Limestone Coast Update

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1 Limestone Coast Update June 2013 February 2013 Volume 28 Volume 27 Regional Regional Development Australia Limestone Limestone Coast Coast Inc Inc (RDALC) (RDALC) Disclaimer: This newsletter is produced quarterly, as a guide to services provided by the RDALC and to highlight other regional initiatives. The material is correct to the best of our knowledge as at June We allow reproduction of material in this newsletter provided acknowledgement of the Limestone Coast Update is given. A WORD FROM THE CEO How quickly me seems to have passed since our last update in February and a lot has happened in that me. RDA Limestone Coast con nues to play an important role as part of the Limestone Coast Economic Diversifica on Reference Group. This group was formed by the South East Local Government Associa on (SELGA) together with RDA Limestone Coast and Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) to take forward the outcomes of the Limestone Coast Economic Diversifica on Forum which was held in September last year. The reference group which includes Mr Dennis Mu on (the forum convenor) has been mee ng monthly to progress the outcomes of the forum. The opportuni es, as ar culated in the Forum s report come under four categories: High value manufacturing and agribusiness Leverage natural resources to develop exis ng and build new industries Target high value product and service development focusing on regional strengths Target development of emerging industries Some of the key challenges in achieving these opportuni es include: Infrastructure Educa on and training op ons Targeted and applicable research Access to skills and exper se One of the ini al outcomes was the engagement of the VTT Technical Research Centre from Finland to undertake a Cellulosic Fibre Value Chain Study for the region with funding provided by the Department of Manufacturing, Innova on, Trade, Resources and Energy (DMITRE). This new study into developing more sustainable and highervalue products from the Limestone Coast s forestry resources involves experts from the VTT group working with local industry to iden fy short, medium and longer term sustainable and achievable market opportuni es. Developing higher value forestry products is the key to crea ng a sustainable future for the forestry industry. Stage 1 of this study which aimed to iden fy the situa on of industries in the region has now been completed and the Stage 1 report can be found at: h p:// files/966_v _final_stage1_report.pdf The second phase of the study will chart the future paths of the forestry industry in the region and the possibili es for produc on with higher added value. During the second phase, road maps will be prepared with the goal of steering the prospects of new, fibrebased industry in the region and iden fying business opportuni es u lising emerging technologies. This could mean, for example, that in addi on to developing the current industry, next genera on biorefineries could be established in the region, u lising the side streams from the forest industry as raw materials in the produc on of bioenergy and biochemical. The report of the findings from Stage 2 is expected to be released in September this year. RDA Limestone Coast is represented on the steering commi ee overseeing this study which is chaired by Professor Goran Roos, the Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Council. Con nued pg: 6 Limestone Coast Update 1 June 2013

APPRENTICESHIP TRAINEESHIP ADVISER Anne Mulraney has been appointed by Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast to fill the vacant posi on as Appren ceship Traineeship Adviser.

She specialised in the development and delivery of Na onally Accredited Training Programs and has extensive experience in opera ng in the Voca onal Educa on and Training environment.

Her role was to recruit, train and match Volunteer Mentors from the community with students from local primary schools to build posi ve rela onships and to assist students reach their full poten al.

For appren ceship and traineeship advice please contact Anne on: Phone: 08 8723 1057 Email: ata@rdalimestonecoast.org.

