RDA Wheatbelt (build 1.018)

Individual freight routes being upgraded under a regional strategy to improve road freight safety and productivity have been announced with the release of the Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network (WSFN) Staging Plan.

The Federal Government’s contribution to date is $150 mill. A further $37.5 mill has been committed by State and Local Governments.

Steering Committee Chair Cr Katrina Crute said the total project funding will enable upgrade of 950 km of the highest priority routes over the next six years.

The Steering Committee acknowledged WALGA, Main Roads WA, Regional Development Australia Wheatbelt, Wheatbelt Development Commission, The Shire of Kulin and the Shire of Koorda for their continued support of this project through the provision of administrative support and guidance.

Download the full WSFN press release

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Northam Bunnings Supporting Aboriginal Employment

The Directions Workforce Solutions (DWS) Wheatbelt Jobs and Skills Centre team assisted jobseekers in applying for positions available for the new Bunnings store in Northam. In addition to supporting candidates through the process to submitting applications, the team also hosted two Bunnings information sessions.

Over 60 people attended the two information sessions held at the Bilya Koort Boodja Centre. Candidates were walked through the next part of the recruitment process with over half of the attendees then invited by Bunnings to individual interviews.

DWS is pleased to say many of the candidates assisted received job offers and are excited to be starting their careers at Bunnings Northam.

Well done to DWS and Bunnings for supporting local Aboriginal employment opportunities.

Dowerin Do-Over, regional showcase event and street party finale will explore what can be achieved when local leaders and government partners collaborate with the aim of creating great places. 1.5 days of interactive activities and learning new ideas to re-activate your regional town. Events over the 29th & 30th April.

Curtin's Associate Degree in Agribusiness has been offered 10 places in the Aust Govt’s Women in STEM program. Eligible employers can receive up to $5000 in grants per year to support an employee who is enrolled part-time in the Associate Degree in Agribusiness. Contact stacey.carter@curtin.edu.au

Create the Future Design Contest. Aims to help stimulate and reward engineering innovation. 1st prize USD$25,000 plus more. Closing 17 June.

Changes to Single Touch Payroll (STP) reporting for micro business owners and businesses with closely held payees (eg family members that work in your business) will come into effect from 1 July 2021.

The Tourism Boost Online & International Bookings Program is a free mentoring program funded through Tourism WA and delivered by Tourism Council WA that aims to improve the growth of WA tourism businesses.

Save the Date - Careers Expo – Northam Wed 8th Sept 2021. Directions Workforce Solutions are hosting their annual event to showcase a wide variety of employment and training options specifically aimed at Aboriginal students considering their career pathways and opportunities. For exhibiting or sponsoring please contact Brenda DeAtta E: bdeatta@directionswa.com.au T: 0448 050 963

Women and Leadership Australia Scholarships for Women in the Farming and Agriculture Sector. $1000 - $5000 scholarship. Closing 31 March.

Tourism Grants for Indigenous Business Program. Up to $100,000 to invest in developing new products, equipment, business planning and marketing in the tourism sector. Closing 6 April.

Indigenous Contemporary Music program. Funding to provide opportunities and skills to develop ongoing income and employment pathways in the music industry. Closing 7 April.

Boosting Female Founders Initiative Round 2. Between $25,000 and $400,000 for support on a co-contribution basis to female founders of startup businesses to scale into domestic and global markets. Closing 22 April.

Australian Geographic Society Sponsorship. Up to $5000 to support scientific research, protecting and fostering a love for the environmental and natural heritage, encouraging the spirit of discovery and spreading the knowledge of Aust. Closing 30 April.

Macpac Fund for Good Grants. Between $2,000 & $10,000 to help those committed to creating long-term change for the good of the people and planet. Closing 30 April.

OMI Community Grants Program. Up to $50,000 to empower culturally and linguistically diverse (communities in WA to design, deliver and partner on projects that address their needs. Ongoing.

Commercialisation Fund Grants. Between $100,000 and $1 mill, which must be matched by industry, to foster projects that bring industry and researchers together to commercialise new manufacturing products and processes. Ongoing until June 22.

Modern Manufacturing Initiative and National Manufacturing Priorities announced. Resources Technology & Critical Minerals Processing; Food & Beverage; Medical Products; Recycling & Clean Energy; Defence; Space. Funding between $1 million and $20 million per project will be made available across two streams.