What an incredible and exhilarating month it has been for the team here at the Regional Australia Institute (RAI)! March has seen us deliver on three major projects, our National Summit, Growing Regional Australia: Shaping the Good Life, the Move to More campaign and the launch of our Liveability Toolkit. Undoubtedly these major projects have required significant engagement with our many stakeholders from across the country, including government, numerous industry representatives, RAC2031, Regional Activators Alliance, Regions Rising Event Series National Partners, not to mention the team from Redhanded.I would again like to extend gratitude to our Regions Rising National Series Partners, NBN Co and Nutrien Ag Solutions. Also to TransGrid, our National Summit Gala Dinner Sponsor, and our National Summit supporting sponsors, Expedia Group, Regional Universities Network, and APPEA.I would also like to thank our government representatives who contributed to our Summit, including Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, Minister Andrew Gee, Minister Mark Coulton and Catherine King MP. At the RAI, the last few months have provided the evidence to confirm what we already know, that people will drive the future prosperity of our country - and Regional Australians can be in the front seat. This is why our Summit was an important marker in our vision for Regionalisation.Regionalisation is an Australia where our regions have the infrastructure, the services, the employment, the investment, and the people that they need to grow and thrive and take their rightful place in Australia’s story. This is a huge opportunity for our nation as we consider that remote and flexible work is not a technology issue, it’s a leadership issue. We have all been operating in a hybrid model which has successfully prioritised humans over headquarters.The time is right to act, to start serious work towards realising a new future. Over the coming months, we will be consulting widely across Australia to refine our vision and create an ambitious but pragmatic strategy to achieve it – we invite interested organisations and partners to join us.Earlier this month I was honoured to return to my hometown of Deniliquin to provide the International Women’s Day address on the theme #choosetochallenge. This was a deeply personal reflection of my life and why my guiding purpose to enrich the lives of regional Australians has become my vocation. Thank you for the warm hospitality of both old and new friends!!In the spirit of leadership, I’m pleased to announce our new partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) called Horizons. This free program is aimed at local government leaders who drive the marketing and international brand of their region. Applications close on 6th April.In closing, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide my heartfelt thanks to the many friends of the RAI who have so willingly given up their time, knowledge and resources to work with us – we are so grateful!!
Until next month, stay safe, stay connected, and enjoy the Easter long weekend!
#RegionalAus #RegionsRising #MoveToMore | | | |
