RDAs focus on big challenges, big opportunities in Busselton

This week, collaboration, networking and celebrations were in order as members from Regional Development Australia (RDA) committees nationwide met in Busselton for the 2024 RDA National Forum and inaugural Awards Dinner.

The inaugural awards celebrated strategies to drive economic growth and resilence in our regions, and acknowledged the significant contribution RDAs make to supporting local economies, places, people, and services. 

As representatives for their local communities, RDAs collaborate with regional stakeholders to forge new opportunities and to help build a better future.

In a competitive field, four winners were crowned for initiatives and projects undertaken by their respective committees in the past 12 months: 

• RDA Pilbara was the winner in the Investing in Industries and Local Economies category for the Pilbara Hydrogen Hub – delivering significant benefits by driving economic growth and diversification through large-scale renewable hydrogen production and export. 
• RDA Tropical North was the winner in the Investing in Places category for their Tropical North Economic Development Strategy – this strategy will lead to sustainable growth, enhance economic diversity, and improve infrastructure through targeted investments.
• RDA Townsville and North West Queensland was the winner in the Investing in People category for their Coordinated Approach to Strategic Workforce Planning – a framework to build a resilient workforce for regional growth.
• RDA Loddon Mallee was the winner in the Investing in Services category for their Digital Summit – enhancing connectivity, fostering digital job creation and building capacity, ultimately driving economic growth and resilience in the region.

More than 150 members reconvened for the National Forum, collaborating on regional solutions and innovative ideas specific to this year’s theme of Big Challenges, Big Opportunities. 

The forum hosted three panels focussing on areas critical to regional development: Innovation and Connectivity, Housing and Skills, and Net Zero and the Energy Transition. 

Expert speakers provided insights and strategies to not only tackle issues, but turn them into opportunities for economic and skills growth in local comunities.

To view the full list of 2024 RDA Awards winners, runners-up and special commendations, visit: https://www.rda.gov.au/awards. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“Our regions are home to innovative and talented individuals that are committed to harnessing opportunities in their own backyard – with this year’s inaugural RDA Awards a real testament to this.

“From diversifying economies, to supporting industries with their transition to net zero – the expertise of RDAs is ensuring we continue to build a better future in our regions.

“They’re not doing this work for a pat on the back, but it’s important we take the time to celebrate their positive and proactive contribution to regional Australia – congratulations to this year’s award winners.”