General Newsletter - June 2026

In this Issue

• Welcome from the Chair
• Would You Like to be Part of Our Committee?
• Successful Essential Worker Program Expanded
• Do You Live in Gunnedah or Narrabri and Love Helping People?
• Take a Seat at The Table for Men’s Mental Health
• NSW Country Mayors Back Their Flying Doctors
• Discover How to Cut Costs and Emissions on Your Farm
• Featured Grants and Funding Opportunities
• What's On in the Northern Inland

 

Welcome from the Chair

Dear Northern Inlanders,

With the second-lowest rainfall on record for NSW in April, the recent rain has been a welcome change. While it is certainly not enough, I hope it has brought some relief to the many farmers already facing tough times in our region.

The landscape, both physical and technological, has changed substantially for farmers over the last decade. Embracing renewable energy can lower costs and emissions, but it can be daunting to know where to start. The National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo provides an opportunity to hear from other farmers and to connect with agricultural and energy consultants, peak bodies, and Government representatives.

Many men find it difficult to connect with others when times are tough, and having a group of mates is essential to men’s mental health. Despite our world being more connected than ever due to technology, over 18% of men are experiencing social isolation. This highlights the importance of genuine, face-to-face, real mateship. The Men’s Table is facilitating connections for men to talk and connect over a monthly meal. I encourage you to find out more about this great initiative below, including the Entrée Event in Tamworth next week. Further details on this great initiative are below.

Social connection is important for everyone and a key part of The Welcome Experience we currently provide to essential workers in Armidale, Uralla and Tamworth, in partnership with the NSW Government. I am very pleased that, with the support of the NSW Government, we are extending this program to the Local Government Areas of Narrabri, Gunnedah, Walcha, and Liverpool Plains from July, and to include Local Government employees. If you live in Narrabri or Gunnedah and would like to help others to feel at home in your community, be sure to check out the Local Connector positions and apply by Monday, the 8th of June.

To say I am proud of our committee members and staff, and their work for the benefit of our region, would be an understatement. We are currently seeking applications from business and community leaders across the region to join our team. If you would like to help make a difference to the future of your community and our region as a whole, we would love to hear from you. Information packs and how to apply to become a committee member are available on our website.

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 RDA-NI Committee Members.

Our Committee is a vital promoter of our region, and facilitate investment in people, places, services, industries and local economies. Volunteering as a committee member is an opportunity to make a difference not just in your community but also in our region. While aligning with the Australian Government’s strategic priorities, we adopt a proactive, outcome-focused mindset for the benefit of our region.

Applications are sought from business and community leaders with a proven track record of achieving meaningful outcomes in complex environments. 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 is available on our website. Applications using the included application form must be submitted to our office at rdani@rdani.org.au by Monday, the 22nd of June.

Successful Essential Worker Program Expanded

Since its establishment in 2023, The Welcome Experience has supported over 3,000 frontline workers to make the move to communities in regional NSW. It is a free service supporting essential workers and their families who are considering applying for, or have accepted, a job in either government- or non-government-eligible sectors such as health, aged care, education, veterinary services, policing, and emergency services.

Through The Welcome Experience, essential workers are connected with a dedicated Local Connector who provides practical, on-the-ground support, from finding housing and accessing childcare or schools, to connecting with community and sporting groups, plus identifying employment opportunities for partners.

Since 2024, we have partnered with the NSW Government to provide the program to the communities of Armidale, Guyra, Tamworth and Uralla Local Government Areas (LGAs). We are pleased to extend this partnership to also provide the service to Gunnedah, Narrabri, Liverpool Plains and Walcha LGAs from July.

Local Government workers will now also be supported through the program, helping them settle into essential jobs in regional local councils such as road maintenance, town planning, engineering and childcare services for communities. A Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey found more than 90% of councils reported skills shortages, with 66% indicating project delivery had been impacted by vacancies, skills gaps, or training needs.

“Council workers are vital to the liveability of our communities, from roads and waste services through to planning and community programs.” said Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty. “The Welcome Experience helps ensure new staff and their families feel supported from day one, which makes a real difference in attracting and keeping workers in our regional areas.”

