General Newsletter - June 2025

In this Issue

• Welcome from the Chair
• Would You Like to be Part of Our Committee?
• Helping New Residents Connect
• $1 Short Term Leases in Moree to Help Local Businesses
• ‘Think Country’ Tourism Campaign Targeting Overnight Visitation
• Tools To Assist Individuals and Businesses at Tax Time 
• Featured Grants and Funding Opportunities
• What's On in the Northern Inland

Welcome from the Chair

Dear Northern Inlanders,

Although the cold weather is a tangible reminder, it is hard to believe that we are already almost halfway through the year.

Last week I was honoured to welcome our Committee Members and staff to my hometown of Narrabri for our quarterly meeting. It’s always fantastic to bring the great minds of our committee and staff together to discuss and plan projects for the benefit of our region. However, the highlight of these meetings is when we connect with representatives of the local community to hear about their initiatives and to share information about the assistance we can provide. I was pleased to have Narrabri Shire Council’s Mayor Cr Darrel Tiemens and General Manager Eloise Chaplain join us at the meeting and share with the Committee their plans for the development and prosperous future of the Narrabri Shire.

As an independent and regionally focused organisation with experienced committee members and staff, we are uniquely positioned to support our communities and make a difference in partnership with Local, State and Federal Government and community groups. If you are a highly motivated leader with strong ties to our region and the drive to be innovative and make a difference for our region, I encourage you to apply for a position as a member of our committee. Applications close on the 31st of July, and details on how to apply are below.

Essential workers are also key to the future of our communities, and it is fantastic to see the success of The Welcome Experience program. The sense of community and life-long friendships are one of the best parts of living in a regional area and social connections are key to retaining new residents. Creating connections and a sense of community for new residents was centre stage at our two events in Armidale and Tamworth last month. The strong turnout at these events is testament to the brilliant work that Emma and Katrina are doing as our Local Connectors. If you are an essential worker who has just moved to Armidale, Guyra, Tamworth or Uralla, be sure to reach out so we can support you in your transition. This service is also available in Glen Innes, Inverell and Moree through other Local Connectors.

Regards,

Russell Stewart
Chair

Would You Like to be Part of Our Committee?

We are currently seeking highly motivated leaders with vision, drive and strong ties to our region to volunteer as a RDA-NI Committee Member.

Our Committee are vital promoters of our region, they facilitate investment in people, places, services, industries and local economies. While working in line with the Australian Government’s strategic priorities, we work with a proactive, outcome-focused mindset for the benefit of our region.

Applications are sought from business and community leaders who have a proven track record of achieving meaningful outcomes in a complex environment. Young leaders, women, First Nations Australians, people from diverse cultural backgrounds and people with a disability are encouraged to apply.

The information pack for Committee Member positions are available on our website. Applications using the included application form must be submitted to our office at rdani@rdani.org.au by Thursday the 31st of July.

Helping New Residents Connect

New friends and connections were made at events in Armidale and Tamworth last month as part of The Welcome Experience program through the generous support of the Workforce Australia Local Jobs program. With over eighty new residents and their families attending the events, both nights provided the opportunity to share stories and experiences, establish friendships and have a fun night out with others who have recently relocated.

"Relocating to a new community—whether from interstate or overseas—can be both exciting and overwhelming. New residents often face a mix of anticipation and uncertainty as they navigate unfamiliar systems, adjust to different lifestyles, and work to rebuild social networks from scratch.  Providing meaningful support during this transition is essential for building a thriving, inclusive place to live." said Emma Grant, Local Connector for Tamworth. "Supporting relocation isn’t just about logistics—it’s also about relationships. In a world where change is constant, communities that embrace new people with warmth, patience, and purpose are the ones that grow stronger together. This program is really making a difference across our region."

Since the establishment of The Welcome Experience in September last year, our staff members Emma and Katrina, have helped over 30 individuals and 81 families to relocate, bringing a total of 284 people to our region. A further 20 program participants have secured work and are currently in the process of relocating. Over 60 of the new residents work in the health sector, including 14 new doctors.

“We are pleased to have supported so many people to relocate to our beautiful region,” said Katrina, Local Connector for Armidale, Guyra and Uralla. “Attracting and supporting these essential workers to move to our region is critical to the future of our region and the provision of necessary services for our communities. Emma and I love what we do, and it is an absolute pleasure to get to meet so many amazing people through this role.”