2 APPRENTICESHIP TRAINEESHIP ADVISER Anne Mulraney has been appointed by Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast to fill the vacant posi on as Appren ceship Traineeship Adviser. Anne has spent the past 15 years employed as an Instructor at LITA, (Logging Inves ga on and Training Associa on, forestry industry RTO). She specialised in the development and delivery of Na onally Accredited Training Programs and has extensive experience in opera ng in the Voca onal Educa on and Training environment. Anne has also been employed by DECD (Department of Educa on and Child Development) for the past 4 years, most recently as the Local Community Mentor Coordinator for the Limestone Coast. Her role was to recruit, train and match Volunteer Mentors from the community with students from local primary schools to build posi ve rela onships and to assist students reach their full poten al. Anne s experience with students from the Limestone Coast makes her a great addi on to the Appren ceship Traineeship Adviser Program delivered by RDALC. For appren ceship and traineeship advice please contact Anne on: Phone: ata@rdalimestonecoast.org.au A GIRLS ONLY GATHERING Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast s Appren ceship and Traineeship Advisers, Anne Mulraney and Gina Ploenges had a very successful week in April hos ng the Civil Construc on Federa on Mobile Training Unit and also facilita ng AGOG (A Girls Only Gathering) as part of Youth Week The Civil Construc on Federa on Mobile Training Unit visited Kingston Community School, Kangaroo Inn Area School, Millicent TAFE, Keith Area School, Penola High School and Naracoorte High School. The training unit holds a front end loader and fork li simulator which approximately 120 students had the opportunity to experience. The highlight of Youth Week was AGOG, A Girls Only Gathering which ninety three young women from the Limestone Coast a ended. They were treated to guest speakers: Rose Lloyd, an ex Mount Gambier High Student who is undertaking a scholarship with BHP Billiton in 2014 and Marita Cheng, Young Australian of the Year Helen Strickland also gave great advice about making your passion into your career and Jess Rosseland, STARFM breakfast presenter, did an excellent job as host for the day. The events of the week were made possible thanks to the sponsorship of Office for Youth Youth Week Beyond Blue 2013 funding, South East Local Government Associa on, City of Mount Gambier, Civil Construc on Federa on, Haigh s Chocolates, Regional Development Australia and the Partnership Broker Program. Limestone Coast Update 2 June 2013

3 REGIONAL BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY COMPETITIVE BUSINESS PROGRAM Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast is pleased to present a series of workshops as part of the State Government s Small Business Strategy. The program is aimed to improve small to medium businesses in the Limestone Coast region to be er understand how digital technologies can increase their efficiency and improve their compeveness. The following workshops have been planned throughout the Limestone Coast region FACEBOOK & TWITTER FOR BUSINESS (June 2013) Held in Bordertown, Naracoorte, Penola, Beachport, Mount Gambier, Millicent Educa ng Business owners on using Facebook and Twi er to promote their products, services and build their brand 1. What is Facebook? 2. What is Twi er? 3. Why a business should be on Facebook 4. How to set up a business page on Facebook 5. How to use it to promote a business ONLINE SALES (August 2013) Held in Keith, Naracoorte, Kingston, Beachport, Mount Gambier, Penola How to design, setup and manage your business through an online store 1. Designing an online store 2. How to add products to your store, accept orders, manage website content and inventory. 3. Se ng up PayPal 4. Se ng up and managing an online shopping cart WEB PRESENCE (September 2013) Held in Bordertown, Naracoorte, Robe, Port Macdonnell, Mount Gambier, Millicent What are the keys to a successful web presence? 1. Why is it important to create a web presence? 2. Important website assets you must have 3. Why a strong Brand ma ers 4. Why usability of your website ma ers 5. Why search engine op miza on ma ers 6. Increasing backlinks and organic traffic ON LINE SURVEYS (October 2013) Held in Kingston, Keith, Mount Gambier, Penola How to conduct your own research using online survey tools 1. Benefits of using online surveys as a way of researching your target market 2. Online survey so ware 3. Step by step process on how to set up an online survey SUCCESS STORIES (Business Breakfast) (November 2013) A panel discussion from business owners who successfully made the transi on from shop front to online sales Key members of the Limestone Coast community will discuss how they transi oned their business to meet the growing demand of online sales For more informa on about any of these sessions or to register your interest to a end please contact Dani McKinnon or Michaela Bell at RDALC. Phone: Need Career Advice? Wan ng a Career Change? Currently looking for work? Contact the CDC for a FREE appointment with one of their Career Development Praconers today!! Limestone Coast Update 3 June 2013

APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR Dr Ruth Schubert was an inaugural member of the Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast board since it was established in January of 2010.

We are very pleased to announce that just recently Ruth has been appointed as Chair of our Board a er taking on the Ac ng Chair posi on when Mark Braes resigned in September 2012.

started in January of 2010 making her an inaugural member of our Board. Gwenda is a well known community representa ve and has a vast knowledge about the way our board is structured.

