RDAMNC - Ignite 2021, Buy.nsw, Grants, Local Jobs Program, Dine & Discover and more...

Welcome 2021!
It's a New Year and Regional Development Australia is moving full steam ahead. We have a bumper issue and loads of information to share, so scroll down to catch up on what's happening on the Mid North Coast.

There are a huge number of grants and funding opportunities available at the moment and we have included a few in the articles below,- be sure to check the criteria and get submitting to help boost your 2021!

Kieren Dell Appointed New Chair of RDA Mid North Coast

Kieren Dell, Port Macquarie resident and businessman has been appointed the new Chair of Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC).

The new position was recently announced by Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino and will run until 30 June 2025.

“Mr Dell will lead RDAMNC under a refreshed Charter that focuses on driving investment and local procurement opportunities, and through this, creating jobs and economic growth for our regions”

“I look forward to working with Mr Dell and the RDAMNC members and staff over the coming years and encourage the community to reach out to their RDA to discuss how it can help business succeed.” Minister Marino said.

Mr Dell is the CEO of Majestic Cinemas, a business that he started 18 years ago by purchasing the Nambucca Heads Cinema with a group of partners and investors.

The business now includes cinemas in Port Macquarie, Sawtell, Nambucca Heads, Kempsey, Inverell, Singleton, The Entrance and Nambour in Qld, and employs over 100 staff. Read the full article here

Building Better Regions Fund OPEN NOW
Close date: 05 Mar 2021 5PM
The $1.04 billion Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) supports the Australian Government's commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future. The fund invests in projects located in, or benefiting eligible areas outside the major capital cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and Canberra. Grant funding is available through two funding streams:

- The Infrastructure Projects Stream: Supports projects that involve construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure more info
- The Community Investments Stream: Funds community development activities including, but not limited to, new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, leadership and capability building activities more info

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast are here to assist you if you need any guidance in preparing your submission for this funding (please note we do not offer grant writing services). Please visit our website for contact details.

Local Jobs Program Mid North Coast

With a solid understanding of regional unemployment and a strong history of working actively with job seekers on the Mid North Coast, Janine Culnane has recently being appointed to the role of Employment Facilitator for the Mid North Coast, as part of the Australian Federal Government’s Local Jobs Program.

The Local Jobs Program was created to help solve employment issues caused by COVID19 which has caused an unprecedented impact on the Australian labour market. Together with longer term trends throughout the economy that are changing skill requirements in many jobs and occupations. Facilitators will also support local stakeholders to create targeted projects that meet the priorities of the plan and work with organisations that apply for funding through the Local Recovery Fund to ensure employment opportunities are maximised.

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast encourages any interested applicants that would like to apply for the Local Recovery Fund, which will be opening soon, to get in touch with Janine to discuss potential projects via EF@rdamnc.org.au or by phoning 02 5525 1500.
Read the full article here

Want to work in hospitality? Get your resume to your nearest café, restaurant, bar or club – we need you!
Businesses within the hospitality industry across the MNC are facing critical challenges in attracting staff. Working in the hospitality industry provides a great opportunity for school leavers especially as the need for staff increases during the busy summer period. School leavers are encouraged to approach local cafes, restaurants and clubs to register their interest as now is the time that they are starting to look for staff. Don't forget, if you are a school leaver sign up to My Future Workforce (MFW) to be alerted about jobs - HERE and if your are a business owner and have a vacancy there is information below about how to post a position for free.

My Future Workforce app now live!
Are you an employer, jobseeker or service provider in the Mid North Coast? It’s time to register...My Future Workforce has been designed to pivot the way employment works in the North Coast and to truly identify and enable employment mechanisms that start with employers and work back to work readiness.

The launch of the new MFW App means you can stay up to date on the latest matches when you are on the go! Download the My Future Workforce App here!

Do you have a vacancy? Local employers are invited to post their vacancies on the My Future Workforce Platform and be found by the many registered local jobseekers actively seeking work. It is a FREE service and has been built to save employers time and effort to match the best applicants for the role.
Register - HERE Or use this QR CODE to be taken directly to the platform:

GRANTS & Funding Opportunities
Dine & Discover NSW Voucher scheme: The NSW Government has launched a voucher scheme to encourage the community to support hospitality, arts and tourism businesses. Eligible businesses can now register for the scheme. For more information, visit Dine & Discover NSW.

Business Events Grants program: The Business Events Grants program aims to support businesses that have cancelled events due to COVID-19. Grants of $10,000 to $250,000 are available to eligible businesses who plan to run high value, multi-day, business-to-business events across a list of priority sectors, such as food and agribusiness, tourism, enabling digital technologies and media. Applications close on 30 March 2021. Eligibility criteria apply. For more information visit Austrade's Tourism and business grants.

Export assistance grant: An export assistance grant of up to $10,000 is available to eligible NSW businesses impacted by COVID-19, bushfires or drought, to help you access new global markets or re-enter old ones. Eligible exporting businesses can apply for 50% reimbursement of certain export-enabling expenses, such as marketing and e-commerce, for expenses already paid since 1 January 2020. For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit Apply for an export assistance grant.

Regional job creation fund: Businesses who want to expand or relocate their operations to regional NSW may be eligible for funding under the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund. Applications close Friday 14 May 2021 or when program funding is fully allocated. For eligibility criteria and to apply, visit Regional NSW.

Travel support program: Travel agents and tour arrangement service providers that have lost income due to COVID-19 may be eligible for a one-off grant of $1500 to $100,000 under the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Consumer Travel Support Program. Funding will help eligible businesses continue trading and meet legal obligations to pay refunds and credits to Australian consumers.

Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF): Close date: 05 Mar 2021 5PM
The $1.04 billion Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) supports the Australian Government's commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future. Grant funding is available through two funding streams: The Infrastructure Projects Stream- The Infrastructure Projects Stream and The Community Investments Stream. Remember - Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast are here to assist you if you need any guidance in preparing your BBRF submission (please note we do not offer grant writing services). Please visit our website for contact details.

Welcome to buy.nsw

https://buy.nsw.gov.au is local businesses new gateway to NSW Government procurement resources and services. Local businesses are encouraged to register to have the opportunity to provide goods and services to government departments in their local area.
The new Small and Medium Enterprises and Regional Procurement Policy objectives are:

Supporting local businesses, start-ups and innovation and primary industries
Building SME capability to supply to government
Making supplying to government easy for SMEs
Listening to local businesses and measuring participation.

SAVE THE DATE Ignite MNC will be held on 3 November this year in Wingham…
You heard it here first.

If you live or work in the Wingham community join me for a coffee and brainstorming session about this year’s Ignite MNC at Bent on Food next Tuesday (2 March) from 730am
PS if you would like to attend please indicate by clicking GOING in the Facebook event so we can make a best estimate of numbers.

That's it for now, stay tuned for another update soon.

Thanks and regards
Kerry

Kerry Grace
Director of Regional Development and CEO
Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast