Sydneysiders urged to shift inland Poll tells all

This is a real positive for rural communities.  The attitude is changing we hope.

Poll: Would you consider leaving Sydney to move to regional NSW.
Yes  61%     No    39%          Total votes: 5452

Sydneysiders are being urged to ditch their urban lifestyles and shift inland, and it appears not all city slickers are dead against the idea.

One in four Sydney residents would consider moving to regional NSW, according to a survey which marks the beginning of a government campaign encouraging people to relocate from the state's capital.  Click her to read the full story in the Sydney Morning Herald

Prime Super Northern Inland Innovation Awards 2010

Regional Development Australia Northern Inland invites nominations from the Northern Inland region for the 2010 Prime Super Northern Inland Innovation Awards. The Prime Super Northern Inland Innovation Awards identifies and showcases individuals and organisations from all sectors of the community who are currently producing or developing innovative products or services.

In 2010 the annual awards enter their third year with the continued partnership between Regional Development Australia –Northern Inland, Prime Super & AusIndustry.  The nomination and assessment process is designed to recognise the contribution made by business to the economic prosperity and well-being of Northern Inland region’s communities and residents. It also establishes linkages between key stakeholders who can assist in developing businesses. 

The awards will be celebrated at a gala dinner at the RSM Club, Inverell on 13 November 2010. Every finalist will receive two tickets to the dinner compliments of Prime Super.

In addition every finalist will be invited to showcase their innovation in a Finalists Exhibit on the night.

Help to encourage innovation and ideas from the people shaping our region, enter yourself or nominate an associate friend or colleague.

Please note the closing date has now been extended and closes on 30 September 2010.

For more information visit the website.

Connecting through Conversation Workshop

The workshop is going to be held in Canberra on the 20^th of October at the Australian National Botanic Gardens to read more and register please visit the website.

This ‘Connecting through Conversation’ workshop is based on feedback from people working in the regions who want to learn more about how to use narrative techniques in their work.  Performance story is one technique, but there are many others that can be used very effectively to improve the communication and understanding you build.  Narrative evaluation is also a valuable tool for monitoring and reporting.  

You will also find some free resources on the website that you might be able to use in your community.

Paul Born Australian - New Zealand Workshops November 2010

Over the last few editions of the Bank of Ideas newsletter, they have been promoting the visit to Australia and New Zealand of Paul Born from the Tamarack Institute. Tamarack has an international reputation for its work in community engagement and Paul has an awesome reputation in the area of community conversations.

In November 2010, Paul will be conducting a series of one day ‘hands on’ interactive workshops on facilitating ‘community conversations’ that result in social and economic change. These one day facilitator training events will explore and share experiences, methodologies and tools regarding:

• Ways communities are leading powerful conversations for change
• Hosting strategic conversations and attracting the right participation
• Advancing your community’s agenda with innovative mobilisation techniques
• Embracing the power of citizen engagement and multi sector collaboration

To view the Workshop website and to register on-line for this must attend event, click on the following link:

Diploma in Agriculture through Recognition of Prior Learning

Do you work in agriculture or a business that supports rural industries?
Do you have experience and skills but don’t have the piece of paper?

If you answered yes to these questions,
a Diploma in Agriculture or Rural Business Management may be for you!
Don’t delay, at the moment, NSW residents who are working in rural industries are eligible to a subsidy that dramatically reduces the cost of Qualifications through recognition of prior learning.

And the process is easier than you think
No courses, No training – we just look at the skills you already have!
 
For more information, contact:
Rebecca Fing
House Paddock Training and Consulting
PO Box 1361 Goondiwindi QLD 4390
Ph 0746710723 Mob  0427107234

AIAST/Agribusiness Association of Australia Joint Symposium

Friday 24 September 2010 at Orange Agricultural Institute Training Centre Forest Road Orange NSW 2800 Theme Future of Agriculture - How will it adapt and what services will it need.

Small Chambers of Commerce Fund

Tenders.Net Ref #: 643169      Location: NSW 

Small Chambers of Commerce Fund

NSW Department of Industry and Investment

Closing: Not Stated

E-Docs: Click here for documents or further information*
E-Box: Availability Unknown

Contact:
Note: Applications can be lodged at any time. Before you commence filling out this application form, contact the I&I NSW community economic development manager for your region to discuss your project.
For more information contact:
Regional Offices
Southern Inland/Far South Coast Region Goulburn (02) 4821 8000
Northern Region Lismore (02) 6622 4011
Hunter/Central Coast Region Newcastle (02) 4908 7333
Western Region Orange (02) 6360 8400
Riverina/Murray Region Wagga Wagga (02) 6921 6422

Details:
Building The Country Package Small Chambers Of Commerce Fund
The aim of the fund is to assist chambers of commerce and business development organisations in small communities to increase activity for both individual businesses and the business community as a whole.

National Forum in Dubbo

Visit the Website to register for this Forum

Diploma in Agriculture or Rural Business Management - RPL

Do you work in agriculture or a business that supports rural industries?

Do you have experience and skills but don’t have the piece of paper?

If you answered yes to these questions,

a Diploma in Agriculture or Rural Business Management may be for you!

Don’t delay, at the moment, NSW residents who are working in rural industries are eligible to a subsidy that dramatically reduces the cost of Qualifications through recognition of prior learning.

And the process is easier than you think

No courses, No training – we just look at the skills you already have!

Industry and Investment and Tocal College

For more information, contact:

Rebecca Fing

House Paddock Training and Consulting

PO Box 1361 Goondiwindi QLD 4390

Ph 0746710723 Mob  0427107234

Families Stressed Out by Water Buy Backs

Families stressed out by water buybacks

Friday, 03/09/2010

ABC Website

A study has found the Federal Government's water buybacks are having a heavy toll on personal relationships, because of the stress of the decisions involved.  Click here to read more