WDA Newsletter

June 2015

Future Education and Training Needs of the Agriculture Sector in the Wimmera Southern Mallee

Wimmera agricultural producers and agribusiness employees within the Wimmera Southern Mallee have taken the opportunity to participate in a study into the future training needs for agriculture in the region.
As identified in the Grampians Workforce Development Strategy, planning for the training and education needs of the agriculture sector, is critical to the future development of agriculture and agribusiness in the region.
Wimmera Development Association has undertaken the study with funds from Regional Development Australia Grampians to build an understanding of industry training and education.
A copy of the report can be viewed at http://wda.org.au/news

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Apprentice Plumbing Training

The Wimmera Development Association is working with Federation University to commence 1st and 2nd year apprentice plumbing training in Horsham from February 2016.
Regional Plumbers will be contacted shortly to gauge possible enrolment numbers for next year.
The costs associated with apprentices travelling outside of the region for training can often be a burden on both the apprentice and the employer. Training offered within the region may see an increase in the number of apprenticeships being offered across the plumbing industry.
If you would like further information please contact Tammy McDonald, Project Officer at Wimmera Development Association on tmcdonald@wda.org.au or 5381 6503

Futsal Clinic

Wimmera Settlement Services along with Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly and Horsham District Soccer Club are conducting a Futsal Clinic in Horsham on June 30^th2:00-4:00pm at Horsham College Junior Site gym in Baillie Street.
The game of Futsal is like indoor soccer played in an area the size of a basketball court with teams of 5-8 players
The clinic will focus on the rules and skills of the game.
Later in the year, the Sports Assembly will run a competition for both students and adults here in Horsham.
It would be great to see as many young people there as possible.

Country of Origin Labelling

A national consultation process began in April 2015 with industry, business and consumers to deliver clearer and more consistent country of origin food labelling without imposing excessive cost on industry.
Complete the online community survey to have your say on Australia’s country of origin labelling framework.
The survey is open from 8am Tuesday 9 June 2015 until Friday 3 July 2015.
http://www.industry.gov.au/industry/IndustrySectors/FoodManufacturingIndustry/Pages/Country-of-Origin-Labelling.aspx

Regional Achievement and Community Awards

The Regional Achievement and Community Awards have been launched for 2015 and the search is on for individuals, businesses and community groups that are making a difference in our local community.
If you know someone that has provided support and made a real difference in your life, why not give them a pat on the back and nominate them for an award.
Category winners will each receive a trophy and either $2000 from the Bank of Melbourne or an airtime package on PRIME7.
For more details and to nominate online go to http://www.awardsaustralia.com/
Nominations close Friday 24th July 2015.

Governance Foundations for Not for Profit Directors Workshop

Leadership Wimmera has 3 places left in this 1.5 day Workshop 9th & 10th July.
Be quick - book yours today 5381 6507 or sboddi@wda.org.au

What is the Regional Network Development Plan (RNDP)?

The State Government is developing a plan for the short, medium and long-term development of public transport in regional Victoria.
The Regional Network Development Plan will set out priorities for regional public transport services, infrastructure and investment over the next 20-30 years.
In 2013, a plan for the metropolitan rail network was released, and it has helped to guide the progression of projects including the Melbourne Metro project, Regional Rail Link, the trial of High Capacity Signalling and the upgrade of the Dandenong corridor.
The Regional Network Development Plan will take into account the different needs of individual communities and deliver a regional public transport network where train, coach and bus services work together to get people where they need to go.
The community is invited to help shape the future of public transport in regional Victoria.
You can contribute your ideas until 11 September, by getting online at ptv.vic.gov.au/getinvolved Find out more about the plan, complete the survey and join discussion forums for your region.

Australian Citizenship

On 26th May 2015, the Prime Minister, the Hon Tony Abbott MP, announced new measures to strengthen Australian citizenship, including a National Consultation on citizenship to:

improve the understanding of the privileges and responsibilities of Australian citizenship;
examine ways to better promote this understanding; and
seek the public's view on further possible measures.

To obtain a broad range of views on these important issues, your written input in response to a discussion paper 'Australian Citizenship - Your Right, Your Responsibility' is invited. Go to www.citizenship.gov.au to provide your input by 30th June 2015.

Building Resilience in Farming Newsletter - subscribe NOW

The latest bumper edition of the regional Building Resilience in Farming newsletter is out now featuring news, events, grants and scholarships across the region. Containing over 40 items of information from regional organisations and networks, the newsletter distribution is nearing the 500 mark.
The newsletter is part of the ‘Building Resilience in Farming’ project, which aims to provide support to agriculture in the region as one of the key drivers of the Wimmera Southern Mallee’s economy. Building Resilience in Farming aims to assist the agricultural sector across the Wimmera Southern Mallee access relevant information, strengthening existing networks and build business sustainability into the future.
A comprehensive calendar of events for the regions agricultural sector is distributed monthly promoting regional events to the Wimmera Southern Mallee agricultural region. The newsletter and event calendar may be viewed online at http://wda.org.au/special-projects/building-resilience-in-farming-vasp where you can also subscribe to receive future editions.
The next edition of the newsletter will be distributed in August. For inclusion on the mailing list or to forward articles and events, contact Mark Fletcher (03) 5381 6505, mobile 0437 816 505 or email mfletcher@wda.org.au.
A number of information sessions and workshops will be delivered coming months covering topics such as diversification, emergency management and succession planning.
“West Wimmera Shire Council is proud to auspice this project which focuses on strengthening and supporting the existing agricultural networks in the region and collaborating with groups to promote business and environmental sustainability” Project Reference Group Chairman Ron Hawkins said.
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