The Welcome Experience is a free service for people who work in the occupation areas identified by the NSW Government, including:

• NSW Police
• Fire and Rescue NSW
• Rural Fire Service (Paid Employees)
• Health and Aged Care
• Education, including Early Childhood
• Disability Support
• Child Protection and Out-of-Home Care
• Corrections and Justice
• Veterinary Services

The program offers new residents non-financial assistance with relocation, housing, education, social connections, partner employment, accessibility and healthcare, leisure and recreation, and cultural connections. If you are planning to relocate or have recently relocated to Armidale, Guyra, Tamworth or Uralla, or know someone who has, details on the eligibility criteria and further details of the support that can be provided are available on The Welcome Experience page of our website.

$1 Short Term Leases in Moree to Help Local Businesses

As a result of changing consumer behaviour, increased online shopping and the long-term effects of the drought on the retail sector, some of our communities are experiencing issues with vacant shopfronts in their retail districts. The main street of a town is often its heart, and Local Councils and business groups are often best placed to address the issue. Moree Plains Shire Council has recently launched a new initiative to reinvigorate the main street by filling vacant shopfronts and providing a platform for inspiring entrepreneurs to test new concepts or grow their businesses.

Moree Plains Shire Council is calling for Expressions of Interest from businesses, organisations and individuals interested in setting up short-term pop-up shops at the Max Centre, Moree. The Max Centre, a historic building located at the intersection of Balo and Heber Streets, offers a prime location for your venture. They are offering short-term Licence Agreements for up to 90 days, with a fee of just $1 plus an electricity charge of $50 per week for vacant Max Centre shop spaces.

“We all want our Moree CBD to be a thriving hub of our community. To make that a reality, Council is offering short-term leases at the Max at an incredibly low cost to enable new businesses to have a go at delivering something new and exciting for our residents and visitors,” said Mayor, Cr Susannah Pearse. “The initiative is modelled on the tried and tested Renew Newcastle program which has been credited as the catalyst for breathing new life into the city.”

“As a council, we want to do all we can to support local businesses and create a thriving CBD which gives residents and visitors more reasons to stop and enjoy our beautiful town.”  she continued. “We also know that the milder, cooler months in Moree bring more people to our main street. If you’ve been sitting on an idea or have been wanting to see a new shop open, now is the time to be part of making that idea or wish a reality.”  

Expressions of Interest are accepted on a rolling basis. Council also encourages applicants to collaborate and share a shop if they don’t require the space exclusively, or to ensure the shop remains open throughout the week. Expressions of interest can be submitted through the online form on the Council’s website. The full terms and conditions should be read before applying and enquiries can be directed to the Moree Plains Shire Council Economic Development team on (02) 6757 3222 or council@mpsc.nsw.gov.au.

‘Think Country’ Tourism Campaign Targeting Overnight Visitation

Great food, arts and culture, nature, and experiences are at the heart of Tamworth Regional Council’s brand-new tourism campaign, coined ‘Think Country’, which will aim to drive further overnight visitation to the region.

The campaign has kicked off with a brand-new television commercial and accompanying digital content, filmed by local videography company Alpine Films. The TVC showcases some of Tamworth Region’s incredible sites and venues. These include the Big Golden Guitar, the Australian Equine and Livestock Events Centre (AELEC), Oxley Lookout, Tamworth Mountain Bike Park, Tamworth Regional Gallery, Goonoo Goonoo Station; local hospitality businesses such as The Workshop Kitchen and Sonny’s Bakery; and attractions right around the region such as the Barraba Silos, Hanging Rock, Dungowan Station and Nundle. But this is just the beginning, with many more to feature as the campaign rolls out.

Marketing and Communications Officer Neive Roebuck says extensive research and planning went into developing this campaign, to ensure the right markets would be targeted and encouraged to visit Tamworth Region. “Market research prior to our launch indicated that travellers want experiences that help them connect and escape their current reality. This campaign encourages visitors, such as “nature seekers” and young families and couples looking for a “getaway” to associate travelling to the country with our region”, Neive says.
Tamworth Regional Council is very proud of the region’s Country Music Capital branding, and this campaign builds on that, to include other elements that make up the perfect country experience, including nature, good food and entertainment. The tagline ‘Think Country’ was created to leverage on the existing ‘Capital of Country’ positioning statement and promote the many tourism offerings Tamworth Region has to offer, complementing events like the Tamworth Country Music Festival, which the region is widely known for. These include so many authentic country experiences, wide open spaces that allow visitors to unwind and escape through activities such as bushwalking and mountain biking, as well as diverse food options and a range of cultural experiences.

