economic growth.
The closing date for applications is 15 November 2018.
The BBRF application portal is now open and can be accessed at www.business.gov.au/bbrf. The guidelines and other supporting material are also available via the above link.
Building our Volunteers for the Future
Ulladulla High Students successfully complete the Shoalhaven Youth Volunteering Initiative.
Recent participants in the 2018 Shoalhaven Youth Volunteering Initiative (SYVI) included 59 Ulladulla High School students who have just been presented with their Bushfire Fighting Certificates and RDA Far South Coast Certificates.
The Year 10 students completed the 5 day training course to become eligible as volunteer firefighters for the local rural fire service. The training is nationally accredited, and the program aims to encourage young people to volunteer with local service/community organisations. In addition to the specific firefighting skills, students also build their skills in teamwork, leadership, initiative and resilience. SYVI has now trained approximately 3,500 students across the Shoalhaven since its inception in 2001.
Tanzi Lea, from the Rural Fire Service, and a key trainer for the Initiative, insisted the SYVI program is an important contributor to the community as it encourages our young people to consider volunteering as a way of giving back to community. The success of the program has seen a large uptake of graduates into volunteering roles across community and with some gaining employment including cadetships in Emergency Services.
The SYVI Program is funded and coordinated by Regional Development Australia – Far South Coast in partnership with Rural Fire Service and the three levels of government.
Rob Pollock Appointed Chair of Chairs
for the NSW Regional Development Australia Chairs and CEOs (RDACC) Forum.
As Chief Executive Officer of Regional Development Australia – Far South Coast (RDA FSC) I am pleased to announce the appointment of Chair of RDA FSC, Rob Pollock OAM, to the position of Chair of Chairs for the NSW Regional Development Australia Chairs and CEOs (RDACC) Forum.
This body represents the fourteen NSW RDAs and provides a united, state-wide voice to all levels of government, international, national and regional stakeholders, business and community groups.
“I am delighted with my appointment as Chair of this most prestigious and influential body,” said Mr Pollock.
“The NSW RDACC Forum is made up of key influencers representing every region across the State and has a direct communication line from their communities to all levels of government. This body will make representations, provide advice, develop policy and directly influence economic and social outcomes in the regions.”
“As the Chair, and with the assistance of the newly appointed Deputy Chair of Chairs, Phil Walker, Chair of RDA Central Coast, it will be our responsibility to support our peers in achieving viable and tangible outcomes that directly benefit our regions. The Forum will not engage in vanity projects but will seek to facilitate projects and stakeholder participation to achieve the best possible results for all NSW residents.”
At the recent RDACC Forum, the Hon. Dr John McVeigh, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, congratulated both Mr Pollock and Mr Walker on their appointments and looks forward to working with the Forum to advance regional Australia.
ENDS 31.05.2018
Further information: Fiona Hatcher, CEO. Tel: 0401 212 115
South Coast Part Of $1 million Regional Employment Trial
We are very excited to get stuck into creating more jobs on the South Coast as part of a new regional employment initiative funded by the Federal government. Working with a local facilitator, we will be looking for a fresh approach when it comes to supporting the unemployed into work and creating more long-term job opportunities.
Mentoring schemes, work experience programs and the upskilling of people looking for work are just some of the areas where there is an opportunity for investment. The trial is a fantastic opportunity for the South Coast to shine and have our ideas extended across the region and throughout Australia.
