The Farm to Organisation, Central West NSW project is the first of its kind in Australia
Regional Development Australia Central West (RDACW) NSW is continuing to drive ‘Farm to Organisation’* – a first of its kind project in Australia – part of an ambitious movement in the region supporting, not just regional economic development, but also social and environmental development.
Farm to Organisation (Farm to Org.) is about creating new and direct pathways for regional producers and farmers, within the Central West, to market directly to local organisations and institutions.
The ultimate goal of this project will be for local organisations and institutions, such as schools, hospitals, universities, aged care homes, disability providers as well as local supermarkets, clubs, restaurants and cafes to buy more of their food and food products from within the Central West NSW region. The key objective is to grow our regional food economy to become more sustainable whilst simultaneously growing the health and resilience of the region.
RDA Central West appreciates the ongoing support of Cadia Valley Operations, a valued funding partner for this project. Charles Sturt University (CSU) is the research partner, providing strong research support and also exploring ways to increase their purchasing of local produce.
If you are an interested organisation or one of our fantastic local farmers, food producers or growers keen to be partnered with a local organisation through this exciting project, please contact Lindy Thompson at RDA Central West on (02) 6369 1600 or lindy@rdacentralwest.org.au A dedicated Farm to Org. website will be launching soon.
*’Farm to Organisation’ was previously referred to as ‘Farm to Institution’.
With thanks to our partners:
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: AgriTECH goes west – AgriTECH Education Innovation workshops Lake Cargelligo
More than 120 primary and high school students from Lake Cargelligo Central School, Condobolin Public School and Euabalong West Public School participated in the AgriTECH Education Innovation Workshops held at Lake Cargelligo Central School earlier this month.
The STEM Industry School Partnership Program partnered with CQ University to deliver the workshop. Researchers and Industry experts led students through a range of exciting technology, science and design thinking activities around agriculture. (more…)
Media Release: Central West arts groups don’t miss out!
Photo credit: UnsplashRDA Central West is calling on all arts practitioners, groups and communities across the region to not miss out on their opportunity to apply for support through the Regional Arts Fund.
The Regional Arts Fund’s community grants aim to support sustainable cultural development in regional and remote Australia and meet the strategic priorities of supporting participation in, and access to, the arts and encouraging greater private sector support for the arts. RDA Central West CEO Sam Harma, said the Central West has a distinctive and vibrant arts scene which drives local jobs and tourism across the region.
Young Farmer Business Program training and leadership grant
The NSW Department of Primary Industries Young Farmer Business Program is offering grants of up to $10,000 (excluding GST) to eligible groups across NSW.
The Group’s Vault will provide grants to groups who support young farmers and fishers to undertake training related to business and leadership development. Examples of projects include (but are not limited to) farm tours, commercial fishing business tours, workshops, events, business skills coaching, training and guest speakers.
ABC Heywire Trailblazers Program
Applications are open for ABC Heywire’s 2020 Trailblazers program.
The Program is an opportunity for young, regional change makers to have their stories on the ABC. The ABC is interesting in hearing from individuals and groups of up to three people aged 18-28 working on projects to make regional Australia a better place.
Applications close Friday July 5 2019.
QANTAS Regional Grants
QANTAS has a new Regional Grants Program, and round one is open for applications now.
It’s offering the chance to share $5 million in grants – $1 million each year over five years – to charities, organisations, causes, projects and individuals that help deliver direct services or benefits to regional communities.
Applications close on 30 August 2019.
2019 Premier’s NSW Export Awards
The Export Council of Australia and the NSW Government is encouraging export businesses to apply for the 2019 Premier’s NSW Export Awards.
The annual program aims to recognise excellence in the export of goods and services by NSW business and to honour and celebrate the nation’s top exporters, raising their profile and bringing valuable business and networking opportunities.
Applications close on Thursday 1st August 2019.
2019 Farmer Business Coaching Program
Registrations are now open for the 2019 intake of the Farmer Business Coaching Program run by NSW DPI Rural Resilience Program in partnership with Hunter Local Lands Services, Dairy NSW and Young Dairy Network.
These organisations are supporting the Farmer Business Coaching Program by reducing the normal program cost to only $1,500 per farm for the 12 month course for all eligible businesses.
NSW DPI Hidden Treasures Roll 2019
The NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Rural Women’s Network is calling for nominations for its Hidden Treasures Honour Roll.
Hidden Treasures recognises the outstanding efforts of women volunteers in NSW and promotes the valuable role of volunteering to the community. This important tribute captures inspirational stories, documenting and celebrating the unpaid work of women in rural New South Wales.
Nominations close on Friday August 2nd 2019.
Upstairs Kaffine Startup Workshops
Upstairs Bathurst is holding it’s Kaffeine course starting this week and running for six weeks.
Kaffine is a short, sharp, engaging course that will run for 2 hours per week over 6 weeks at venues near you with some classes also being run online. It is designed to teach entrepreneurship especially to the people of our region, the Central West of NSW.
Course begins Wednesday 15th May, 2019 at 10am.
Agribusiness Today Forum 2019
Maximising Red Meat Yields and Business Opportunities
SAVE THE DATE – 8th & 9th August 2019, Cowra NSW
FORUM – THURS 8TH AUGUST, COWRA SERVICES CLUB, 9AM TO 3PM
FIELD TRIPS- FRIDAY 9TH AUGUST, 8:30 AM TILL 1PM
THREE MAJOR THEMES FOR THE 2019 FORUM:
Markets and Business Opportunities
Innovation & Technology taking red meat to the next level.
Who, what, where and how can we push the limits of red meat yields?
