ECEC report shared at Economic Development Officer Forum

RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting launched a pivotal early childhood education and care (ECEC) report at the recent Economic Development Officer Forum held in late March at The Rock Community Hub in regional New South Wales. 

RDA Riverina and AusIndustry, in partnership with Lockhart Shire Council, hosted the forum, during which attendees heard from various guest speakers, including representatives from Lockhart Shire Council, Destination Riverina Murray, Business NSW,  Inland Rail, Transgrid, Telstra, and NBN co.

During the forum Ms Whiting launched two pivotal reports: the ‘Early Childhood Education and Care in the Riverina’ report and the ‘Workforce Histogram’. 

The Early Childhood Education and Care in the Riverina report addresses the critical shortages of ECEC services, providing local evidence to the Regional Australia Institute’s findings that 35 per cent of Australian’s live in “Childcare deserts”. 

This report aims to inform policy, drive strategic planning, and foster collaboration to benefit the Riverina region economically and socially. It includes extensive data analysis, consultations with ECEC professionals, and surveys of providers and parents. 

Guest Speaker and ECEC Consultant Julia Ham emphasised the critical importance of early childhood education and care and shared further information, underscoring the urgency of addressing ECEC shortages.

Nicole Ryan, Transgrid’s General Manager of Government Stakeholder & Advocacy, highlighted their Strategic Partnership with RDA Riverina. Part of the $1.5 million Workforce Development Strategic Partnership included their commitment to assist research and advocacy projects on issues of concern within the region.

Melanie Renkin, RDA’s Research Officer, then guided attendees through the detailed data of the Workforce Histogram report. Her presentation shed light on the projected demand for labour and skills in the Riverina and Murray regions over the next three to five years, driven by significant infrastructure projects. 

The Workforce Histogram report, stemming from the RDA Riverina Major Projects Engagement Session in late 2022, highlights the significant employment demand due to major infrastructure projects exceeding $500 million. RDA Riverina is committed to releasing further updates to the Workforce Histogram as more major projects provide the data.

The event also included guest speakers Matt Holt, Tourism and Economic Development Officer from Lockhart Shire Council; Yvette Myhill, General Manager of Destination Riverina Murray; Grant Johnston from Inland Rail and; Serena Hardwick, Regional Director of Business NSW. 

Finally, the NBN Regional Engagement Manager discussed recent upgrades, future technology plans, and improvements in fibre and speed enhancements, promising a more connected future for the region.

The event concluded with a tour of The Rock Regional Observatory, an experience that was highly valued by attendees.

Images and information sourced from RDA Riverina. Image shows L to R – Dianna Somerville RDA Riverina Chair, Nicole Ryan General Manager of Government Stakeholder & Advocacy Transgrid, Melanie Renkin Research Officer RDA Riverina, Rachel Whiting CEO RDA Riverina, Trish Marinozzi Senior Manager Strategic Engagement and Integration Transgrid, and Matt Holt Tourism and Economic Development Officer Lockhart Shire Council.