Mr Parsons has vast experience within the forestry industry, being currently self employed as a forestry consultant for local logging contractors, wood producers and forest owners and prior to this

4 APPOINTMENT OF CHAIR Dr Ruth Schubert was an inaugural member of the Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast board since it was established in January of She has worked in the educa on and training industry since first gradua ng in 1980 and currently holds the posi on of Director, Business Transforma on at TAFE SA Regional. We are very pleased to announce that just recently Ruth has been appointed as Chair of our Board a er taking on the Ac ng Chair posi on when Mark Braes resigned in September APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTY CHAIR A er a long history with the Limestone Coast Regional Development Board, Gwenda Lawlor was appointed to the Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast Board when it started in January of 2010 making her an inaugural member of our Board. Gwenda is a well known community representa ve and has a vast knowledge about the way our board is structured. She has a background in Local Government and is currently a Councillor with Wa le Range Council. As of March 2013, Gwenda has been appointed to Deputy Chair of our board and we would like to welcome her to her new role. NEW BOARD MEMBER PROFILE...LEW PARSONS Mr Lew Parsons has recently been appointed as a community member to fill a casual vacancy within the Board membership. Mr Parsons has vast experience within the forestry industry, being currently self employed as a forestry consultant for local logging contractors, wood producers and forest owners and prior to this undertaking the role of Marke ng Manager and Sales Manager for ForestrySA. He has been a member of several Boards including the Ins tute of Foresters Australia, the Logging Inves ga on and Training Associa on and the South East Area Consulta ve Commi ee. On a personal front Mr Parsons has been involved with the Mount Gambier Pioneers Basketball Associa on for the last 15 years. Minister for Climate Change, Industry and Innova on, Greg Combet, launches Clean Energy Map of Australia. The Clean Energy Map shows more than 1,200 na onwide projects funded as part of the Clean Energy Future package. The Government is suppor ng many local projects click the icon to see the Map and browse the projects in your area or visit h p:// Limestone Coast Update 4 June 2013

Licence Training SKILLS FOR ALL IN REGIONS Licence Training is an ini a ve of Skills for All in Regions with funds available to assist eligible candidates gain a range of licences and ckets, in the

Licences which the funds may assist with include, but are not limited to; Transport Licences (Car), Heavy Transport Licences (Truck etc) and other small competencies (Responsible Service of Alcohol,

5 Licence Training SKILLS FOR ALL IN REGIONS Licence Training is an ini a ve of Skills for All in Regions with funds available to assist eligible candidates gain a range of licences and ckets, in the hope of aiding them to secure employment. Licences which the funds may assist with include, but are not limited to; Transport Licences (Car), Heavy Transport Licences (Truck etc) and other small competencies (Responsible Service of Alcohol, Forkli, First Aid etc). To find out more please contact: Gramac Solu ons (08) NEW BOARD MEMBER PROFILE...KAREN GLOVER The Board is glad to announce that community member, Ms Karen Glover has been newly appointed to fill a casual vacancy within our Board membership. Ms Glover is currently the Chief Execu ve Officer of Pangula Mannamurna Inc, the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service based in Mount Gambier and brings to the Board a wealth of knowledge in respect to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communi es across the region. During the period 2005 to 2010 Ms Glover undertook the role of Director of Aboriginal Health at the Women s and Children s Health network. Ms Glover has strong es with the community having partnered with a host of regional community organisa ons across the region. Skills for All in Regions is part of the State Government s Skills for All ini a ve; helping people to get into training and jobs in their local area. The ini a ve provides skills development and job opportuni es in areas of regional and local industry demand. The program links people with skills and jobs, while giving industry and employers access to a skilled workforce. Skills for All in Regions delivers flexible and responsive locality based projects and career development services which meet the needs of individuals, communi es, regions and industry. MID TO UPPER SOUTH EAST BUSINESS ADVISOR Steve Chapple, the new Business Advisor for the Mid to Upper Limestone Coast region has been working closely with Councils and Business Associa ons in the region since commencing in his role in February A survey has been developed for small businesses which allows the Board and staff to obtain a be er idea of individual businesses capabili es, opportuni es and training needs. A range of speakers will be visi ng the region to talk to business owners about subjects close to their needs. If you would like a copy of the ques onnaire please Steve Chapple at ba@rdalimestonecoast.org.au. In conjunc on with the Bordertown Business Associa on the Board was able to iden fy a need to bring the Senior Inves gator with WorkSafe SA to the town for an evening informa on session that was a ended by 32 people from business and industry. A very posi ve speaker who outlined many of the changes in the WHS Legisla on. Limestone Coast Update 5 June 2013

