Regional Development Australia Riverina

Regional Development Australia Riverina RDA Riverina connecting communities, business and government to projects, programs, services, funding and other people.

The Australian Government’s vision for regional Australia is one of strong connected regions that shape economic growth and wellbeing; are resilient and responsive to economic shocks; and are inclusive, vibrant and diverse. Regions that our First Nations people have every opportunity to engage in and shape, and where people, business and investments thrive. The Regional Development Australia (RDA)

Program is critical in the delivery of this vision and the successful implementation of the Regional Investment Framework: the Australian Government’s approach to supporting strong and sustainable regions, which drives a coordinated approach to regional development, underpinned by local engagement. The national network of 50 RDA committees represents a broad range of experiences including from local government, private sector, community and not-for-profit sectors. RDA committees are real-time advisers to government on critical regional development issues, opportunities and challenges in their regions. RDAs use their local, cross-sector expertise and regional voice to:

•collaborate with integrity, transparency, respect and accountability
•engage with diverse communities, especially First Nations people
•support the Government’s ambition of ‘no one held back and no one left behind’
•support gender equality opportunities in their regions. In supporting their communities, RDAs help to drive local economies, attract business opportunities and seek place-based solutions to make Australia’s regions better places to live, work and thrive. The program is administered by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. It is funded by the Australian Government and by state, territory and local governments in some jurisdictions. The Minister with responsibility for the RDA Program is the Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories. Learn more:
rda.gov.au
rda.gov.au/rda-case-studies

Contact:
[email protected]

The Welcome Experience expands to support local government workers across Regional NSW Regional Development Australia (R...
27/05/2026

The Welcome Experience expands to support local government workers across Regional NSW

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina welcomes the NSW Government’s continued investment in strengthening regional workforce attraction and retention through the expansion of The Welcome Experience program.

In April 2026, the NSW Government announced a major expansion of the program, increasing its reach from 55 to 88 local government areas across regional NSW from July 2026, further strengthening support for essential workers and their families relocating to the regions.

Today, the Government has also announced an important extension of the program’s eligibility to now include local government workers, recognising the critical role councils play in delivering essential community services such as road maintenance, town planning, engineering, childcare, waste services and community programs.

Learn more here: https://rdariverina.org.au/news/2026/5/27/the-welcome-experience-expands-to-support-local-government-workers-across-regional-nsw

Help us welcome new families to Temora Shire and celebrate the strength of our growing community.Join us for a relaxed a...
27/05/2026

Help us welcome new families to Temora Shire and celebrate the strength of our growing community.

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming evening at the Temora Art Centre.

Whether you’ve lived in Temora for years, are newly arrived, or are still finding your place in the community — this is a chance to slow down, connect, and enjoy a warm and inclusive evening together.

This event is all about building real connections between local residents, community leaders, and new essential worker families who are now calling Temora home.

Meet and connect with local community members and new families

Enjoy relaxed, informal conversations in a welcoming space

Explore the Temora Art Centre through creative, hands-on activities
(pottery, watercolour painting, charcoal drawing, Mahjong, ukulele, facepainting)

Discover local groups, activities, and opportunities to get involved

This is a chance to welcome new families, share stories, and strengthen the sense of belonging that makes Temora such a great place to live.

Light refreshments will be provided throughout the evening.

📅18 June 2026
⏱️5:30pm to 8pm
📍Temora Arts Centre, 119 Aurora St, Temora NSW 2666, Australia

We look forward to seeing you there!

Please register for FREE using the link: https://events.humanitix.com/meet-mingle-and-connect-in-temora

Considering applying for the Golden Crow Awards?In its 40th year, the awards recognise and celebrate business excellence...
29/04/2026

Considering applying for the Golden Crow Awards?

In its 40th year, the awards recognise and celebrate business excellence across the region.

It's an opportunity for businesses to showcase their achievements and share their story with the wider community.

Free to enter and open to all businesses.

Learn more and apply now: https://waggachamber.com.au/golden-crow-awards/

Applications close Monday 4 May.

Recently, RDA Riverina Chair Brett Stonestreet and Operations Manager Amanda Cappello attended the celebration of the co...
20/04/2026

Recently, RDA Riverina Chair Brett Stonestreet and Operations Manager Amanda Cappello attended the celebration of the construction completion of the EnergyConnect Project at the Dinawan Substation, alongside representatives from regional councils, businesses and communities.

EnergyConnect is a nation‑critical transmission project, delivering hundreds of kilometres of new transmission infrastructure and major substation upgrades across southern NSW, including at Dinawan and Wagga Wagga.

This work connects directly to Transgrid and RDA Riverina’s $1.5 million Workforce Development Strategic Partnership, which supports education, training and workforce development initiatives across the Riverina.

📷️Michael Johnston, General Manager Community, First Nations and Social Legacy, Transgrid and Brett Stonestreet, Chair, RDA Riverina

Small to medium sized business owners: How robust are your HR systems and processes? Take 30 seconds and ask yourself:✔️...
12/03/2026

Small to medium sized business owners: How robust are your HR systems and processes?

Take 30 seconds and ask yourself:

✔️Do all of your employees have written contracts
✔️Are you confident they are classified correctly under the relevant Award?
✔️Do you have clear workplace policies available to staff?
✔️Do managers know how to handle performance issues properly?
✔️Are you HR records and documentation up to date?

Many businesses answer “not quite” to at least one of these questions.

