Regional Development Australia Far West

Bridging gaps and fostering growth in Far West NSW

Local Connector – Welcome Experience - Regional Development Australia Far West

Wentworth and Balranald Part time – 18 hours per week

Share the Benefits of Regional Living with New Residents

Regional Development Australia Far West (RDA Far West) is seeking two part-time motivated and community-minded Local Connectors to expand the Welcome Experience Program into the Balranald and Wentworth areas

1 Local Connector based in Wentworth
1 Local Connector based in Balranald
Circa $90,000 annual package (pro rata)

About us

RDA Far West is an Australian Government funded not-for-profit organisation based in Broken Hill that supports economic growth and regional development across the Far West NSW region through innovative and proactive initiatives. We are a small team that is passionate about delivering high-quality outcomes for the communities in our region. We care about our team and strive to ensure a work life balance that motivates and inspires great outcomes and supports you to achieve your goals.

About the Roles

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 new NSW Government employees, their partners and families moving to the region. This role would suit a sociable, creative, empathetic, organised person with great knowledge of their community. You will support key workers, their partners and families to move and settle into their new community and make them feel welcome by facilitating new and positive social connections. In addition to knowledge of your local communities and regional life experiences, desirable attributes include effective communication, the ability to work flexibly, collaboratively and creatively, solve problems, plan and prioritise 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 conveniences of key workers.

You will work as part of a network of Local Connectors across NSW and collaborate with key stakeholders, community groups and other parties to enhance key employee attraction, recruitment and retention. 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 new NSW Government employees, their partners and families moving to the region. This role would suit a sociable, creative, empathetic, organised person with great knowledge of their community.

For a full Position Description and How to Apply, visit our website https://www.rdafarwestnsw.org.au /or email admin@rdafarwestnsw.org.au. For confidential enquires please contact Michael Williams on 0407 899 425

Applications close 12-noon on Monday the 30 September 2024.

Do not apply through Seek, send your application to admin@rdafarwestnsw.org.au

Local Connector Advertisement Balranald & WentworthPDF • 201KB

Position Description Balranald - Local ConnectorPDF • 180KB

Position Description Wentworth - Local ConnectorPDF • 179KB

Nominations close midnight Sunday 30 September 2024

What We Do

Regional Development Australia (RDA) committee members are local people developing local solutions to local issues. They build partnerships to develop strategies and deliver sustainable infrastructure and services to their regions.

They also work with each other to identify issues that cross regions.

As the regional development voice of their communities, RDA committees:

consult and engage with communities
promote and participate in regional programs and initiatives
provide information and advice on their region to all levels of government, and
support informed regional planning.

About The Region

The Far West Region of NSW encompasses the semi-arid lands of western NSW and is known for the Barrier Ranges, and the Darling River which flows through western NSW to join the Murray River at Wentworth.

The Far West embodies the dream of the Great Australian Outback with wide open spaces, untouched natural beauty, spectacular National Parks, red desert and rolling sand dunes, the mighty Darling River, rich Indigenous culture and history and an abundance of wildlife.

Local attractions include Mutawintji National Park which is home to 30,000-year-old Indigenous rock carvings, unique White Cliffs underground opal mines, the historical ghost town of Silverton and an eclectic collection of galleries and current and past artists including ‘Brushmen of the Bush’: Pro Hart, Eric Minchin, Jack Absalom, John Pickup and Hugh Schulz.

The region was first settled in the 1840’s with Broken Hill founded in 1883 following the discovery of silver and lead deposits and the formation of BHP.

The far west region has historically been the mineral powerhouse of the State. It also contains some of the State’s most flourishing agricultural enterprises and large stretches of the world-famous outback.

There is a strong mining industry, historically centered in Broken Hill, with significant new prospects for expansion within the region. The far west has a strong economy based on mining, agriculture, film, the arts and tourism.

The Far West region is rich in promise, boasting mineral wealth and climatic conditions that give this region a unique competitive advantage in many industry sectors.

Our focus is on fostering economic diversity and creating opportunities for local communities. We are developing and harnessing relationships with our Aboriginal communities, delivering effective coordinated services and promising sustainability in the management of our resources.

Bordering Queensland and South Australia, the far west region of NSW is the most sparsely populated in the State, with 18.4 per cent of its area, but only 0.4 per cent of the population.

