A message from new CEO, Sam Harma

RDACW’s Chair Christine Weston welcomes new CEO Sam Harma. (Photo Credit: Central Western Daily)

RDA Central West has a welcomed a new voice with the appointment of Mr Sam Harma as the new CEO at RDA Central West.

“The Central West is a vibrant and diverse region. The opportunities are immense and the communities who call the Central West home are resilient.

“I am honoured to be the new CEO/Director of Regional Development at RDA Central West. RDA’s have a long history of delivery, and have built trust with the community over many years. I look forward to continuing to strengthen this role.

“I invite new ideas, and encourage all interested parties to contact our passionate team any time if we can support your idea, project, event or community in any way.

“RDA Central West has the unique role of advocating on behalf of and working together with community organisations, all levels of government and the private sector. This positions RDA to have a key role in economic development and as a leader of regional development outcomes across our region.

“I look forward to my family growing in the Central West and capitalising on the fantastic lifestyle, and unmatched opportunities which exist to all those who live, work and invest in the Central West.”

 

Media Release 1st July, 2019

Sam Harma was announced, in June 2019, as the new CEO and Director of Regional Development at RDA Central West.

Mr Harma has been working at senior levels of executive government in both Canberra and Sydney for the last decade, working for both Cabinet Ministers in both State and Federal Government. Mr Harma brings strong policy experience in regional development, job creation and economic development.

RDA Central West Chair, Ms Christine Weston welcomed the recent appointment and said this was an exciting change for the local RDA team.

“RDA Central West is advocating for the nearly 200,000 people who call the 11 local government areas of the Central West home, and Sam will be a fierce advocate on their behalf,” said Ms Weston.

Mr Harma is excited by the new challenge and opportunity.

“The Central West is a showcase of successful regional development, but there is always more to do. I can’t wait to build partnerships, fight for projects and drive job opportunities across the region.

“The Central West is a diverse region with farming, mining, tourism and the health sector all major employers. From Orange to Oberon and Cowra to Condobolin the future is bright, and our role at RDA is to drive greater opportunities,” said Mr Harma.

Regional Development Australia Central West is a regional certifying body for the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) and working in partnership with the NSW Department of Industry to deliver the NSW Skilled Regional nominated visa (subclass 489) in the Central West region.

The RDA has also been a driving force behind the Stem Industry School Partnerships Program which has been made available to 20 schools across the region. RDA Central West has also launched a ‘Farm To Organisation’ project – a first of its kind in Australia.

For more information about the important work being undertaken by RDA Central West please visit: rdacentralwest.org.au