That’s why total HRM is running a HR Foundations workshop for Temora and Bland Shire businesses.

📅 Thursday 26 March
⏱️ 1.00pm to 3.30pm
📍 Temora - Venue still to be confirmed
💲 First workshop is Free of Charge with no obligation to continue

In this practical 2.5 hour workshop, you’ll learn about the HR systems every business should have in place including:

▪️Employment contracts
▪️Workplace policies
▪️Modern award compliance
▪️Record-keeping obligations

This workshop is part of a series of 12 being held over the next year in Temora for local SMEs with this first workshop free of charge thanks to Workforce Australia funding.

Only 12 places available - 4 already taken.

To register for this first workshop, phone Kim Murrells on 1800 868 254 or email: [email protected]

Contact Total HRM on 1800 868 254 to book a time for your no obligation HR health Check.

To learn more about the 12-month program visit: https://www.totalhrm.com.au/event/temora-bland-shires-hr-capability-workshop-series-5/register

The Department of Home Affairs, through its Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) network, invites you to atte...
04/03/2026

The Department of Home Affairs, through its Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) network, invites you to attend upcoming free information sessions on Australian skilled visa pathways.

These sessions are open to any business or organisation seeking information on visa options for employing an overseas worker.

To register for one of these webinars, click on the link below:
▪️Tuesday 24 March – 11:00am AEDT: High to Highly Skilled Occupations ▪️Tuesday 24 March – 02:00pm AEDT: Semi and Low Skilled Occupations ▪️Thursday 26 March – 11:00am AEDT: Semi and Low Skilled Occupations ▪️Thursday 26 March – 02:00pm AEDT: High to Highly Skilled Occupations

To register for the webinar, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1531449

The Department of Home Affairs’ Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) network invites businesses to a free web...
04/03/2026

The Department of Home Affairs’ Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) network invites businesses to a free webinar for employers of international graduates and those considering hiring or sponsoring them for work visas.

The session will include information on:
▪️Temporary Graduate visa
▪️Employer-sponsored visas
▪️General Skilled Migration
▪️Visa Entitlement Verification Online
▪️Check twice, submit once campaign
▪️Migrant worker reforms

The webinar is being held on 17 March 2026 at 11:00am AEDT. To register for the webinar, visit: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1543869

Are you new to Wagga Wagga, or a long-time resident looking to make new friends? The upcoming Welcome to Wagga event mig...
02/03/2026

Are you new to Wagga Wagga, or a long-time resident looking to make new friends? The upcoming Welcome to Wagga event might be just what you’re looking for!

Hosted by Committee 4 Wagga, with support from RDA Riverina, Wagga Business Chamber, and Regional Media, this friendly community gathering is designed to help new and existing residents connect, discover local opportunities, and feel right at home.

Event Details:
📅 Friday, 20 March 2026
⏱️ 5:30pmm to 7:00pm
📍 Victory Memorial Gardens, Corner of Baylis St & Morrow St, Wagga Wagga

Bring the whole family along for a relaxed and welcoming evening in one of Wagga’s most iconic community spaces. Enjoy a free BBQ, meet fellow residents and newcomers, chat with local organisations, and take home great-value gift packs while they last.

Whether you moved here last week, last year, or have lived here all your life but want to connect with new faces, this event is for you. Come along, say hello, and discover why so many people love calling Wagga Wagga home. We can’t wait to see you there!

Learn more and Register: https://committee4wagga.com.au/welcome-to-wagga-wagga

RDA Riverina is delighted to announce the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories of Austral...
09/02/2026

RDA Riverina is delighted to announce the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories of Australia, the Hon. Kristy McBain MP’s appointment of Brett Stonestreet PSM as the new Chair of RDA Riverina, succeeding Dianna Somerville after nearly five years of dedicated service in this role.

Meet Brett Stonestreet PSM, new Chair at RDA Riverina

Brett Stonestreet PSM brings more than 40 years of local government experience to his new role as Chair of RDA Riverina, having held leadership roles in several councils across NSW and Victoria. Brett was recognised in 2023 with a Public Service Medal for outstanding service to the community of Griffith. Well‑known for his long tenure as General Manager of Griffith City Council until 2025, Brett has earned a reputation as a steady and respected leader, guiding major projects and championing community‑focused decision‑making.

From building a private hospital to driving new housing initiatives, Brett has always found fulfilment in delivering projects that respond directly to community needs. He is equally inspired by the Riverina itself—its people, its ingenuity, and the lifeblood of the river systems that sustain the region. Above all, Brett’s work reflects a deep respect for place and a commitment to leaving the region stronger for future generations.

RDA Riverina are excited to welcome Brett Stonestreet back to the organisation, where he previously served from 2012 to 2018.

Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot: WebinarThis webinar hosted by Department of Home Affairs - Business, Industry an...
09/02/2026

Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot: Webinar

This webinar hosted by Department of Home Affairs - Business, Industry and Regional Outreach (BIRO) will explain how Australian employers can access the Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot Program (the Pilot).

By becoming an approved employer, businesses can access a large pool of talent to fill critical skill shortages and support the settlement of a skilled refugee and their family in Australia.

Date: 19 February 2026
Time: 2pm -3pm
Location: Online

Learn more: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1532103

Address

Building 474 Charles Sturt University
Wagga Wagga, NSW
2650

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+61259245861

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Regional Development Australia Riverina posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Regional Development Australia Riverina:

Shortcuts

Share

Category