“The Country Mayors Association Board and our 89 rural, remote and regional council members warmly welcome Minister Moriarty’s announcement that the Welcome Experience will be expanded to include the critical local government sector.” said CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman. “In many rural and remote communities, local government is the largest employer, making its inclusion essential. We commend and thank the Minister and NSW Government for this initiative and are confident it will strengthen councils’ ability to attract and retain the workforce our communities rely on.”

If you are planning to relocate or have recently relocated to Armidale, Guyra, Tamworth, or Uralla, or know someone who has, eligibility criteria and further information on the support that can be provided are available on The Welcome Experience page of our website or on the NSW Government website.

Do You Live in Gunnedah or Narrabri and Love Helping People?

We are seeking two motivated, and community-minded Local Connectors to provide The Welcome Experience to the Gunnedah and Narrabri communities on a part-time basis.

This is a highly rewarding and unique opportunity to help shape the future of our region. As a Local Connector, you will provide a community concierge service for essential workers, their partners and families moving to the region. You will provide support to assist their relocation and settlement in their new community by making them feel welcome and facilitating new, positive social connections.

This role would suit a sociable, creative, empathetic, self-motivated, and organised person with great knowledge of their community. In addition to knowledge of your local communities and regional life experiences, desirable attributes include effective communication, the ability to work adaptably, collaboratively and creatively; solve problems, plan and prioritise tasks, and be customer-service orientated. As part of the role, you must be able to work flexibly and be available to work outside normal business hours and on some weekends to meet the needs and convenience of the key workers. You will work as part of a network of Local Connectors across NSW, including our Local Connectors in Armidale and Tamworth, and collaborate with key stakeholders, community groups and other parties to enhance key employee attraction, recruitment and retention.

We are seeking two local connectors, one based in Gunnedah for the Gunnedah Shire Local Government Area and another in Narrabri for the Narrabri Shire Local Government Area.
Both Local Connectors are part-time roles (20 hours per week) for an initial 1-year contract starting July 1st 2026, with the potential to extend the position depending on the outcomes and continued NSW Government funding of the program.

The full position description and how to apply are available on our website.

Applications close at 12 noon on Monday, the 8th of June 2026.

Take a Seat at The Table for Men’s Mental Health

Although mateship is core to Australian culture, an estimated 18% of men experience high levels of social isolation. Navigating life can be tough if you do it alone. The Men’s Table provides an opportunity to meet new people and make friends over a meal once a month. It creates a sense of belonging, community, peer support, and camaraderie that is lacking for many men, even for some who already have a group of mates, and contributes to mental, emotional, and social well-being.

A ‘Table’ is a group of 10 - 12 men that meet once a month over a meal. It creates a unique environment for men to share openly over dinner about their lives, their challenges, highs and lows with a group of men they come to know, like and trust. It becomes its own closed community of supportive men. Each meeting follows a set of guidelines that underpin each Table and the organisation. Included are things like it's confidential, no one dominates, and each man gets to share uninterrupted. It is a chance to go beyond banter, be real, listen, and share from the heart to create better connections and conversations. There is no ‘fixing’ involved, and table members are asked to attend at least 9 out of 12 meetings a year for the benefit of themselves and others in the group.

However, the first step towards a Table can be nerve-wracking and take real courage. You are not alone if you feel hesitation. The first step to joining a Table is to attend an Entree. These events provide an opportunity to experience how a Table works in a relaxed and conversational setting and see if it’s for you. There is no obligation to join a Table after attending an Entree.
The Men’s table in Tamworth is holding an Entrée event on Monday, the 15th of June 6:30 – 9:00 pm at the Tamworth Services Club. Bookings are essential and can be made through Tamworth 2 Entrée event page on HumanTix or by calling 1800 636 782. Attending the event is free, except for the cost of your meal and drink.

Men’s Tables are also available in Armidale and Inverell. The Men’s Table also provides support to anyone who would like to start a table in their community. Further information can be found on The Men’s Table website, through their enquiry form, or by calling 1800 636 782.

NSW Country Mayors Back Their Flying Doctors

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) received unanimous support from the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) members at their recent meeting at NSW Parliament House last month. “This is an iconic service that has been part of outback Australia’s cultural identity for 90 years, with anniversary celebrations held at the Broken Hill base on the weekend. They save lives and continued quality of life, where no other service could. They provide a critical service to rural and remote communities,” CMA Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM, of Temora Shire Council said.“Funding for the RFDS should be secure, allowing for medium to long-term planning. They should not need to expend resources perpetually marketing their case for funding.”

