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Regional opportunities outlined to council young people, grow our own workforce and keep them in the region?”
By SHARON BONTHUYS Warren Shire is one of 12 local government areas (LGAs) to benefit from the economic and social development work of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana. There’s a lot happening in this space, according to chief executive officer, Justine Campbell, who made a special presentation at the last council meeting on June 26. The incorporated not-forprofit is one of a national network of 50 RDAs delivering the federal government’s vision for regional Australia. That is, strong connected regions that are resilient and responsive to economic changes, that are inclusive, vibrant, diverse and a space for people, business and investments to thrive, and where First Nations people are engaged and helping to shape the future.
Regional snapshot Based in Dubbo, Ms Campbell told the council meeting the RDA Orana region includes almost 125,000 people, 15 per cent of whom are First Nations, and the top industries are agriculture, healthcare,
How can RDAO help?
RDA Orana CEO Justine Campbell with Warren Shire Mayor, Greg Whiteley, at the council meeting last month. PHOTO: WARREN STAR.
education and training, retail, trade, construction, with emerging industries in renewable energy projects and critical mineral mining. “We cover 190,000 square kilometres, and currently we
have 54,887 people in employment across the 12 LGAs with a $27 billion output [across the region],” Ms Campbell said. A demographer recently provided insights into how the region is changing and what this
might look like in the years to come, she added. “The bulk of the work in this region will be around trades, agriculture and mining,” she said. “How do we support our
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149 Dubbo St, Warren | 6847 4164
The RDA Orana team has spent the past 18 months connecting with the LGAs and local businesses and building capacity, Ms Campbell explained. The organisation is based at The Exchange in Dubbo, and they run a series of education and training programs from that base and operate a talent bank showcasing regional talent, and jobs board. Notably, the Australian Company Directors Course will be offered annually in Dubbo, Ms Campbell said, and RDA Orana also hosts the Resources Energy and Industry Innovation Forum, Orana Youth Forum and Inland Growth Summit annually. RDA Orana also provides the Orana Grants Hub to local businesses, community groups, not-for-profits and individuals, a free service outlining a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities available. Continued page 4
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