FEBRUARY 2023 - NEWSLETTER
RDA Illawarra calls for action on public transport needs
The Illawarra-Shoalhaven region is in urgent need of additional public transport services with greater connectivity and cohesive route planning. RDA Illawarra has called for political parties to prioritise connectivity in NSW election commitments.
The four key priorities are:
- Delivering critical infrastructure - Picton Road duplication ($650m) and South-West Illawarra Rail Link ($30m)
- Development of the port of Port Kembla – Port Precinct Master Plan ($25m)
- Improving public transport for a growing population – 30-minute commute ($10m)
- Fulfilling housing demand – 500 additional social houses over five years
Read the submission here.
Illawarra-Shoalhaven City Partnership continues to deliver
The Illawarra-Shoalhaven City Partnership has now achieved $531M, 61% of target funding in just 27 months.
The revised and relaunched City Partnership prospectus focuses on precincts and connectivity. We have re-engaged all levels of government and private investors with 54 meetings held. Next steps include continued advocacy and a new RDA Illawarra public transport research project.
Click here to see a summary of progress.
2023-24 Leadership Illawarra Program launches
The 2023-24 Leadership Illawarra Program commenced on 31 January with a launch event hosted by Program Partners RDA Illawarra, Sydney Business School, University of Wollongong and The Illawarra Connection to welcome and induct the incoming twenty-eight strong cohort.
This is a record number of participants who were successful in earning their place from a field of 35 expressions of interest. The 6th cohort are excited to get started in the experiential learning program that includes a diverse range of leadership workshops, site visits, masterclasses, mentoring and networking opportunities.
Five scholarships were awarded to a group of very high calibre applicants who are delighted to be supported to attend the program.
Skilled Migration Jobs Board for employers and migrants
On 3 February, RDA Illawarra launched a Skilled Migration Jobs Board Facebook Group to assist Illawarra employers and skilled migrants to connect.
- Employers looking to fill roles with skilled migrants can post jobs and information
- Skilled migrants seeking employment can share their details and the type of roles they are seeking
- Both groups can share updates, information and success stories
Please use this link to join the group.
For more information contact migration@rdaillawarra.com.au.
RDA Illawarra is involved in the assessment of 491 and 494 visa classes, find out more here.
Indigenous Business Australia launches Social Enterprise Grant for First Nations women
Indigenous Business Australia have recently launched a new Social Enterprise Grant. The grant provides opportunities to support First Nations female entrepreneurs to innovate, solve social issues and improve the economic security of other First Nations women and their communities.
Opening date: 16 January 2023
Closing date: 31 August 2023 or when funding has been exhausted
Enquiries: Contact Katrin Watson via partnerships@iba.gov.au
Provide feedback in the Mobile Infrastructure Survey
Do you struggle with mobile coverage at work, at home or while travelling? Have your say about mobile coverage in the Regional Mobile Infrastructure Inquiry Survey.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission are keen to find out how businesses and consumers are impacted by a lack of mobile coverage and the provision of mobile roaming during emergencies.
The survey will take around 10 minutes and asks:
- how are businesses and consumers impacted by a lack of mobile coverage?
- would you support the provision of mobile roaming during emergencies?
- where can mobile coverage be improved?
Survey closes 31 March 2023.
Aboriginal Languages Grants Program now open in NSW
The NSW Government's Aboriginal Languages Grants Program is open for community organisations and groups to support their language programs.
The $1.6 million investment aims to reawaken, grow and raise awareness of Aboriginal languages in communities across NSW. Applicants must be located in NSW and/or delivering a service to communities in NSW.
The grants will be split between two program streams:
- Aboriginal Languages Revival Program which focuses on small, seed funding to reach a range of communities across the state
- Aboriginal Languages Sustainable Funding Program, which promotes sustainability by offering renewed funding for $25,000 to $60,000.
- Apply at SmartyGrants
- Applications close 28 February 2023
- Enquiries to grants@alt.nsw.gov.au
- Read more at Aboriginal Languages Trust