The RFDS currently operates across more than 80 rural and remote communities, providing healthcare access to approximately 1.8 million residents. In many of these areas, the RFDS is the only available healthcare provider, delivering services including aeromedical retrievals, patient transfers, primary healthcare, mental health support and dental care.

Rural and remote communities continue to experience significant disadvantage, particularly in relation to access to healthcare services and health outcomes. Across Western NSW, mortality rates are substantially higher than the state average, including 27% higher for heart disease, 46% higher for diabetes, and 75% higher for chronic lung disease. Hospitalisation rates are also elevated, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by regional communities in accessing timely and appropriate healthcare.

RFDS NSW/ACT CEO Greg Sam delivered a presentation at the CMA’s May meeting, which began with a compelling video showcasing the breadth and reach of the RFDS’s work across vast distances and challenging terrain and conditions across rural and remote NSW. “The video offered a vivid and at times moving illustration of the profound and life-changing outcomes the Flying Doctor Service delivers for rural and remote Australians — many of whom have no other access to emergency or specialist healthcare,” Mayor Firman said. “For those who rely on this safety net, it is priceless.”

Mr Sam then detailed the RFDS’s contribution to the social, economic and health sustainability of regional, rural and remote communities, focusing on the RFDS’s significant investment in skills development, training and workforce retention — themes that resonated strongly with the broader focus of the day’s meeting on skills and workforce challenges. Members heard how the RFDS functions not merely as a healthcare provider but as an anchor institution in many communities, helping build and retain local capacity over the long term.

A particular point of discussion was the composition of the RFDS workforce, with members reflecting on the significance of the fact that two-thirds of RFDS staff are embedded in the rural and remote communities they serve. “This model of community-based service delivery was widely accepted as a strength that distinguishes the RFDS and amplifies its contribution to local economies and the social fabric of our communities – well beyond direct patient care,” Mr Sam said.

As a not-for-profit, the Royal Flying Doctors relies on the help and generosity of individuals to deliver essential health and emergency services. Tax-deductable donations can be made through their website.

Discover How to Cut Costs and Emissions on Your Farm

The National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo provides farmers with a unique opportunity to explore how clean energy can help cut costs and lower emissions on their property. It brings together farmers, agriculture and energy consultants, peak bodies, and Government representatives to share stories of on-farm renewables, their business cases, and the transformation of energy use in agriculture.

Large-scale solar and wind developments, such as those in our region, present opportunities for farmers and regional communities with meaningful engagement around benefit sharing. These topics, plus the combination of farming and solar, known as agrivoltaics, are part of the conference program. The conference also provides the opportunity to hear from other farmers who have benefited from integrating renewable energy into their farms.

At the conference, you will hear from farmers and industry experts on:

• Biofuels and future farm machinery
• Bioenergy
• Agrivoltaics, farming under solar panels
• Farm electrification
• The national energy transition and mid-scale solar
• Battery technologies

This year, the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference and Expo will be held in Orange on the 11th and 12th of August. Registrations are now open on their website.

Featured Grants and Funding Opportunities

Below are some featured grants and funding opportunities from the multitude of open grants listed in the Grants and Funding Opportunities area of 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 Business and Infrastructure Funding Opportunities and the Community Grants and Award Programs newsletters through the simple form located on the left-hand side of our website: www.rdani.org.au, to receive monthly summaries of currently open grants.

 

Strengthening Rural Communities - Small & Vital - Round 29
Closes: 24th of June 2026 - 5:00 pm
Value: Up to $10,000
Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal

The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Small & Vital stream gives small remote, rural and regional communities across Australia the opportunity to access funds for a broad range of initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities.

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Invest in outback, remote and less-resourced communities;
• Support First Nations-led initiatives that strengthen culture, Country, economic participation and self-determination; and
• Support communities to implement generational transition.

 

Strengthening Rural Communities – Prepare & Recover - Round 29
Closes: 24th of June 2026 - 5:00 pm
Value: Up to $25,000
Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal

The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) Prepare & Recover program supports communities in remote, rural and regional communities across Australia to implement initiatives that prevent and prepare for future climate related impacts, or recover from existing disasters in the medium to long-term timeframe, generally one to ten years after the disaster.

