RDA Wheatbelt (build 1.018)

Claire Vanderplank from Weapons of Mass Creation was engaged by RDA Wheatbelt to undertake a SWOT of the aviation sector within the Wheatbelt. Claire has spoken with many sector participants and gained from them an insight into their aspirations for the industry, challenges, opportunities and potential for linkages to tourism, education, engineering, maintenance, small business and events.

A phone and online survey was deployed across stakeholders with several key themes identified. From this two workshops were conducted. The first gathered participants to discuss growing recreational flying and gliding in the Wheatbelt and the second focussed on discussing the tourism opportunities associated with all types of aviation in region.

The big idea that emerged from both the workshops was that having a regional or collaborative approach and organisation representing all facets of aviation would be highly beneficial to the sector, with flow-on effects for Wheatbelt towns. Common issues could be addressed and advocated on behalf of the sector participants such as local government regulations, advocacy and demystifying aviation activities. Many opportunities would be best advanced by a regional group, such as access to group insurance, development and promotion of cross-discipline events and promotion of aviation into schools and tourism.

A summary of the workshop feedback and ideas is being compiled and will be available to all participants and anyone who is interested in being part of the conversation. RDA Wheatbelt is keen to continue its contact with workshop participants to help achieve the sectors aspirations and overcome some of the challenges.

E: admin@rdawheatbelt.com.au

Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia - SEGRA tickets are now available. Kalgoorlie-Boulder, 16 to 18 November 2021. Unearthing diversification and adapting to a new tomorrow. Connect and engage with regional, rural and remote economic, environmental, community and governance changemakers.

Lift Women – Female Founder Grant Challenge. A Jumpstarter Kit valued up to $15,000 is available for each winner. Closing 5 Sept.

Women & Leadership Australia – Healthcare Sector Women's Leadership Scholarship. Three streams $1000, $3000, $5000 to encourage more women to step into leadership roles across the health sector. Closing 10 Sept.

The Regional Telecommunications Review is an opportunity for people living and working in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia to share their views and experiences using telecommunications services in their area. Closing 30 Sept.

Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 12 categories up to $22,000 to support young people who are working, employed or studying. Closing 1 Oct.

JobMaker Hiring Credit. To employ additional young job seekers. $200 per week for each eligible employee aged 16 to 29. $100 per week for each eligible employee aged 30 to 35. Apply before 6 Oct.

Girls Fly 2. Gliding in Cunderdin 8th to 10th October - 10 am to 4.30 pm. Bookings are essential, contact Sally on 0449 158 656 or email at crawcours@gmail.com

Regional and Remote Festivals Fund. Up to $50,000 or up to 80% of the activity costs to support arts and cultural activity at regional and remote festivals in WA. Closing 9 Sept.

WA Waste Authority – WasteSorted Grants: Infrastructure and Community Education. Two funding streams, up to $50,000 and up to $250,000 to support organisations in the delivery of implementation-ready projects. Closing 13 Sept.

Local Capability Fund. Three new rounds, Aboriginal Business, National & International Standards Compliance and Supplying Key Major Projects to assist local businesses to increase their capability and competitiveness to secure contract opportunities. Closing 20 Sept.

Road Safety Commission Project Grants. Supporting the development and implementation of sustainable projects and one-off community activities related to road safety. Round closing 24 Sept.

Grants for Women Program WA. Two levels of funding, up to $5000 or up to $10,000 to support initiatives that address the unique issues faced by women. Closing 12 Oct.

Kidsport additional vouchers. Eligible WA children 5 to 18 years can access two $150 vouchers towards club fees to participate in community sport in 2021. Ongoing.

NACC Biodiversity Community Grants. Up to $5000 to assist land managers and community groups to undertake on-ground land management and adaptation activities. Ongoing.