News

A pilot project is testing whether used silage wrap plastic, one of agriculture’s most persistent waste problems, can be turned into fence posts and agricultural pipe.

The trial brings together recycler iQRenew, Macka’s Beef, Macleay Valley Farmers and Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC), working across the MidCoast and Kempsey Shire council areas to collect and reprocess silage wrap that would otherwise be burned, buried or landfilled.

Collected wrap is stockpiled on-farm and transported to iQRenew’s Circular Manufacturing Precinct at Kundle Kundle, near Taree, for processing. Trials with plastic drums, another difficult farm waste stream, are planned next.

“This pilot shows what’s possible when industry, farmers and regional partners work together on practical, place-based solutions to waste.” – Dr Madeleine Lawler, CEO of Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast

The project offers farmers a practical, low-cost alternative to landfill, with partners inviting more farmers and councils to get involved as collection expands.

Full media release available HERE.

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) acknowledges the NSW Parliament’s Modern Slavery Committee report, Modern slavery risks faced by temporary migrant workers in rural and regional New South Wales, tabled this month, and supports its recommendations, including the call for stronger legislation and licensing of labour hire agencies in NSW.

The Mid North Coast relies heavily on a migrant workforce across healthcare, agriculture and hospitality. A well-regulated labour hire sector, accompanied by strong enforcement powers, would lift the standard of entry to the market, protecting workers from exploitation while giving compliant employers, some of whom report being undercut by non-compliant operators, a level playing field.

RDAMNC will continue working with community, industry and government to support Mid North Coast’s workforce.

Read RDAMNC’s official media release HERE.

Helpful Resources
Modern slavery can be hard to recognise, even for the person experiencing it. If something feels wrong, help is available.

• Emergency: Triple Zero (000)
• 1800 FREEDOM (1800 37 33 36): NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner’s hotline for victims and survivors
• Anti-Slavery Australia: 02 9514 8115 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) – free legal and migration advice
• Australian Red Cross STPP: 1800 113 015 – case management and support
• Fair Work Ombudsman: 13 13 94 – free, confidential advice on pay, entitlements and workplace rights; can also be contacted for an anonymous tip-off. Website: fairwork.gov.au
• Interpreter needed? Call 131 450 (free)

The Norfolk Island Food System Strategy 2025–2030 sets out an evidence-based plan for strengthening food security on Norfolk Island through to 2030. Developed by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC), it draws together findings from the May 2025 Community Food Supply Survey, the RDAMNC/QUT food system mapping project, the Pinion Advisory agricultural audit, and the 2023–2028 food security strategy which has remained unimplemented. The Food System Strategy lays out RDAMNC’s proposed approach to improving the food system of Norfolk Island. Not all actions are deliverable by RDAMNC. In those cases, the agencies to collaborate with are listed and they are advocacy items for RDAMNC.

The Food System Strategy responds to a food system under real pressure — a growing population, an agricultural sector in long-term decline, costly and fragile supply chains, and low community trust in past initiatives. While 48 per cent of food consumed by survey respondents on the island is sourced locally and most respondents grow some food at home, 74 per cent rate food prices as a weakness.

The strategy is built around three active program areas — livestock genetics improvement (cattle, sheep and goats), a structured bare-rooted fruit tree importation program, and system stabilisation across water, freight, governance, food literacy and land protection. Its first priority is trust repair, beginning with a public accountability register of all food security investment since 2015. From there it advocates to the Australian Government for freight equalisation on agricultural inputs, a funded water security scheme, and reform of biosecurity processes for plant material.

We welcome your input on the strategy — please share your feedback via our short survey.

RDA Mid North Coast and Norfolk Island (RDAMNC&NI) has secured funding to support an edible plants and fruit tree import program for Norfolk Island.

RDAMNC&NI CEO Dr. Madeleine Lawler and COO Dianne Wall will travel to Norfolk Island from 22nd to 26th June 2026 to meet with the local community and discuss the program in more detail.

An information session will be held at Governor’s Lodge on Wednesday 24th June 2026 at 4.00pm.  The session will involve identifying which plants are in demand, how the program will work and the costs covered.

Dr Lawler said: “We care deeply about making a positive difference to Norfolk Island’s food system. We’re grateful to our funders for making this project possible.”

RDAMNC&NI supports communities across the Mid North Coast, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.

Click the link to read the official media release HERE.

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) has appointed Kate Dunn as Local Connector for the MidCoast local government area, effective 1st July 2026.

The appointment follows the NSW Government’s decision to expand The Welcome Experience to include the MidCoast LGA. RDAMNC will now deliver the program across Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey Shire, Nambucca Valley and MidCoast through to June 2027.

Kate brings three years of experience working with organisations across the MidCoast to welcome incoming professionals. Since July 2023, she has served as MidCoast Community Connector under the AH202 – Support When We Need It initiative, and continued in the role when the program transitioned to the CROWD Initiative in November 2025. She has supported professionals relocating across a range of industries, including nursing, medicine, engineering, trades and senior management.

Kate will hold both roles concurrently, ensuring The Welcome Experience and the Community Connector Program operate in close collaboration.

As Local Connector, Kate works directly with essential workers and their families relocating to the MidCoast, providing practical support with housing, schooling, childcare, partner employment and community connection.

For more information, read the full media release HERE.

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast has been confirmed to deliver The Welcome Experience across an expanded footprint to the MidCoast local government area alongside Port Macquarie-Hastings, Kempsey Shire, and Nambucca Valley. The program runs from July 2026 to June 2027.