The new campaign has been developed as part of the Council’s Visitor Economy Plan, which was adopted in 2022. The document, also identified the launch of the new place brand – Tamworth Region – Capital of Country, which combines all towns and villages within the Tamworth Local Government Area. Since then, the ‘What’s On’ Campaign has been widely celebrated across the region, giving local businesses multiple platforms to promote and share their events. While the re-imagined Tamworth Region website acts as a one-stop-shop to explore and plan a trip to Tamworth.

Coordinator – Visitor Economy, Linda Bridges says “By promoting the whole region, we’re not just attracting visitors, we’re creating opportunities for all towns, businesses, and communities to share in the economic and social benefits of tourism.”

Data by Destination Country and Outback NSW (2024) gathered between 2019 – 2023 shows that the New England North West averaged the highest volume of visitors (3.37 million), which was 58% of its total network area. Of those, 55% of overnight visitors undertake Culinary tourism activities, while 21% will undertake nature activities. “Think Country” aims to leverage on these tourism patterns and broaden the regions reach to additional target demographics. In turn, local businesses will benefit from the increase in visitation. The first phase of the campaign will roll out across the Mid North Coast and Central West regions with intentions to expand into the broader NSW market in September.

Tools To Assist Individuals and Businesses at Tax Time

Tax time for many is a time of digging through receipts and navigating what can and cannot be deductible expenses can be difficult. “If your deductions don’t pass the ‘pub test’, it’s highly unlikely your claim would meet the ATO’s strict criteria” said ATO Assistant Commissioner, Rob Thomson. The ATO recently revealed that they have received some ‘wild’ work-related expense tax claims in the past, including a mechanic who tried to claim an air fryer, microwave, 2 vacuum cleaners, a TV, gaming console and gaming accessories and a truck driver claiming swimwear for transit breaks. To assist individuals and businesses, the ATO is highlighting key information for individuals and businesses at tax time.

Individuals
‘If you’re anything like me, a paper receipt will get lost almost immediately. The myDeductions tool on the ATO app allows you to keep records of your work and general expenses to make lodging your tax return easier,’ Mr Thomson said. When you are ready to lodge your tax return you can easily share your saved deductions with your registered tax agent or upload them to myTax to make tax time simple.

‘If you’re not sure what you can or can’t claim, check the ATO website for detailed guidance, or ask your registered tax professional, if you have one. Don’t just claim it and hope for the best as penalties and interest may apply.’

One of the most claimed work-related expenses each year is a working from home deduction. In 2024 more than 10 million people claimed a work-related deduction, and many of those claimed a deduction related to working from home. There are two ways you can calculate your deduction for additional expenses you incur by working from home - the fixed rate method or the actual cost method. To claim a working from home deduction, you must be working from home to fulfil your employment duties (not carrying out minimal tasks) and you have to have records to prove you incurred additional expenses due to working from home. Using the fixed rate method allows you to claim 70 cents for every hour you work from home and covers your additional running expenses that are often difficult to apportion, like internet, phone usage, electricity and stationery.

The ATO is also reminding Australians to declare all sources of income, and make sure they are included on their tax return. This includes side-hustles, for example, if you are providing ride sourcing services or selling services via an app. Each source of income you have will have different deductions available to you, depending on the nature of the income and your occupation. More information on specific deductions for different jobs is available in the ATO’s occupation and industry specific guides.

Businesses
Knowing what you can claim against your business income at tax time can help boost your bottom line. You may be able to claim deductions on a wide range of expenses, including:

• Motor vehicle expenses
• Home-based businesses
• Repairs, maintenance and replacement expenses
• Workers’ salaries, wages and super contributions
• Business travel expenses
• Concessions for Primary Producers and more

A variety of free short courses for small businesses from the ATO can help you learn about tax deductions, cash flow, record keeping, GST and other small business essentials. They also have a range of online calculators and tools including:

• Record-keeping evaluation tool – see how well your business keeps records.
• Super guarantee eligibility decision tool – works out if you need to pay super for a worker.
• Super guarantee contributions calculator – works out the super guarantee amount to pay to your employee’s super fund.
• Super guarantee charge statement and calculator tool – works out how much super you need to pay if you have not paid your super contributions on time.
• Tax withheld calculator – work out the amount of tax to withhold from payments to payees weekly, fortnightly, monthly or quarterly.

Please note that this article has been provided for general information purposes only and does not consider individual eligibility requirements or list all available deductions.

Featured Grants and Funding Opportunities

Below are some featured grants and funding opportunities from the multitude of open grants listed in our Grants and Funding Opportunities Database on our website. Our website is updated weekly with new listings and updates and all are applicable to our region, so it is a great resource if you are looking for funding for a specific project.

