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October 2018 Newsletter

In This Issue

Welcome from the Chair

Dear Northern Inlanders,

Welcome to another jam-packed edition of our newsletter and it’s great to hear the patter of rain as I type. There are a wealth of grant opportunities open at the moment, including Round 3 of the Building Better Regions Fund.  If you’ve got an investment-ready infrastructure or community project and you can pitch a competitive case for funding it, then this is an opportunity not to be missed. We want to see quality projects bringing economic and social benefits, as well as jobs to local communities across the region. It is up to us to ensure we get our fair share of the pie, so get in touch for any assistance.

The Northern Inland is one of only ten regions in Australia selected for the Regional Employment Trials Program.  RDANI will be part of the assessment process for this program, and we are looking forward to some innovative projects to get more people into work across the region.

Regards,

Russell Stewart
Chair

Building Better Regions Fund Round Three is Now Open

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Michael McCormack MP has announced the commencement of Round Three of the Building Better Regions Fund, with $200 million available.

RDANI Chair Russell Stewart is calling on Northern Inland Local Councils and not-for-profit community organisations to make the most of the funding program. “If you’ve got an investment-ready project and you can pitch a competitive case for funding it, then this is an opportunity not to be missed. We want to see quality projects bringing funding and flow-on economic benefits to local communities and our broader region. It’s up to us to ensure the Northern Inland gets our fair share of the pie.”

Round Three is divided into two streams, Infrastructure Projects and Community Investments. Up to $45 million of the available funding has been earmarked for tourism related infrastructure projects that will help stimulate local economies by investing in the tourism sector.

Projects in both streams will be assessed based on merit criteria relative to project size, complexity and the grant amount requested. To be competitive, applications need to score highly against all of the following criteria, with the first two having the highest weighting:

  • The economic benefit the project will deliver to the region.
  • The social benefit the project will deliver to the region.
  • Project delivery - the capacity, capability and resources to deliver the project.
  • The impact of grant funding on the project.

Applicants should read the grant opportunity guidelines and the Am I Ready to Apply documents for the relevant stream before applying. Applicants are also encouraged to contact our office for assistance regarding the Building Better Regions Fund by calling 67710700 or emailing rdani@rdani.org.au. Our expertise and experience with grant applications and access to research and economic documentation can help an application succeed.

Further information is available on the Australian Government’s website at business.gov.au/BBRF including the grant opportunity guidelines and the Am I Ready to Apply documents. Applicants can also call the department on 13 28 46.

Applications close at 5pm AEDT on the 15th of November 2018.

Northern Inland Selected for Regional Employment Trials Program

The Northern Inland is one of only ten regions across Australia to be selected for the Regional Employment Trials Program. The Regional Employment Trials program provides local stakeholders in selected regions, including businesses, not-for-profits and local government agencies, with grants to trial local approaches to delivering employment related projects.

The objectives of the program are to deliver:

  • strong connections between regional stakeholders, including employment services providers
  • employment initiatives that meet local needs
  • improved awareness of local labour markets
  • the potential for improved regional employment outcomes

Grants are for between $7,500 and $200,000, for up to 75% of eligible project costs. Projects must be completed by 30 June 2020.

Applicants should contact the Employment Facilitator for the Northern Inland, and they will help determine if the project is aligned to local employment priorities, and connect applicants with an employment services provider if needed.

Before applying, applicants must submit information about their project to RDANI using the RDA project proposal template. RDANI will committee will provide you with written feedback using the RDA project proposal template which must be attach to the full grant application.

Further information can be found on the Department of Jobs and Small Business website.

A New Way to Play in Armidale

Armidale’s Curtis Park in the heart of the city is set for a million-dollar Adventure Playground after the announcement of funding under the NSW State Government’s Stronger Country Communities program. RDANI are proud to have been engaged to complete the grant application for this and other projects.

“Parks are integral to regional communities and can make or break a town’s reputation with families,” Said Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall.

“The plans include dedicated play areas for toddlers, younger children and school aged children as well as a cable playzone, a sand and water zone, musical play equipment, a swing zone and an open area of parkland for ball sports – all securely fenced. The play equipment will be housed on close to 1,000m2 of soft fall and include multiple picnic areas and barbecues. A new amenity block will also be built that will be fully wheelchair accessible.” Mr Marshall said.

Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray said the development of a super playground similar to Tamworth was a popular request by families during previous consultations with the Armidale community and it will be a wonderful recreational asset for the Armidale region.

“We expect families will come to Armidale from across the region to enjoy the space and spend quality time with their children. The super playground is a key feature of our proposed plans for the Creeklands precinct and it will be designed to provide a dynamic sensory outdoor space for children to enjoy.” Said Cr. Murray.

RDANI is pleased to have supported Armidale Regional Council in preparing the application and to hear that it received funding. We have a wealth of knowledge and resources to be able to assist Councils, community organisations and businesses. Our consulting services and support are available for anyone in the Northern Inland region. If you have a grant application or a business case that you would like assistance with, contact our office on 6771 0700 or by email on rdani@rdani.org.au

Tamworth Regional Council Makes a Sustainable Move Towards Solar

Tamworth Regional Council recently decided to install solar arrays at eleven council owned sites across the council area. The installation will cost $803,250, which will be funded through existing reserves. Through energy cost savings of $110,608 per year, the total payback period will be less than 7.5 years. A single tender will be prepared for all sites in an effort to maximise savings. It is expected installation will start in 2019.

Tamworth Regional Council Sustainability Coordinator, Tracey Carr, said the sites were assessed to find a balance between consuming most electricity on site, getting the best value system price and the available space for the solar installation.

“The payback times and annual return presented to Councillors was calculated based on installing the systems in the near future to get maximum benefit from the Australian Government’s Renewable Energy Scheme which is currently scheduled to end in 2030,” Ms Carr said. “The numbers add up and the environmental benefits of solar are significant - every kilowatt of solar photovoltaic installed results in a reduction of 1.8 tonnes of greenhouse gases each year.”

Gunnedah Shire Council’s Boost for Local Businesses

Seven Gunnedah local businesses have received a slice of $7750 in funding from Round One (2018/2019) of Gunnedah Shire Council’s Business Partner Program. The Business Partner Program is a key element of the strategy between Gunnedah and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Gunnedah Shire Council to attract new business opportunities and expanding existing businesses.

“As a proactive Council, striving for growth and sustainability for our Shire, it is important to recognise local businesses and start-ups, and the vital role they play in our community and the local economy.” said Mayor Jamie Chaffey. “I am pleased to see from the significant amount of applications Council received, businesses looking to generate employment and value add, as well as support regional benefit and economic growth.” “Council is proud of this Program that actively encourages new industry to set up in the area, as well as nurtures our existing businesses to encourage increased productivity, sustainability, growth and employment.”

Round Two of the Business Partner Program will open on Wednesday, 19 October, with applications closing at 5.00pm on Wednesday, 31 October. For more information contact Gunnedah Shire Council’s Manager Economic Development Charlotte Hoddle on (02) 6740 2100 or email council@infogunnedah.com.au

Featured Grants and Funding Opportunities

Below are some featured grants and funding opportunities from around 75 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.

Small and Medium Enterprises Export Hubs
Closing date: 15 October 2018 5:00 pm AEDT
Value: $150,000 to $1.5 million
Run By: Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

The Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) grant opportunity will support SME Export Hubs in the development of local, regional and Indigenous brands through business collaborations in the identified areas of competitive strength.

The objectives of the grant opportunity are to support SME development through facilitation of export opportunities and working with the Growth Centres and support the establishment and/or operation of SME export hubs (export hubs) in the six Growth Centre sectors:

  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Cyber Security
  • Food and Agribusiness
  • Medical Technologies and Pharmaceuticals
  • Mining Equipment, Technology and Services
  • Oil, Gas and Energy Resources.

The grant amount will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs and the maximum grant period is four years and you must complete your project by 30 June 2022.

Regional Investment Attraction Fund
Closes: Undisclosed
Value: Undisclosed
Run By: NSW Government

The NSW Government offers a range of incentives to attract new and growing businesses to regional NSW. Businesses can take advantage of benefits including direct access to an investment concierge for expert and tailored support, grants and interest-free loans, and relocation assistance for skilled workers.

The Investment Concierge Service provides end-to-end support for businesses wishing to set up or expand their operations in regional NSW. The service acts as the interface across NSW Government agencies to provide tailored advice to businesses about opportunities, sites and relevant government assistance available.