The region comprises of 2 Local Government (LGA) areas, Broken Hill City and Central Darling Shire, and along with the unincorporated area of NSW covers an area of approx. 147,000 sq. km.

Our enviable lifestyle centers around long hot summers ‘up the river’ at nearby Menindee, motorbike riding, fishing, cricket and socializing, which we do well! Our crisp winters come with footy and their staunch supporters, soccer all weekend, star gazing the clear winter skies, bush walking and tourist season! With affordable real estate, laid back living and a growing and diversifying economy, the Far West Region is the perfect place to work and live.

The Albanese Government’s vision for regional Australia is one of strong, connected regions that shape our economic growth and wellbeing; are resilient and responsive to economic and environmental shocks; are inclusive, vibrant and diverse. Regions that our First Nations people have every opportunity to engage in and shape, and where people, businesses and investments thrive.

Regional Development Australia Committees (RDAs) are critical to the delivery of this vision, including supporting the successful implementation of the Australian Government’s Regional Investment Framework (RIF), which will guide a more coordinated approach to regional development, underpinned by local engagement.

RDAs play a role in helping to drive economic growth, innovation and entrepreneurship in regions through facilitating investment in community, industry and the environment.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories 28 July 2023

Click on link below for full copy of the National RDA Charter

National RDA CharterPDF • 172KB

Michael Williams

Director Regional Development

Gaynor Holliday

Executive Assistant

Brooke Files

Local Connector - Welcome Experience

Maya Jones

School Based Trainee

Ashlee Hough

Project Officer

Dave Gallagher

Chair

Byron Hooker

Deputy Chair

Sue Andrews

Secretary/Treasurer

John Harris

Committee

Noelene Ratcliff

Committee

Cathy Farry

Committee

Migration Services

Regional Development Australia Far West is a Regional Certifying Body (RCB) for the far west region of New South Wales.

We provide skilled migration services as part of an overarching regional workforce planning and development strategy.

As an RCB we assess the suitability of applicants to fill gaps in our existing labour market and recommend these applicants to the Department of Home Affairs.

This means we play a role in assessing eligibility for the following visa:

The Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494) (SESR Visa) enables Australian employers in areas specified by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs in a Legislation Instrument to sponsor (nominate) skilled overseas workers.

This is to assist employers in regional and low population growth areas of Australia where they have been unable to fill vacant positions with Australian citizens or permanent residents living in or wishing to move to the regional area where the nominated position is located.

Skilled Migration 491 Visa

Far West Proud

Far West NSW is the State’s best kept secret with a great lifestyle, affordable housing, wide open spaces and nature on our doorstep. The Far West Proud campaign aims to motivate and encourage local businesses to grow their workforce, encourage the residents to have pride in their communities, establish pathways for our people and encourage participation. The Far West of NSW is a great place to live, work and play, the opportunities are endless. The Far West Proud Website has a wealth of information about the Far West region and if you a thinking about making the move to this region there are plenty of downloadable documents. The Far West Gift Card project is part of the Far West Proud campaign encouraging local shopping in our communities. The Far West Gift Cards are exclusive to the far west region of NSW. Visit Far West Proud to keep up to date. Also visit the Far West Proud Facebook page

Learn More

Far West NSW Business Awards

The Awards celebrate Far West NSW businesses and recognises outstanding contributions to the growth of our economy. They provide a vibrant showcase of innovation and progression from the region’s businesses. The Awards also recognise the important social and environmental contributions made by organisations through excellence of service, commitment to their customers, philanthropic ideals, ethical behaviour and environmental sustainability. The Excellence in Business Awards are an opportunity to honour the diversity, innovation and excellence of the Far West region’s businesses, small, medium and large. There’s no doubt that the significance of winning an award carries on over a long period of time. The application process itself helps businesses review their performance and focus on core strengths and goals, and is a great opportunity to plan for the future. It’s also a good way to benchmark against others in similar industries.

Learn More

WorkForce Development

Regional Development Australia Far West (RDA FW) are committed to working with the region’s stakeholders to develop and support strategies to retain and grow the region’s population. Analysis of the current population indicates a growing older demographic and a steadily declining younger demographic, indicating future issues with meeting workforce demand and retention of an educated, trained and motivated population. RDA Far West believe an opportunity exists within the region to enhance training options for young people, enhance the employ-ability skills of young people and support the future workforce needs of the region. RDA Far West have engaged the services of a Training and employment Coordinator to; Integrate support services for apprentices, trainees, school based trainees and their employers Foster engagement with stakeholders Promote and market vocational pathways, employment programs and services Want to know about how we can help? contact RDA Far West on 08 80878383.