The NSW Government program connects essential workers and their families with Local Connectors who provide practical support to help them relocate and settle into regional communities. Eligible sectors include health, aged care, education, veterinary services, policing and emergency services.

The expansion also opens an opportunity to work alongside MidCoast’s existing Community Connector Program, with both initiatives set to collaborate, share networks, and deliver outcomes for local businesses and incoming workers.

RDAMNC is currently recruiting a part-time Local Connector based in the MidCoast area. Applications close Friday, 15 May 2026.

Read the full media release.

Media Release

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast is pleased to announce four appointments to its Board of Directors, including two reappointments and two new members whose combined expertise strengthens our capacity to deliver for the Mid North Coast and Norfolk Island.

Returning to the Board are Tracy Singleton, a proud Gumbaynggirr woman and Principal Consultant at Girrwaawa Barrwayay with over 30 years of experience in health, housing, education, and community development; and David Harvey, Principal of D.R. Harvey Consulting and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, with decades of senior leadership across defence, aviation, and infrastructure.

Joining the Board for the first time are Nikki Greenwood, Principal of NRG Project Group, with a career spanning economic development, major events, and transport across local and state government; and Dan Heather, Director, Programs and Partnerships with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, bringing experience in regional policy, governance, and stakeholder engagement.

Read the full media release HERE.

March 2026

In 2023, RDA Mid North Coast found that only 65% of childcare demand across our region was being met — a shortfall costing local families an estimated $384 million in lost wages each year.

Since then, both the Federal and NSW State Governments have introduced reforms to the Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) sector. But here on the Mid North Coast, the question remains: has anything actually changed for families and providers on the ground?

Why this matters for our region

Childcare is not just a family issue. It is an economic one. When parents cannot access affordable and available care, they cannot return to work. That affects household income, local businesses, and the broader regional economy.

The $384 million in lost wages figure from our 2023 analysis reflects the real cost of unmet childcare demand in our region. Not a national average, not a state estimate, but a figure grounded in Mid North Coast data. Updating that picture requires updated evidence, and that is where you come in.

Two surveys, five minutes each

We have launched two short, anonymous surveys to capture current experiences from across the region. No names or contact details are collected.

Are you a parent or family member? If you have tried to access childcare on the Mid North Coast, whether you found a place or could not, your experience is exactly what we need to hear.

Take the Parents & Family Survey

Do you work in or run a childcare service? If you are on the frontline of ECEC delivery in our region, your insight into capacity, workforce pressures and the impact of recent policy changes is invaluable to our advocacy.

Take the Childcare Service Provider Survey

Your voice shapes our advocacy

As CEO Dr. Madeleine Lawler put it:

“RDA MNC’s role is to gather credible regional evidence and put it in front of decision-makers. Community voices from parents who can’t find childcare to providers under workforce pressure are what make that advocacy count. This survey is how those voices are heard.”

Every response we receive goes directly into building the evidence base we take to federal, state and local government when advocating for targeted investment and reform on the Mid North Coast.

Read RDA Mid North Coast’s Media Release here.

Questions? Contact Dianne Wall, Chief Operations Officer, at operations@rdamnc.org.au

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) is calling for expressions of interest from passionate and skilled individuals to join its Board and help shape the economic future of the Mid North Coast, Lord Howe and Norfolk Island regions.

RDAMNC is seeking board members who will be active drivers of economic growth, innovation and entrepreneurship across the region. This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference in building prosperity and opportunity for local communities.

Board members will work collaboratively to deliver high-value outcomes for the region, leveraging existing networks and developing new connections across industry sectors and diverse communities. The position requires individuals who are knowledgeable about the economic, social, cultural and environmental opportunities and challenges facing the Mid North Coast, and who can act as strong advocates for regional development.

Who we’re looking for

Applicants should be able to demonstrate capability across the following areas:

• Leadership and governance experience
• A track record of delivering outcomes in complex environments
• Stakeholder engagement and representational experience
• Strong commitment to the Mid North Coast region
• Experience fostering relationships with diverse communities, including First Nations people, and supporting gender equality

How to apply

• Review RDAMNC’s Media Release.
• Review RDAMNC’s Applicant Information Pack.
• Complete the application form via SurveyMonkey, then email your CV to Dianne Wall, COO at operations@rdamnc.org.au.

Once submitted, you will receive email confirmation your application has been received.

Women, First Nations Australians, people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and people with disability are encouraged to apply.

What happens next

Applications are reviewed by a Selection Panel, which conducts referee and any required probity checks. The Panel then provides a recommendation to the Chair. All applicants will be notified of the outcome by email and/or post.

Applications close 20th March 2026 at 5pm AEDT.

We’re proud to welcome two new leaders to the Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast board of directors, each bringing their own unique expertise and genuine passion for our region’s future.

Lauren Douglass joins us from her role as Chief Executive Officer of Australian Regional Tourism, where she’s been championing a refreshing approach to tourism success – one that values community wellbeing alongside economic growth. Her work with agritourism initiatives has helped farming families diversify and thrive, making her a perfect fit for our region’s values.

James McTavish brings a wealth of experience from his service with the Australian Regular Army, NSW State Emergency Service, and NSW Government. These days, he’s channelling that expertise into helping regional businesses grow and succeed. His dedication to service – recognised through some of Australia’s highest honours – speaks to James’s ability and drive to make a difference.

Lauren and James join us at a great time for our region. Lauren’s tourism expertise will help us build on our natural assets while supporting local character, and James’s strategic experience will strengthen our work with businesses and communities across the Mid North Coast.

Explore Lauren and James’ thoughts on their new appointments per RDAMNC’s official media release.