Eligible businesses can apply for grants and interest-free loans to help them establish themselves in regional NSW and create new jobs. Grants and interest free loans will be available for businesses that are operating in eligible industries and creating or retaining jobs in Special Activation Precincts.

Relocation Assistance for Skilled Workers
Closes:
Undisclosed
Value: Up to $10,000 per worker
Run By: NSW Government

Relocation grants of up to $10,000 per worker are available to help attract skilled employees to regional NSW businesses operating in eligible industries. These will help businesses meet the costs of relocating employees, such as for furniture removal and temporary accommodation for up to three months.
Grants are available for businesses relocating to regional NSW and businesses already operating and expanding within regional NSW, to assist with the costs of relocating skilled workers in an occupation on the NSW Department of Industry Skilled Occupation List from metropolitan areas to regional NSW.

Move It Aus - Better Ageing
Closes: 31 October 2018 :00pm AEST
Value: Up to $2 Million
Run By: Australian Institute of Sport

As part of the More Choices for a Longer Life package, the Australian Government is investing $22.9 million over two years from 2018-19, to increase participation in physical activity among Australians aged 65 years and older, which will contribute to improving their overall health and wellbeing.

The objectives of this Program are to:

  • get inactive older Australians active;
  • enhance older Australians’ understanding of the benefits of regular physical activity including physical and mental wellbeing, and the benefits of social connectedness; and
  • enhance the capability and capacity of organisations and staff responsible for delivering age-appropriate activities to older Australians.


Fostering Integration Grants
Closes: 9th of November 2018 - 2:00pm AEDT
Value: $10,000 to $50,000
Run By: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs

The Australian Government is inviting organisations via an open process to apply to deliver services under the Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship Program – Fostering Integration Grants from 2018-19 to 2019-2020.

Australia is a successful multicultural nation and the Department of Home Affairs continues to nurture our socially cohesive society by supporting the integration of migrants. The Fostering Integration Grants Program supports migrants to integrate into Australia by:

  • encouraging the social and economic participation of migrants by developing skills and cultural competencies to integrate into Australian social, economic and civil life, and build community resilience
  • promoting and encouraging the uptake of Australian values and liberal democracy and amplifying the value of Australian citizenship
  • addressing issues within Australian communities that show potential for, or early signs of, low social integration
  • promoting a greater understanding and tolerance of racial, religious and cultural diversity.

What's On in the Northern Inland

Sapphire City Festival
Friday 19th to Sunday 28th of October
Inverell

Cotton Capital Music Muster
Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st of October
Wee Waa

Walcha Mountain Festival
Saturday 20th to Sunday 21st of October
Walcha

Blackville Arts and Market Day
Saturday 20th of October
Blackville

Natural Therapies & Psychic Fair
Sunday 21st of October
Narrabri

White Rock and Sapphire Wind Farm Open Days
Sunday 21st of October
Glen Innes and Inverell

Back to Black Mountain Picnic Day
Saturday 27th of October
Guyra

Hangi in the Country II
Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of October
Quirindi

Night of the Walking Dead & Zombie Dance Off Disco
Saturday 27th of October
Gunnedah

North West Arts Trail Open Weekend
Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th of October
Guyra, Black Mountain, Armidale, Hillgrove, Uralla and Walcha

Thunderbolts Festival
Saturday 27th of October
Uralla

Halloween Treasure Hunt
Wednesday 31st of October
Wollomombi

Energy, Innovation & Mining Expo
Thursday 1st to Saturday 3rd of November
Gunnedah

Narrabri Civic Art Collection
(Westpac Rescue Helicopter Fundraiser)
Friday 2nd of November
Narrabri

NSW Regional Motor Show
Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th of November
Wee Waa

Jazz in the Bush
Saturday 3rd of November
Tenterfield

Kerrie Floyd Memorial 15th Annual Car Show
Saturday 3rd of November
Glen Innes

Uralla Rough Stock Rodeo
Saturday 3rd of November

Walcha Fly-In and Airshow
Saturday 3rd to Sunday 4th of November
Walcha

Nundle CWA Art Exhibition and Sale
Friday 9th to Sunday 11th of November
Nundle

Rotary Club of Gunnedah Book Sale
Saturday 10th of November
Gunnedah

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