6 A WORD FROM THE CEO continued Con nued from front page... The Limestone Coast Economic Diversifica on Reference Group has developed a number of proposals based on the findings of the forum which they recently presented to the Senior Officer Groups for Growing Advanced Manufacturing, and Premium Food and Wine from our Clean Environment. Following the presenta on to the Senior Officers Groups, the Reference Group has been invited to present to the Cabinet Taskforce for each of these priority ini a ves. The Cabinet Task Forces include senior Ministers and The Premier as Chair. Under the Premium Food and Wine from our Clean Environment priority the reference group s proposals include ini a ves rela ng to: Beef /Sheep Meat Industry Hor culture Wine Under the Growing Advanced Manufacturing priority the proposals include ini a ves rela ng to Cellulose Fibre Renewable and Alterna ve Energy Ini a ves common to both priori es include The crea on of a Limestone Coast Innova on Hub Mobilising regional leaders I plan to provide an update on progress with these proposals in our next newsle er. Mike Ryan DEEWR - REGIONAL EDUCATION SKILLS AND JOBS INITIATIVE Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast has hosted the Department of Educa on Employment and Workplace Rela ons (DEEWR) Regional Educa on Skills and Jobs ini a ve since early Linda Polomka manages this project in the region and will be known by many for her work in migra on and workforce development with RDALC and also in the educa on and training sector. In her role, Linda works with a broad range of local community stakeholders to increase par cipa on and strengthen outcomes rela ng to early childhood educa on workforce, Year 12 a ainment, par cipa on in ter ary educa on and labour market par cipa on. The Limestone Coast Regional Educa on Skills and Jobs Plan helps to drive the ini a ve through local strategies. You can find a copy of the plan at h p://deewr.gov.au/regional educa on skills and jobs plans#southaustralia. The Regional Educa on Skills and Jobs Plan for the Limestone Coast is closely aligned to RDA Limestone Coast s Regional Roadmap As part of her role, Linda looks for opportuni es to solve local challenges in educa on, skills and jobs development through be er connec ons between stakeholders and/or programs. ensures regional communi es are aware of opportuni es available through DEEWR programs and how to access them; works with government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the Limestone Coast can gain maximum benefit from DEEWR services and spending in the region. If you require more informa on on any of the above, please contact Linda at the Old Town Hall, Mount Gambier: Phone: Mobile: Linda.Polomka@deewr.gov.au Limestone Coast Update 6 June 2013

PARTNERSHIP BROKER PROGRAM Partnership Brokers build partnerships between schools and training organisa ons, businesses and industry, community organisa ons and parents and families that support

PROJECT OFFICER APPOINTMENT Jan Newport recently joined Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast as Project Officer Partnership Broker Program.

