Number: 01/2026. Date: 23/3/2026.

Vision Statement

Working together to create a thriving future for our island communities

愿景声明 - 携手合作为我们的岛屿社区创造繁荣的未来

Pernyataan visi - Bekerjasama untuk membina masa depan yang berkembang untuk masyarakat pulu kita

Pernyataan wawasa - Sama-sama berusaha mewujudkan masa depan yang berkembang maju untuk komuniti pulau kita

Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation

Newsletter – March 2026 Edition

Message from the Chair

Over recent months, the Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation (IOT RDO) has continued to focus on collaboration, advocacy and practical initiatives that support the long-term economic and social wellbeing of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Since the beginning of the year, the RDO has progressed several key initiatives, including strengthening the local evidence base through new community data, advancing projects through the Christmas Island Economic Future Working Group, and launching community surveys to inform updates to the regional strategic plans developed in 2018.

We are also working with partners to strengthen tourism promotion, support local organisations through governance and mentoring opportunities, and explore new funding pathways to support community initiatives across the Indian Ocean Territories.

Below is a snapshot of some of the work currently underway.

Thank you to everyone who continues to engage with and support the work of the IOT RDO. We look forward to continuing this work together.

Chair of the Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation
Administrator of Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands

What We’ve Been Working On

Regional Strategic Plan Updates – Community Surveys Now Open

Community surveys to inform updates to the IOT Regional Strategic Plan, the Christmas Island Strategic Plan, and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Strategic Plan are now open until Sunday, 20 April 2026. We encourage all residents, businesses, organisations and visitors to share their views.

These plans were developed in 2018 and 2019 and aim to create a roadmap to achieve future aspirations.

There have been many changes on both Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the last eight years, and community feedback will play an important role in reflecting updated and current priorities for the islands.

Survey responses will be compiled and analysed ahead of the next IOT RDO strategic planning workshop in May, where findings and proposed priorities will be presented for discussion.

The surveys are available in multiple languages to encourage broad participation.

The RDO is actively engaging with community groups and stakeholders to promote participation and encourage broad community input.

Survey links:

Christmas Island Strategic Plan

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CISP2030update
Melayu: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MalayCI2030update
中文: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ChineseCI2030update

Cocos (Keeling) Islands Strategic Plan

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CKISP2030update
Melayu: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/MalayCKI2030update

Building Better Local Data – Community Profiles and Insights

The IOT RDO has partnered with .id (Informed Decisions) to develop community profiles for the Indian Ocean Territories.

These profiles bring together demographic, economic and community data to provide a clearer picture of who lives in the Indian Ocean Territories and how our communities are changing over time.

The profiles include an overall Indian Ocean Territories profile, as well as separate profiles for Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, allowing users to explore information specific to each community.

The information supports better planning, strengthens funding applications and grant proposals, and helps inform decisions affecting Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

In addition to the online community profiles, .id has completed a detailed socio-economic and demographic IOT Community Insights Report, which establishes baseline indicators for both communities. This work supports evidence-based planning across the IOTs and helps strengthen future infrastructure and economic development proposals.

Example graph from the report.

Christmas Island Economic Future Working Group (EFWG)

The Christmas Island Economic Future Working Group (EFWG) continues to progress its work program to support sustainable economic development on the island.

Business Foundations, engaged by the RDO to support the EFWG, attended the most recent meeting on 10 March 2026 and provided an update on progress to date. This included their work with local stakeholders to advance the following priority projects:

Project A – Derelict and Underutilised Buildings
Project B – Priority Infrastructure Plan for Development Sites
Project C – Access to and Enjoyment of the Natural Environment
Project F – Supporting Young People and Families

This work is helping move projects forward and identify practical opportunities for economic diversification, investment and community development on Christmas Island.

Strengthening Destination Marketing and Visitor Experience

The RDO, in partnership with Christmas Island Tourism Association (CITA) and Cocos (Keeling) Islands Tourism Association (CKITA), released an Expression of Interest seeking high-quality destination imagery and video content for the Indian Ocean Territories.