You can also sign up to our free Business and Infrastructure Funding Opportunities and the Community Grants and Award Programs newsletters through the simple form located in the footer of our website, www.rdani.org.au, to receive monthly summaries of current grants.

 

Low Carbon Landscapes Grant
Closes: 7th of August 2025 - 5:00 pm
Value: Up to $1 Million
Run By: NSW Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water

The Low Carbon Landscapes grant program aims to scale up high quality carbon abatement from the primary industries and land sector, by supporting the development of financially viable projects which can attract investment.

The objectives of the program are to:

• Support a range of ambitious, landscape-scale, high quality carbon abatement projects in the primary industries and land sector through the initial stages of project development, up to the point where they can secure investment
• Develop a range of financially viable models for project delivery
• Increase private sector investment in high quality carbon abatement projects in the primary industries and land sector.

 

Resilient Australia Awards - 2025
Closes: 18th of July 2025 (Jurisdictional Categories Close 3rd of June 2025)
Run By: Australian Institute for Disaster Resilience

The Resilient Australia Awards celebrate and promote initiatives that build whole of community resilience to disasters and emergencies around Australia as well as capture and share examples of resilience in action. The awards recognise collaboration and innovative thinking across a broad range of sectors and initiatives that strengthen disaster resilience with communities, institutions, and the private sector. Innovative models and approaches that create sustainable change are highly regarded.

 

Community Grants Program - 2025
Closes: 7th of July 2025 - 11:59 pm
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Australia Post

Australia Post Community Grants support projects that connect people and improve mental wellbeing in local communities.

Local community groups create positive change in countless people’s lives. To help them deliver for their communities, we award Community Grants of up to $10,000 each year to fund community led, local projects.

 

Telstra Footy Country Grants 2025
Closes: 24th of July 2025
Value: Up to $20,000
Run By: Telstra

Local football clubs across Australia will have the opportunity to share in an $8 million funding boost over the next four years, as the AFL and Telstra launch Telstra Footy Country Grants. With a pool of $2 million to be distributed in 2025, eligible regional and metro clubs can apply for grants up to $20,000 – helping strengthen, sustain and grow local footy.

What's On in the Northern Inland

Tamworth Regional Gallery Friend’s Silent Auction
Friday 20th to Sunday 29th of June 
Tamworth

Club Creative with Sophie Honess
Thursday 26th of June 
Tamworth

Pitch Yourself, Pitch Your Idea, Pitch Your Business
Thursday 26th of June 
Armidale

Armidale Garden Club Meeting
Thursday 26th of June and Thursday 24th of July
Armidale

Keeping Your Identity Safe Workshop
Thursday 26th of June 
Armidale

Balancing Act: Creativity, Productivity and Sustainability for Independent Musicians
Friday 27th of June 
Tamworth

Have Your Say on Uralla’s Future
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th of June
Uralla

Outdoor Living and Camping Expo
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th of June 2025
Tamworth

Ranch Horse Assoc. of Australia NSW State Show
Friday 27th to Sunday 29th of June 2025
Armidale

Guyra Saturday Morning Market
Saturday 28th of June and 5th of July
Guyra

Woolomin Monthly Markets
Saturday 28th of June and 26th of July
Woolomin

Calala Markets
Saturday 28th of June and 26th of July
Calala

Tamworth Community Saturday Markets
Saturday 28th of June, 12th and 26th of July
Tamworth

Drake Village Markets
Saturday 28th of June and 26th of July
Drake

Glen Innes Men's Shed Car Boot Sale and Markets
Saturday 28th of June and 26th of July
Glen Innes

Come N Try Wheelchair Rugby League
Saturday 28th of June 
Tamworth

Woolomin Councillor Catch Up
Saturday 28th of June 
Woolomin

Sunday Markets in the Mall
Sunday 29th of June 
Armidale

Music on a Market Sunday
Sunday 29th of June 
Armidale

NAIDOC Week
Wednesday 2nd of July 
Barraba

Tough Guys Read Books – Monthly Book Club
Wednesday 2nd of July 
Tamworth

Barraba NAIDOC Week Celebration
Wednesday 2nd of July 
Barraba

Free Mental Health Workshops
Wednesday 2nd of July 
Armidale

NAIDOC Community Unity 2nd Annual Guuma-li
Thursday 3rd of July 
Gunnedah

Free Mental Health Workshops
Thursday 3rd of July 
Tamworth

Dancing Story Workshop – The Nutcracker
Friday 4th of July 
Tamworth

Dancing Story Workshop – Wonderland
Friday 4th of July 
Tamworth

Garah Country Music Muster
Saturday 5th to Sunday 6th of July
Garah

Stargazing and Scientific Discovery Night
Saturday 5th of July 
Tamworth

Bingara Orange Festival
Saturday 5th of July 
Bingara

Tamworth Dressage Club Championships
Saturday 5th to Sunday 6th of July 
Tamworth

