Welcome to the RDAMNC E news,
 As August comes to a close we find ourselves in a different world with the current lockdown and the driving discussion of how we relaunch our communities while living with COVID.
While this conversation will be with us into the future, there are many other pressing items on the agenda that also deserve attention. The RDAMNC team have been growing with new team members and new projects. We continue to advocate on local issues and impacts, and are developing a range of support documentation to assist local business access what they need.
In breaking news..., the Ignite MNC 2021 Symposium is going digital in November! Ignite MNC is known for it’s creative approach to business conferencing and our online version will certainly carry through that approach. Think you’ve seen everything online conferencing has to offer? Think again.
We will still be showcasing the town of Wingham throughout our virtual event along with a range of presentations and interactive networking opportunities. Stay tuned for more and if you’d like to be a speak at this year’s events on one of our key themes… Circular economy, housing or business preparedness apply here on or before 15 September.
With the increasing COVID cases reported each day, it is more important than ever to support our local businesses and to support each other with considerations of the impacts to mental health of these challenging times. We have included some quick links for Covid and support in the articles below.
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School Holiday Economic Impacts for the Mid North Coast
The Mid North Coast's bottom line was hard hit by the Sydney lockdown over the June/July school holidays with Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour losing about $44 million in economic input.
 RDAMNC Chair Kieren Dell spoke with Lisa Tisdell from Port News about the issues that local businesses are currently facing due to the lockdowns. Read the full article here: Analysis shows cost to Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour of Sydney lockdown over school holidays. (Image: Port News)
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2021 COVID-19 Support Package
 The NSW Government will provide financial assistance, support measures and tax relief to help businesses and people across the state impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions. Click here for more information on COVID-19 Support available for:
- Individuals and households: Help is available for people who have lost their job or cannot pay their rent, and for homeowners struggling with their mortgage repayments.
- Businesses, sole traders and small not-for-profits: The new small business support payment will support up to an estimated 500,000 entities employing more than 3 million people.
- Residential and commercial landlords and tenants: Eligible tenants will be protected from eviction if they have been financially impacted by COVID-19. Concessions will be available to landlords who pass on rent reductions to their tenants.
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COVID vaccination for business and industry
 Business owners wanting to encourage their employees to get the jab now have a handy set of tools to use. All the hard work and thinking about the best messaging has been done for you, with the release of the Australian Government’s COVID-19 Vaccination Business Kit, part of their Arm Yourself campaign. Find out more HERE
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 Mental wellness resources for Small Business owners
If you’re doing it tough right now, you’re not alone. We’ve put together a list of resources to help you through, specifically aimed at small business owners. Check out ten different programs and services available HERE
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Starting a new business?
Starting your own business can be overwhelming – where do you start?
The team at RDA MNC have complied a help list of resources to give you a head start.
Find out more HERE.
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 SHOP LOCAL CHALLENGE
This Shop Local Challenge Sheet from the Wauchope Chamber of Commerce is a great way to encourage people to tick off their purchases at local businesses.
You can download a copy of the Shop Local Challenge sheet here
Have you got a Shop Local program or challenge in your area?
Why not let us know about it via email at ignitemnc@rdamnc.org.au
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Slim Dusty Centre secured as a Kempsey community asset
 The future of the Slim Dusty Centre as a cultural, community and tourism facility has been secured, with Kempsey Shire Council agreeing to permanently take over ownership and management of the facility.
At a recent ordinary meeting, Council authorised the General Manager to enter into an agreement with the Slim Dusty Foundation. This agreement will transfer the Slim Dusty Centre buildings and its contents, excluding the Slim Dusty Museum exhibits and memorabilia, to Council for nil cost. It will also empower Council to operate and manage the Centre, including the Museum. Read the full media release HERE
Got some great news to share about your town? Send it through HERE
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Local Jobs Program Mid North Coast
The Local Jobs Program supports tailored approaches to accelerate reskilling, upskilling and employment pathways in 25 Employment Regions, supporting Australia’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. More information is available in the Local Jobs fact sheet.
 RDA MNC encourages any interested applicants that would like find out more about the program and the Local Recovery Fund, to get in touch with Stephen Saunders, MNC Employment Facilitator, to discuss potential projects via facilitatormnc@localjobs.net.au or by phoning 02 5525 1500.
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My Future Workforce app now live!
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:
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 GRANTS & Funding Opportunities
We have complied a number of grants that are open now. If you have a project that needs a boost be sure to click HERE for some funding inspiration!
Want to know more about how RDAMNC can support you with your funding application? Find out more here
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Dine & Discover NSW Voucher scheme
 The NSW Government voucher scheme aims to encourage the community to support hospitality, arts and tourism businesses. Eligible businesses can register for the scheme. The scheme has been extended and vouchers can now be redeemed up until 30 June 2022. For more information, visit Dine & Discover NSW.
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IGNITE MNC 2021 IS GOING DIGITAL!
Mark the diary for the 3rd November 2021!
Breaking News: RDAMNC is taking Ignite MNC 2021 into the digital space! Get ready to teleport yourself into the world of IGNITE MNC in November 2021. The event will kick off on 3 November and deliver a range of live presentations, interactive activities and pre-recorded resources over a whole week long experience with a range of speakers, case studies and interactive networking opportunities. Our hot topics of Housing, Circular Economy and Business Preparedness will guide vibrant conversations as we explore the new way of doing things and create better outcomes for the Mid North Coast.
Stay tuned via our website www.rdamnc.org.au and our Facebook page for updates.
We will be igniting opportunities across the Mid North Coast, so get ready to REIMAGINE...
With Ignite MNC going online this year there are some special opportunities available to promote yourself and /or business with Ignite! Want to find out more? CLICK HERE, complete the form and we will be in touch!!
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 Housing - Ideas Forum Report
Earlier this year RDAMNC conducted the Housing Ideas Forum. The forum was held at Nambucca Shire Council and it sought to discover ideas (rather than issues) to alleviate the current housing crisis. If you haven't yet, be sure to click HERE to read the report.
Have you got an innovative ideas for housing solutions on the Mid North Coast?
Reach out to Kerry via ceo@rdamnc.org.au
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Business Preparedness
Check out the new RDAMNC Business Support Hub found on the main menu at www.rdamnc.org.au.
- Grants: How Can We Help?: RDA Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) provides a number of services to help our regional stakeholders prepare a strong economic argument in their applications for funding. More info HERE
- Business Support Contacts and Services: Are you a business owner or manager looking for advice and support? Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) have compiled a list of Business Support Contacts that focus on the Mid North Coast Region and maybe able to assist you with advice about currently available grants, services and programmes. Visit the list online HERE
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Circular Economy
What is circular economy? Check out this video below for an overview.
We love hearing about circular economy success stories like this local example of Port Plastic & Tooling turn plastic milk bottles into bollards for the Port Macquarie CBD. Are you a business working in the Circular Economy? Reach out to Russell at innovation@rdamnc.org.au and tell us more about your work!
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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
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