Priority will be given to projects that:

• Respond to a specific climate impact or event, either historic or likely to occur in the future;
• Focus on community-led resilience building in recovery or preparedness to strengthen the capacity and capability of local people and systems, especially to manage the impact of future disasters, through: inclusion; networks; communication; information sharing; self-organising systems; local decision making; or resourcing, tools and support;
• Are from local community groups and not-for-profits or organisations that do not have DGR status.

 

FDF Communities – RDRP Social Outcome Grants - Round 2
Closes: 30th of June 2026
Value: $1,000 to $100,000
Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal

Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) Social Outcome Grants support not-for-profit organisations in remote, rural and regional Australia to develop and deliver local projects that will broadly result in strengthened social capital, wellbeing and connectedness to prepare for and build social resilience to drought.

Applications are sought from locally based, not-for profit organisations that seek to undertake simple, one-off, or seed-type activities or initiatives that contribute to the stated program outcomes. Local collaboration is encouraged.

 

FDF Communities – Small Network Grants - Round 2
Closes: 30th of June 2026
Value: Up to $50,000
Run By: Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal

Small Network Grants support not-for-profit organisations in remote, rural and regional Australia to develop and deliver local projects or initiatives that will broadly result in strengthened social capital, wellbeing and connectedness to prepare for and build social resilience to drought.

The Small Network Grants will fund networks, community events, training initiatives, small scale community infrastructure, and development and learning initiatives that assist local people and communities to strengthen social capital and capability to prepare for future droughts.

What's On in the Northern Inland

Community Events

Armidale Eisteddfod
Friday 5th to Saturday 13th of June
Armidale

Bingara Bush Bash (Tennis)
Saturday 6th to Monday 8th of June
Bingara

Gunnedah Championship Working Dog Trials
Saturday 6th to Monday 8th of June
Gunnedah

Keepit Kool Regatta
Saturday 6th to Monday 8th of June
Lake Keepit (Gunnedah region)

Manilla Vintage Machinery Group Annual Rally
Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th of June
Manilla

Myall Creek Memorial Art Exhibition & Artisan Markets
Saturday 6th of June
Inverell region

Myall Creek Massacre Memorial 26th Anniversary Commemoration
Sunday 7th of June
Myall Creek

International Yarn Bombing Day Morning Tea
Thursday 11th of June
Walcha

Fashion Parade — Bingara Community Op Shop
Saturday 13th of June
Bingara

Battle of the Border
Wednesday 17th of June
Mungindi

Can Assist Movie Night
Saturday 20th of June
Armidale

Tamworth Outdoor Living & Caravan Expo
Friday 26th to Sunday 28th of June
Tamworth

Croppa Creek Cracker and Bonfire Night
Saturday 27th of June
Croppa Creek

Quirindi Rural Heritage Village Miniature Railway
Sunday 28th of June
Quirindi

Researching Local Legends Workshop
Sunday 28th of June
Tamworth

Bingara Orange Festival
Saturday 4th of July
Bingara

Reopening of Dangars Gorge
Saturday 4th of July
Armidale region

UNE Tamworth: FREE HSC Workshops
Monday 6th of July
Tamworth

Hats Off to Country Festival
Friday 10th to Sunday 12th of July
Tamworth

Walcha Winterfest
Saturday 11th to Sunday 12th of July
Walcha

Community Connections

Absolute Care & Social Support Seniors Group
Friday 5th of June (Weekly on Fridays)
Tamworth

Glen Innes Chapel Theatre Open Mic Night
Friday 5th of June
Glen Innes

Drop In and Draw
Saturday 6th of June (Every Saturday)
Tamworth

Hillgrove Social Night
Saturday 6th of June (Monthly)
Hillgrove

Parkrun – Chaffey Park
Saturday 6th of June (Every Saturday)
Manilla

Standing Stones Parkrun
Saturday 6th of June (Weekly on Saturdays)
Glen Innes

Tamworth Parkrun
Saturday 6th of June (Every Saturday)
Tamworth

Slow Gals Run Club
Sunday 7th of June (Every Sunday)
Tamworth

Social Trak Club Sunday Long Run
Sunday 7th of June (Every Sunday)
Tamworth

Social Bridge
Monday 8th of June (Weekly on Mondays)
Narrabri

Casual Scottish Gaelic Lessons
Tuesday 9th of June
Glen Innes

Yoga in the Gallery
Tuesday 9th of June (Fortnightly)
Tamworth

Absolute Care & Social Support Arts & Craft
Tuesday 10th of June (Weekly on Tuesdays)
Tamworth

Absolute Care & Social Support Social Circle
Tuesday 10th of June (Weekly on Tuesdays)
Tamworth

Armidale Amblers Walking Group
Wednesday 10th of June (Weekly on Wednesdays)
Armidale

Healing through Creativity
Tuesday 10th of June (Weekly on Tuesdays)
Tamworth

Old-time Music Jam
Wednesday 10th of June (2nd Wednesday of the month)
Armidale

Storytime — Carinya
Wednesday 10th of June (Fortnightly)
Tamworth

Tamworth & District Prostate Cancer Support Group
Wednesday 10th of June (2nd Wednesday of the month)
Tamworth

Tamworth New Vogue Dance Group
Tuesday 10th of June (Weekly on Tuesdays)
Tamworth

Social Trak Club Thursday Track
Thursday 11th of June (Every Thursday)
Tamworth

Tamworth Regional Astronomy and Science Centre
Thursday 11th of June (Every Thursday)
Tamworth

Kootingal Councillor Catch Up
Saturday 13th of June
Kootingal

Under 35s Book Group
Saturday 13th of June (Monthly)
Tamworth

Walk n Talk for Life
Sunday 14th of June (Every Sunday)
Tamworth

Women's Circle — Monthly Growth Mindset Conversations
Sunday 14th of June (Monthly)
Tamworth

Men's Table
Monday 15th of June (Monthly)
Tamworth

Creative Play — Term 2
Tuesday 16th of June (Weekly on Tuesdays)
Tamworth

Tamworth Miniature Railway
Sunday 21st of June (3rd Sunday of the month)
Tamworth

Winter Solstice at the Standing Stones
Sunday 21st of June
Glen Innes

Comics Catch-Up
Monday 23rd of June (Monthly)
Tamworth

Quirindi Rural Heritage Village Miniature Railway
Sunday 28th of June
Quirindi

Tough Guys Read Books — Monthly Book Club
Wednesday 1st of July (Monthly)
Tamworth

Markets

Armidale Region

Armidale Farmers' Market
Sunday 14th of June
Armidale

Armidale Markets in the Mall
Sunday 28th of June
Armidale

Glen Innes Severn

Glen Innes Scout Hall Car Boot and Market
Sunday 7th of June
Glen Innes

Glen Innes Men's Shed Car Boot & Markets
Saturday 27th of June
Glen Innes

Emmaville Courthouse Markets
Sunday 14th of June
Emmaville

Inverell Shire

Inverell Sapphire City Markets
Sunday 7th and 21st of June and 5th of July
Inverell

Tingha Community Markets
Saturday 6th of June
Tingha

Moree Plains Shire

Moree Markets
Sunday 7th of June
Moree

Narrabri Shire

Kev's Big Breakfast & Markets — Namoi Echo Museum
Saturday 27th of June
Wee Waa

Narrabri Rotary Markets
Saturday 6th of June and 4th of July
Narrabri

Tamworth Region

Calala Markets
Saturday 27th of June
Calala

Craft Shed Markets
Saturday 6th of June and 4th of July
Tamworth

Farmers Market Nundle
Sunday 21st of June
Nundle

Manilla Museum Markets
Saturday 20th of June
Manilla

Peel Street Markets
Sunday 21st of June
Tamworth

Tamworth Community Saturday Markets
Saturday 13th of June and 11th of July
Tamworth

Tamworth Growers Market
Saturday 13th and 27th of June and 11th of July
Tamworth

Woolomin Monthly Markets
Saturday 28th of June
Woolomin

Tenterfield Shire

Tenterfield Railway Markets
Saturday 6th of June
Tenterfield

Tenterfield Farmers & Producers Market
Saturday 20th of June
Tenterfield

Uralla Shire

Uralla High Country Markets
Sunday 7th of June and 5th of July
Uralla