News

RDA Mid North Coast CEO, Dr Madeleine Lawler, represented our region at the Friends of Regional NSW event at Parliament House this week.

She joined representatives from all 13 NSW RDA regions for this important annual gathering, hosted by RDA NSW & ACT and chaired by Anna Guillan AM. The event brought together government ministers, departmental representatives, and regional stakeholders to focus on shared priorities for the future of regional New South Wales.

Discussions centred on issues that matter most to communities – workforce development, attracting investment, and fostering sustainable growth. Throughout the event, Dr Lawler emphasised the importance of ensuring that the unique strengths and needs of the Mid North Coast are recognised at the state level.

“Bringing together all RDA regions in one room with decision-makers is invaluable. It’s an opportunity to share insights, collaborate across regions, and make sure our voice is part of the conversation shaping NSW’s future.” 

Dr. Madeleine Lawler, CEO of Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast.

Minister for Regional NSW, the Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC has similarly emphasised the importance of regional representation and investment.

“The NSW Government is deeply committed to ensuring regional communities get their fair share of resources – not based on politics, but on merit and community need. RDA plays a critical role in this, and we value your insights, your partnership, and your dedication to delivering for your regions.”  The Hon Tara Moriarty MLC, Minister for Regional NSW, Agriculture and Western NSW.

The Friends of Regional NSW initiative serves as a platform for building stronger connections between regional leaders and government, ensuring regional priorities are understood and addressed.

Images courtesy of Regional Development Australia NSW & ACT by Camera Creations.

Are you passionate about contributing to the future of the Mid North Coast?

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) is currently seeking expressions of interest from experienced and committed leaders to fill vacancies on its Board, including the role of Deputy Chair.

We are looking for regional leaders with vision, drive, and a background in business, government or community who can help unlock economic development opportunities, attract investment, and support job creation across our region.

“This is more than just volunteering time; it’s about shaping the future of our region, driving meaningful economic growth, and above all, making a real difference in the lives of the people who make this incredible place so special,” said Louise McMeeking, Chair of RDAMNC.

RDAMNC Board members are volunteers who work with local industry, community, and all levels of government to identify and implement practical solutions to regional issues and opportunities.

Applications are now open for a 12-month term. To apply or learn more, visit the RDAMNC website.

Click the link to read RDAMNC’s media release for Board Member and Deputy Chair applications.

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) is calling on the Norfolk Island community to share their thoughts on the local food supply.

This project aims to better understand the current challenges and opportunities in the Island’s food system, helping to strengthen food security for the future. Community feedback will play a key role in guiding RDAMNC’s work to support and advocate for the Island’s needs.

Locals who complete the survey will go in the draw to win one of five $100 gift cards.

You can find the survey in this newspaper, online via the QR code, or by visiting: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NIFood.

Paper copies are also available at Foodland, along with a drop box for completed surveys.

For more information, contact Karen Innes-Walker on 53969 or email: kareninneswalker@gmail.com.

To read RDAMNC’s media release, please click HERE.

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Louise McMeeking as Chair, bringing over 15 years of experience in regional development and leadership.

Minister for Regional Development, Kristy McBain MP, congratulated Louise and other RDA Chairs, recognising their vital role in driving regional growth and development.

“I congratulate new and returning RDA chairs, who will work closely with their community, local businesses and all levels of government to drive growth and development in their regions,” said Minister McBain.

Louise is “excited to continue my passion for Regional Development in this new role as Chair RDAMNC. I look forward to working with such a dedicated team of Board members and RDAMNC staff.”

Read RDAMNC’s full media release HERE.

A new study commissioned by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) and conducted by Charles Sturt University (CSU) highlights the growing labour and skills shortages in the region, posing a significant barrier to economic growth. The 2024 Skills Audit, released today, identifies several critical challenges, including labour and skills shortages, skills gaps, limited vocational training, and infrastructure issues such as housing affordability and access to early childcare education.

The audit reveals that the Mid North Coast (MNC) has a lower proportion of working-age individuals compared to the state average, making it more difficult for businesses to find the skilled workers they need. At the same time, the region is experiencing a significant outflow of skilled individuals, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, aged care, and construction. Additionally, the study underscores the region’s limited access to vocational training, forcing many workers to travel to larger cities for education.

Other key challenges highlighted in the report include the lack of affordable housing, insufficient childcare services, and inadequate infrastructure such as transport and digital connectivity, all of which hinder both workers and businesses.

The study presents several actionable recommendations to address these issues, including:

• The development of a cohesive regional housing strategy aligned with workforce planning
• Universal access to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) to support workforce participation, particularly for women
• Strengthening the regional skills ecosystem through closer collaboration between employers, training providers, and community services
• Enhancing infrastructure to improve transport, housing, and digital connectivity across the region

View the 2024 Mid North Coast Skills Audit HERE.

View the Snapshot of the 2024 Mid North Coast Skills Audit HERE.

View the Media Release of the 2024 Mid North Coast Skills Audit HERE.

The Australian Government has announced the creation of a Regional University Study Hub on Norfolk Island, led by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC). This new initiative, the Country University Centre Norfolk Island (CUCNI), marks the first time island residents will have access to university-level education locally. Part of a $66.9 million national investment, the new hub is one of 10 Regional University Study Hubs designed to bring tertiary education closer to regional, rural, and remote communities. The hub offers new opportunities for young people and mature-aged students, enabling them to study without leaving home and pursue career or educational advancement in their own community. The CUCNI Board, including David Buffett, Sharon Nicol, Mary Christian-Bailey, Margaret Christian, Gaye Evans, Susan Prior, Chris Ronan (CUC), and Madeleine Lawler (RDAMNC), is dedicated to supporting Norfolk Island’s educational growth and ensuring residents have the same access to higher education as those on the mainland.

For additional information, read RDAMNC’s Media Release of the CUCNI.

Norfolk Island, known for its free-ranging cattle, faces serious agricultural challenges due to a 2015 legislation change that restricts the import of live cattle, sheep, and goats. This has led to declining livestock production, increased reliance on imported meat, and rising local beef and lamb prices, alongside concerns about inbreeding. In response, Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) partnered with stakeholders to implement an Assisted Reproductive Program (ARP). Launched in June 2024, the ARP successfully transferred embryos to over 40 cows and inseminated 30, achieving a 65% success rate for embryo transfers and 40% for artificial insemination, revitalising the island’s cattle industry.

A full copy of RDAMNC’s media release is available here.

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) is pleased to share that we have been successful in securing the tender to deliver The Welcome Experience to three local government areas on the Mid North Coast, including Port Macquarie, Kempsey and Nambucca Valley. 

On 14 August 2024, NSW Premier Chris Minns and Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty announced that The Welcome Experience has been expanded from the pilot program to additional regions within NSW.  The Welcome Experience program is designed to offer concierge-like services to essential workers looking to relocate to Regional NSW. 

A full copy of RDAMNC’s media release is available here.