Recognition of RDA-NI’s Achievements

RDA – Northern Inland has been recognised as a high achiever among the 52 RDAs nationwide by the Australian Government, with the reward being the retention of our governing Committee for an extended term. Our position of strength as an organisation has enabled the expansion of our many services.

In 2018, we attracted more than $20 Million in grant funding to the Northern Inland Region. Through economic research and consulting services, together with our skilled migration projects, we are really making a difference to the region’s economies and communities. Importantly, we now are mostly self-funded. Our Federal Government funding has become a small proportion of our revenue.

Some of our counterparts have been impacted by funding cutbacks, as well as turnover of staff and Committee members. It is a real positive for the region that our strong performance has meant continuity on both fronts. Our staff are a cohesive, highly skilled and experienced team, with many years’ experience working with Councils, businesses and communities under their belt. Our Committee membership is secured until December 2020, which is fantastic because though we come from diverse backgrounds, when it comes to working towards a brighter future for our region, we are all on the same page.

The committee also welcomed the re-appointment of Cr. Ian Lobsey OAM as Deputy Chair, and the new appointment of Louise Gall of Moree, whose position was vacated by former Narrabri Shire resident Elizabeth Tomlinson. Louise has a wealth of regional marketing, facilitation and agribusiness experience both here and overseas. She is currently a Project Officer with the Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association. “I am delighted to be part of this pro-active organisation. I am passionate about seeing our regional livelihoods and lifestyles better appreciated and respected,” she said.

All of the RDANI Committee positions are voluntary and members share a passion and dedication to the region they call home. Over the coming months we will be featuring each of our Committee members in the newsletter, demonstrating the wealth of knowledge they are contributing to the future of our region.