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Issue 88, 24 July 2014

WELCOME TO ISSUE 88

Dear member

I was recently lucky enough to attend a Nuffield International Triennial Conference looking at farming practices in Eastern Canada.

We spent nine amazing days visiting farming businesses in high rainfall zones, such as blueberry farms, market gardens, orchards, dairies, lobster farms and even maple syrup farms.  Tasting testing some of these products was certainly high on the agenda!

Despite being half way around the world and despite the huge differences in agricultural production, their farmers still face many of the same issues that our farmers have to deal with here in Western Australia.

Simple things such as access to seasonal farm labour, funding for landcare, debate over genetically modified grains, seasonal fluctuations, the dominance of large grocery chains and tightening profits.  All these issues are a constant challenge even to the most innovative farmer in Canada, just as they are here.

It was reassuring to see that these types of issues are not confined to us simply because Australia is an isolated nation.

However, perhaps more importantly, one of the most significant differences between the Canadian and Australian agricultural industries was access to markets.

In Canada, there is a market of over 300 million people, being the USA, just across the border.  So while Canada mirrors Australia in so many ways agriculturally, it has opportunities geographically that we can't even dream of.

This trip not only gave me an insight into a highly profitable and extremely productive part of the world, but also reiterated how innovative and profitable our farmers have to be to compete in an international market against the likes of Canada when we have such a massive freight disadvantage.  Our farmers really must be some of the best business people in the world!

On the home front, while I was away we received wonderful rains which have continued into July and the season here in the central wheatbelt is looking magnificent.  I hope the season has been kind to you also, whatever industry you may be involved with.

Jo Fulwood, Reference Group Member, Cunderdin

Find out more about our Reference Group members

LATEST NEWS

Rural and Remote Diversity Scholarships for Company Directors Course

Australian Institute of Directors are pleased to announce they have partnered with the Federal Government for a third round of Board Diversity Scholarships. The scholarship program will provide 30 scholarships to women living in rural and remote locations to undertake Company Directors Course (including an allocation for travel and accommodation costs).

Read more...

Childcare and Early Childhood Learning Draft Report

The Productivity Commission has released its draft inquiry report on Childcare and Early Childhood Learning. The Commission is inviting submissions on the draft report, its recommendations and information requests by 5 September 2014. A public hearing will be held in Perth on 7 August (registrations close 31 July). 

Read more...

Regional Achievement and Community Awards 2014

The WA Regional Achievement & Community Awards are closing soon, recognising  a business, group, club or organisation that is providing an invaluable service in your community. One of the eight category award winners will be selected as the overall Department of Regional Development Regional Achievement and Community Award winner.

Read more...

Ladies, last chance

After delightful and information-packed days in Dalwallinu and Dandaragan, you have two opportunities left. Grower groups are holding events to celebrate and build the capacity of women in their communities and industry. 

25 July - Esperance:  SEPWA  Ladies Day: From little things - big things grow
30 July - Wickepin: Facey Group: Women in Agriculture - Food for thought

Read more...

Business in the Regions survey

Have your say in the Business in the Regions 2014 survey by 31 July. Thousands of regional business owners and managers are asked to to reflect on their quality of life, their business and the advantages and disadvantages associated with running a regional WA business

Read more...

Boards and Committees

Read up on the latest board and committee opportunities in your area.

Read more...

YOUR RRR NETWORK

Executive Education Bursaries for Indigenous Women
Closing 28 July 2014

2015 Australian of the Year Awards
Closing 1 August 2014

Road Safety Community Grants program
Closing 1 August 2014

WA Children's Week Awards for 2014
Closing 8 August 2014

WA Education Awards 2014
Closing 8 August 2014

100 Women of Influence 2014
Closing 10 August 2014

Seniors Week 2014 Community Grants Program
closing 15 August 2013

Australian Rural Leadership Program Course 22
closing 29 August 2013

View all grants and awards...

27 July, Karratha
Chevron City to Surf

30 July, Wickepin
Women in Agriculture

3 August, Geraldton
Chevron City to Surf

4 - 10 August
Homeless Persons Week

8 - 10 August, Broome
Corrugated Lines: a festival of words

10  August, Albany
Chevron City to Surf

14 - 17 August, Nannup
Nannup Flower and Garden Festival

17 August, Busselton
Chevron City to Surf

22 August, Tambellup
Mad Hatter's Ladies Night Out

View full events calendar...

Jodie Mortadza - Bindoon
Jodie has lived with her family in Bindoon for the last eight years and is a passionate advocate for the regional lifestyle. 

Jodie’s regional experience started on Christmas Island where she married into the Asian culture. After her husband pased away and she completed her degree, Jodie and her two children moved to the Wheatbelt, having previously loved the benefits of a small town community with wide open spaces.

An avid lifelong learner she continues to develop her capabilities  and support the development of RRR organisations and communities. 

Read more about Jodie and our other members...

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