MAY 2023 - NEWSLETTERSkills demand survey to shine a spotlight on the skills and occupations local businesses need Demand for skilled workers in the Illawarra shows no sign of slowing and RDA Illawarra wants to shine a spotlight on the skills and occupations local businesses really need. RDA Illawarra has launched a survey to deliver six-monthly regional skills demand data that will be available to local businesses through an online ‘dashboard’. The survey will be carried out by phone or on-line and takes less than 10 minutes. Employers will be asked about the skills and occupations that are specifically required for their business now - and into the future. We value the opinions of all Illawarra businesses and urge you to get involved:
Thanks in advance for your opinions and insight. Australian Government urged to support Illawarra The Australian Government will deliver their budget on 9 May 2023. RDA Illawarra sought funding for enabling critical infrastructure, satisfying an ageing and growing population and fulfilling housing demand, as well as commitments to bolster the future of Port Kembla in our submission here. Illawarra Population Growth Rebounds Good news for the regional economy, but more pressure on housing New population figures released by the ABS in April reveal that the Illawarra population grew by 3,410 new residents in the twelve months ending June 2022. This included 1,781 overseas migrants who chose to settle in the region. During the last financial year the Illawarra population grew 1.1 percent, slightly higher than the long-term average over the past 20 years. According to NSW Government projections, the Illawarra population is now forecast to grow by more than 90,000 people by 2041. This indicates we will require more than 40,000 new dwellings by 2041, a huge undertaking given historic completion rates and at a time when materials and tradespeople are both expensive and in short supply. Population growth is good news for the regional economy, but adds more pressure on housing. See summary of ABS data and our
analysis here. Doing Business with Council information session Are you a local business interested in the opportunities and expectations of supplying goods and services to City of Wollongong Council? Join the 2023 Doing Business with Council information session.
Where: This event will be both in-person at Level 9 Conference Room 41 Burelli Street Wollongong and online via Microsoft Teams. The session will include presentations covering Council’s procurement framework (tenders, formal quotations, panels and prescribed entity contracts) and WHS compliance and pre-qualification. Vote for WOLLONGONG as NSW Top Tourism Town! Wollongong has just been announced as a finalist for the NSW Top Tourism Town 2023. Our town has so much to offer, from breath-taking scenery and cultural landmarks to locally-sourced cuisine and exhilarating activities. Vote for Wollongong at this link. 2023 Illawarra Careers Expo - Public Session 9 MayThe Illawarra Schools Careers Expo provides quality school to work, education and training links, industry knowledge and information for Year 9, 10, 11 & 12 students from both Illawarra and Shoalhaven schools. Get ready, be inspired, come down and talk with one of the many Industry Career Experts from TAFE, Universities, Local Businesses and Training organisations who can help find your career direction. Free Entry to the general public Public Session: Tuesday 9 May - 2:30pm - 5:30pm Venue: Illawarra Sports Stadium, Fred Finch Park South West, 22 Hooka Creek Road, Berkeley |