Craft Shed Markets
Saturday 5th of July 
Tamworth

Narrabri Rotary Markets
Saturday 5th of July 
Narrabri

Tingha Community Markets
Saturday 5th of July 
Inverell

Sapphire City Markets
Sunday 6th and 20th of July 
Inverell

Moree Markets - Pet Fair
Sunday 6th of July 
Moree

Moree Markets
Sunday 6th of July 
Moree

Piallamore Pickers Market Day
Sunday 6th of July 
Pillamore

Torrington Market Day
Sunday 6th of July 
Torrington

UNE NAIDOC Acknowledgement Ceremony
Monday 7th of July 
Armidale

Free Special Event – Brain Training
Monday 7th of July 
Inverell

UNE HSC Study sessions
Monday 7th to Thursday 10th of July 
Tamworth

Sydney Sixers School Holiday Cricket Clinic
Monday 7th of July 
Tamworth

Sydney Sixers School Holidays Cricket Clinic
Tuesday 8th of July 
Armidale

Bendemeer History Group
Tuesday 8th of July 
Bendemeer

Home Brewers and Distillers Night
Tuesday 8th of July 
Walcha

Knitting and Crochet Club
Wednesday 9th and 23rd of July 
Armidale

High Performance Forum with Chris Webb
Thursday 10th of July 
Tamworth

Hats Off to Country
Thursday 10th to Sunday 13th of July
Tamworth

Tamworth NAIDOC Debutante Ball
Saturday 12th of July 
Tamworth

Barraba High Country Music Musta
Sunday 13th of July 
Barraba

Winter in Walcha
Sunday 13th of July 
Walcha

Walk n Talk for Life Tamworth
Sunday 13th of July 
Tamworth

Armidale Farmers' Market
Sunday 13th of July 
Armidale

Let’s Make Art
Tuesday 15th of July 
Tamworth

Winanga-li Kids Party in Fitzroy Street
Wednesday 16th of July 
Tamworth

Tenterfield Farmers and Producers Market
Saturday 19th of July 
Tenterfield

Press Play!
Saturday 19th of July 
Armidale

Sidewalk Astronomy
Saturday 19th of July 
Armidale

Gunnedah Country Markets
Saturday 19th of July 
Gunnedah

Pally Bush Markets
Sunday 20th of July 
Pallamallawa

Men's Circle
Sunday 20th of July 
Tamworth

Sunday Funday – Play in the Art Studio
Sunday 20th of July 
Tamworth

Meet & Make Creative Evening
Tuesday 22nd of July 
Tamworth

Tamworth International Eventing CCN
Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th of July 
Tamworth

Gunnedah Full Throttle Fest
Saturday 26th to Sunday 27th of July 
Gunnedah

Calala Markets
Saturday 26th of July 
Tamworth

Councillor Catch Up
Saturday 26th of July 
Kootingal

Christmas in July
Saturday 26th of July 
Woolbrook

Woolomin Monthly Markets
Saturday 26th of July 
Woolomin

Barraba Rugby Union Football Club – 60th Anniversary
Saturday 26th of July 
Barraba

Nundle CWA Art Exhibition Trivia Night
Saturday 26th of July 
Nundle

Tamworth & District Cat Show
Sunday 27th of July 
Calala

Minature Railway Open Day
Sunday 27th of July 
Quirindi

Yin Yoga Workshop
Sunday 27th of July 
Tamworth

Winter Concerts
Sunday 27th of July 
Tamworth

New England North West Future Leaders Bootcamp
Wednesday 30th of July 
Tamworth

Wise Words Bookshop - Book Group
Wednesday 30th of July 
Moree

An evening with bestselling crime writer Matthew Spencer
Thursday 31st of July 
Tamworth

Tamworth Homeless Connect Day
Thursday 31st of July 
Tamworth

 

Weekly

Absolute Care & Social Support – Arts & Craft
Weekly on Wednesday
Tamworth

Absolute Care & Social Support - Seniors Group
Weekly on Mondays and Fridays
Tamworth

Absolute Care & Social Support - Social Circle
Weekly on Wednesday
Tamworth

Armidale Amblers
Weekly on Wednesday
Armidale

Wednesday Words Poetry and Open Mic
Weekly on Wednesday
Guyra

RALLY4EVER
Weekly on Fridays
Armidale

Glen Innes Cottage Markets
Weekly on Saturday
Glen Innes