REGIONAL VICTORIA Connecting regional communities with ideas and opportunities DIF2019 achieved strong growth in regional Victoria,
DIF2019 worked actively with the Regional Partnerships
connecting positively with all nine Regional
and many regional and rural communities to promote
Partnership areas. Across regional and rural Victoria
awareness of the opportunities for technology skills to
160 events were held in 50 venues in 37 towns. This year
support business growth and local jobs. The Festival
the Regional DIF involved an estimated 5,000 people,
focused on the importance of providing regional and
representing an increased engagement of 40%.
rural students with knowledge of the opportunities
Funding through the Connecting Regional
associated with careers in technology.
Communities Program provided financial support for 84 DIF events in 47 venues in 23 towns across nine
The popularity of DIF2019 programs such as the Big
Regional Partnerships areas in 2019.
Day In which attracted 250 students from schools
A successful regional engagement strategy delivered
had 15 regional and rural schools register to host an
by the DJPR DIF team in consultation with Victorian
industry speaker, are positive signals that DIF is
Government Regional Offices, resulted in strong
achieving a growing awareness of the importance of
DIF2019 brand awareness and a genuine enthusiasm to
STEM skills and the opportunities for digital careers.
connect and create technology and innovation related events across regional communities. Smaller towns, particularly, were very appreciative of the DIF team’s
around Wangaratta; and the DIF Back to School which
DIF2019 provided regional and rural communities with information, connections and practical examples of
effort to travel and connect with their communities.
how technology may be used to improve productivity
New locations involved with DIF in 2019 included
Regional Growth Summit, hosted by Marketing
Mildura, Swan Hill, Cowes, Ararat, Halls Gap, Banyena
Entourage as part of the Bendigo Invention and
(tiny hamlet in the Wimmera), Portland, Warrnambool
Innovation Festival, which offered case studies, panel
and Torquay. The DIF Mallee was a great success. [8]
discussions and demos of the best of breed online
Events varied in size, format and duration, ranging
tools. The Summit included an online masterclass
from bespoke workshops to large conferences.
demonstrating how by using the appropriate online
Across regional and rural Victoria DIF2019 pushed the discussion on technology driven innovation opportunities beyond connectivity, towards the critical journey businesses and communities need to make towards improved technology capabilities and adoption. This is particularly relevant in fields where traditional methods are deeply entrenched, such as in manufacturing, farming and processing, but also in tourism and hospitality. Barriers to moving into the digital economy are still strong, change presents challenges made more difficult by lack of information and lack of skills.
2019 Inside the DIF ezine
for regional business. One good example was the
tools, small business, startups and even fledgling online businesses can create a presence for their product range. The masterclass explained how to make the technology do the hard work – from promotion, to social media, to data analytics, storage, payments and website builds – to deliver positive results for businesses. Clearly DIF is having a positive impact in regional and rural Victoria, as a catalyst for tech uptake, tech transition, capability lifting, business development and community engagement. DIF2019 facilitated some excellent opportunities for communities in each Regional Partnership area to engage with the digital economy.
Page 15