Learn More

Prospectus - Living in Far West NSW

Welcome to Far West NSW, home to some of the most diverse and striking landscapes Australia has to offer.

Welcome Guide

The Far West offers affordable living, the country’s friendliest people, strong education and career pathways, and an enviable lifestyle.

Workforce Development Study

This report has been developed to provide the evidence that enables strong planning, industry growth and a sustainable and prosperous region.

Far West Food Guide

From casual cafes and elegant restaurants to picnicking in one of the city’s beautiful parks and gardens, there are plenty of cuisines choices in Broken Hill and the Far West Region.

Far West Art Guide

A true outback city in every sense, Broken Hill is a living, breathing time capsule where the great mining prosperity of yesteryear blends seamlessly with a rising modern art scene, all set amid a sprawling desert landscape

Far West Accommodation Guide

Broken Hill and the Far west district have a vast array of accommodation on offer.

FAR WEST NSW SPORTING HALL OF FAME - click on link

The Far West NSW Sporting Hall of Fame (FWSHF) is an initiative of Regional Development Australia Far West and aims to preserve and celebrate the history of sport in the Far West region of NSW, inspiring generations of locals to strive for their best in both sport and in life. Sport plays a defining role in the Far West region of New South Wales.

The FWSHF documents and promotes these extraordinary sporting achievements in a Hall of Fame, hosted on the Far West Proud website. In highlighting these achievements we can inspire and motivate others to strive for their best.

The FWSHF depicts an illustrious group of the region’s most respected and celebrated sporting champions that span time. Membership of the FWSHF represents the highest level of peer recognition for an individual’s contribution to their sport in Far West NSW. Members of the FWSHF are individuals who have made a positive impact on their community and are role models for today’s athletes and generations to come.

In honouring excellence in sport, we establish a level of distinction that will motivate generations of sporting participants and foster the development of the sporting industry, ensuring that sporting heritage in the Far West is maintained and preserved. The Far West Sporting Hall of Fame will be established with two sections in the Far West Champions category.

Far West Sporting Hall of Fame BookletPDF • 2192KB

Grants

RDA Far West have access to relevant grant opportunities available for the far west region.

Regional Development Australia Far West provides a Grant Writing support service to the local community. RDA Far West can assist local organisations, clubs and businesses with identifying areas where they may be eligible for Government Grants or Funding and assist them in completing applications for submission.

At RDA Far West we are committed to helping stimulate economic development at the grass roots level in Broken Hill and surrounds to ensure that services and businesses continue to thrive and provide the community with much needed jobs, products, services and sustainability.

All grant applications require your knowledge of your organisation, your vision and the project you are seeking funding to support. We can however provide support with your application and advice regarding completing the process.

RDA Far West do provide a Fee for Service opportunity if grant applications are written/submitted for individual organisations.

If your organisation has an opportunity for growth or is seeking some funding assistance,
contact us on 08 8087 8383
or email admin@rdafarwestnsw.org.au for further information

Image - Tibooburra Pump Track

LOOKING TO JOIN THE RDA FAR WEST COMMITTEE

Make your voice heard in shaping the future of the region by becoming a member of the RDA Far West Committee. Download Word Document in Application Section.

APPLICATION FORM

Committee Member Application Opening date is 2 April 2024 Closing date is 30 April 2024. Email completed Application Form to admin@rdafarwestnsw.org.au

Learn More

RDA NATIONAL WEBSITE

Please click on the link to find out more about the National Regional Development Australia network

Learn More

01Mar

2025 Far West Sporting Hall of Fame Induction

01/03/2025 04:28 PM
Location: To Be Announced

The Far West NSW Sporting Hall of Fame (FWSHF) is an initiative of Regional Development Australia Far West and aims to preserve and celebrate the history of sport in the Far West region of NSW, inspiring generations of locals to strive for their best in both sport and in life.

30Nov

2024 Far West NSW Excellence in Business Awards

30/11/2024 06:00 PM
Gary Radford Pavilion Regional Events Centre Broken Hill NSW 2880

The Far West NSW Excellence in Business Awards recognises and celebrates achievements of businesses in the far west region. Please visit the Business Awards website for further information in regard to the nomination process.