7 PARTNERSHIP BROKER PROGRAM Partnership Brokers build partnerships between schools and training organisa ons, businesses and industry, community organisa ons and parents and families that support young people to reach their poten al. This program is being implemented under the Na onal Partnership on Youth A ainment and Transi ons and is facilitated by 107 organisa ons Australia wide. PROJECT OFFICER APPOINTMENT Jan Newport recently joined Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast as Project Officer Partnership Broker Program. Jan has had a varied career in and around the forest industry and educa on, including several years in Canada. She has qualifica ons in forestry and business, and in 2012 completed a Graduate Diploma of Educa on (Applied Learning) through Deakin University, which included studies of the Limestone Coast Partnership Broker program. In the coming months she will be working with Helen Strickland on a range of projects and ini a ves including mentoring, parental engagement, transi on from primary to secondary school, and industry partnerships. For more informa on, contact Jan on: Phone: jnewport@rdalimestonecoast.org.au Announcements regarding projects which were successful in gaining funding under recent rounds of the Regional Development Australia Fund (RDAF) have provided some good news for our region. Under RDAF round 3, the District Council of Ta ara was successful in gaining $165,000 for the Mundulla Bowling Club Greens Upgrade project which will replace the Mundulla Bowling Club s exis ng grass green with a new synthe c carpet bowling green, renew the plinths to build a new base, and install a new drainage system. Under RDAF Round 4, the District Council of Grant was successful in gaining over $726,000 for the Port MacDonnell Marine Infrastructure Project which will improve the commercial and recrea onal capacity of Port MacDonnell. This project will construct a 90 metre concrete wharf as an extension to the exis ng facility at Port MacDonnell. An exis ng boat ramp will also be widened and upgraded to provide four lanes capable of handling heavy tonnage vessels, and two floa ng concrete pontoons will be incorporated to improve user safety. The works are stages two and three of a larger project which began in 2006 with the dredging of an all de channel from the harbour entrance to the boat ramp.t RDAF ANNOUNCEMENTS RDAF Round 5 was announced recently. This round of funding is based on an alloca ve model which will see all Councils in our region able to receive funding for worthwhile infrastructure projects that they have ready to be undertaken. Find us on Facebook! Limestone Coast Update 7 June 2013

www.rdalimestonecoast.org.au WATCH THIS SPACE RDSA Infrastructure Summit will be held in the Barossa on the 23rd and 24th of July. For more informa on contact Emily White: ewhite@yorkeandmidnorth.com.

This means that the Commonwealth is currently undertaking a Na onal call for Expressions of Interest for anyone wan ng to join our Board.

8 WATCH THIS SPACE RDSA Infrastructure Summit will be held in the Barossa on the 23rd and 24th of July. For more informa on contact Emily White: A number of RDALC Board Members terms expire in November This means that the Commonwealth is currently undertaking a Na onal call for Expressions of Interest for anyone wan ng to join our Board. If you are interested in becoming an RDALC Board Member the closing date for expressions of interest is 5th July. If you would like informa on on how to apply please contact Regional Development Australia on or rdaeoi@regional.gov.au Please note that members whose terms are expiring are eligible to reapply for their posi on. COMPANY DIRECTORS COURSE The Australian Ins tute of Company Directors are pleased to bring the Company Directors Course to Mt Gambier in October Whether you re looking to establish your career as a director, enhance your exis ng director status or expand your knowledge of corporate governance, the Company Directors Course is the course for you. The course consists of the following 10 modules: 1. The Role of the Board and Prac ce of Directorship 2. Decision Making 3. The Director s Du es and Responsibili es 4. The Board s Legal Environment 5. Risk: Issues for Boards 6. Strategy: The Board s Role 7. Financial Literacy for Directors 8. Driving Financial Performance 9. Achieving Board Effec veness 10. Learning into Prac ce Regional Par al Scholarships are available for eligible par cipants. Please contact or sa nt@companydirectors.com to find out more, or visit Five Day program Date: October 2013 Time: 8.45am to 4.00pm each day Venue: The Barn, Mt Gambier BOARD MEMBERSHIP Dr Ruth Schubert - Chair Ms Gwenda Lawlor - Deputy Chair Mr Rob Foggo Mayor Richard Vickery Ms Nadine DiGiorgio Mayor Erika Vickery Cr Harvey Nolan Ms Ann Aldersey Mr Darren O Halloran Mr Alan Richardson Mr Lew Parsons Ms Karen Glover Observers: Representatives of both the State and Commonwealth Government are invited to attend all meetings of the Board. CONTACT DETAILS HEAD OFFICE: Old Town Hall, Commercial Street East PO Box 1445 Mount Gambier, South Australia 5290 Phone: (08) Fax: (08) info@rdalimestonecoast.org.au Web: BRANCH OFFICE: 90 Ormerod Street PO Box 155 Naracoorte, South Australia 5271 Phone: (08) Fax: (08) Limestone Coast Update 8 June 2013

Training Workers with Disabilities Grant Program Announcement (GPA)

BLUEPRINT FOR PROSPERITY JUNE 2014 Training Workers with Disabilities Grant Program Announcement (GPA) Grants of $5,000 to $100,000 Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on September