This initiative aims to improve destination marketing assets, support tourism operators, and better showcase Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands to potential visitors. It forms part of a coordinated effort to enhance tourism promotion and visitor experience across the Indian Ocean Territories.

Strengthening Local Organisations – Governance Training

Governance training delivered in February by Caroline Robinson (150Square) generated strong interest across both Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Following the training and a community survey, the RDO and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands Community Resource Centre have reached out to the community groups who expressed interest in receiving further mentoring and governance support.

These organisations can now contact Caroline directly to arrange one-on-one sessions tailored to their committee’s needs.

This initiative reflects the RDO’s commitment to strengthening local leadership and organisational capability across the Indian Ocean Territories.

If your organisation missed this opportunity, please contact our Director Carolin at carolin.buncle@iotrdo.com.au to see if we may still be able to assist.

Exploring New Funding Opportunities

The RDO continues to explore new funding opportunities to support community initiatives across the Indian Ocean Territories.

Following discussions with Lotterywest, it was confirmed that organisations based in the IOT are not eligible to apply for Lotterywest grants under current legislation. However, the discussions helped identify several alternative funding pathways and potential grant sources.

To help local organisations identify funding opportunities, the RDO continues to maintain the Grant Guru page, IOT Grant Finder, which lists a range of grants that may be relevant to businesses, community organisations and local initiatives. The RDO also shares grant opportunities on its Facebook page, when we believe they may be useful for the wider community.

IOT Business Directory – Keeping It Up to Date

The IOT Business Directory is an important tool for promoting local businesses across Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

The RDO encourages local businesses and community groups to check their listing and ensure their contact details and services are up to date. Businesses that are not yet listed are also encouraged to register and be included in the directory.

Keeping the directory accurate helps strengthen visibility for local businesses and makes it easier for residents, visitors and organisations to find and support services across the islands.

IOT RDO Red Door Office – Open to the Community

The IOT RDO office is intended to be a shared and welcoming space. It is available for community groups, organisations and businesses to use for meetings, collaboration or short-term workspace needs.

If you’re a business or organisation and need a space, please contact our Director Carolin at carolin.buncle@iotrdo.com.au.

Committee news

Committee memberships

On 1 October 2025, the Chair of the IOT RDO formally welcomed the new Committee members for the 2025–26 term:

Amy McDonald (CKI)
Melanie Han (CI) and
Kuranda Sayit (CKI – Affiliate Member).

Amy, Melanie and Kuranda joined continuing members:

Sarah Coote (CI)
Stephanie Lai (CI)
Tracey Krepp (CI)
Thomas Battcher (CKI)

The RDO thanks all members for their commitment to supporting sustainable development across the Indian Ocean Territories.

Annual General Meeting

The IOT RDO Committee held its Annual General Meeting on 22 November 2025. The Committee is pleased to announce its office holders:

Farzian Zainal – Chairperson
Thomas Battcher – Deputy Chairperson
Amy McDonald – Secretary
Thomas Battcher – Interim Treasurer

Committee Meetings and Workshops

On 12 March 2026, the IOT RDO Committee met for their second Committee meeting of 2025-26.

The next Committee meeting is scheduled for 21 May 2026.

Working together to create a thriving future for our island communities

Our door is always open. Please reach out to Committee members or the Director if you have issues or ideas you’d like to discuss.

Chair: Farzian Zainal
Deputy Chair: Thomas Battcher
Committee Members: Sarah Coote, Stephanie Lai, Tracey Krepp, Amy McDonald, Melanie Han
Affiliate Member: Kuranda Seyit
Director: Carolin Buncle Diesner

Website: Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation
Email: rdo@indianoceanterritories.com.au
Phone: 0407 226 263

About the IOT RDO

The Indian Ocean Territories Regional Development Organisation (IOT RDO) is part of the national Regional Development Australia (RDA) network, which consists of 50 organisations across the country funded by the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts (DITRDCSA).

The RDA network brings together local leaders who work with all levels of government, business, and community to support economic growth and sustainable development in their regions.

The IOT RDO focuses on building strong, resilient, and confident communities on Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. We work to unlock local opportunities, drive investment, and support long-term regional development in the Indian Ocean Territories.