NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development

“If I can help one kid, that's enough for me,” said Shaana Daley. Shaana is one of 13 new Wellness Worker Learners supporting young people in Western NSW. She works with 12-24 year olds at the Warren Youth Centre and Community Hub. “We have a drop-in centre everyday after school, running different programs," she said. “Kids that wouldn't talk to you, now they come in and just happily sit down and have a yarn about their mental health issues that they, I guess, think they have and how we can approach it. Shaana completed a Cert IV Mental Health as part of the Aboriginal Workforce Development Initiative delivered by Marathon Health, supported by funding from the Western NSW Primary Health Network’s headspace Outreach Program and the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Regional Aboriginal Partnerships Program.

"'The best part of being a father of three kids is watching their personalities develop. I'm always surprised by how different their personalities and perspectives can be. It's really fascinating!" Having access to flex time and carers’ leave has made a significant difference to the quality of Luc Farago's work and family life. Working flexibly in the department has allowed him to help care for his three children with pick-ups and medical appointments for his daughter Evie who has cerebral palsy. With the department's family-friendly approach and understanding managers, Luc can be the best dad he can be while managing a demanding work load as a Principal Policy Officer. The department is proud to support flexible working arrangements for dads in the regions. #HappyFathersDay Local Land Services

What does Wear it Purple Day mean to you? 💜💜💜 For Laurinda Corcoran (she/her), Senior Diversity and Inclusion Partner with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development it’s a day of personal significance. “I want my kids to grow up in a community where they are celebrated for who they are, not erased. Wear it Purple Day is a day that shines a light on the ongoing fight for a safer and more accepting world for our rainbow youth.” At the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development we believe in supporting an initiative which promotes supportive, safe, empowering and inclusive environments for our young LGBTQIA+ people – protecting, supporting and developing together. #wearitpurple

“Farming is in my blood. I feel my most authentic self when I'm working in agriculture and with primary producers,” said Jess Bell. With a dairy pedigree spanning 6 generations and a love of animals, Jess Bell has pursued excellence in the dairy industry, even against the well-meaning advice of her grandfather. “If not daily, on a weekly basis, my grandfather advised me not to be a farmer and not to marry a farmer!” She said. “He urged me to do anything else with my time!” While Jess has not become a farmer, she very much works with the industry and is also married to a farmer, showing that some things must simply be inevitable. As a Project Officer for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Jess works to create meaningful value for farmers and the agricultural industry in NSW. Her work on the Flood Industry Recovery Program has supported NSW dairy farmers in the long-term recovery and resilience after the flood and storm events of 2021. “It involved navigating the trauma and emotional fragility of dairy farmers while creating momentum to recover and reinvest in their industry and in their businesses,” Jess said. Several years on, there are silver linings starting to appear out of the disruption and heartache. The program has led to a free online platform that is essentially a one stop shop where farmers can access services to improve their business. So successful, it is now being rolled out nationwide, supported by Dairy Australia. For her part, Jess was recently awarded the Jennifer Bates memorial award, an award from NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in acknowledgement of women under 35 providing leadership through excellence, sincerity and diligence. “It takes a village to develop your skills and expertise.” Jess said, “My family have always been supportive and I'm incredibly fortunate to have been mentored, led, and surrounded by colleagues who demonstrate authenticity, passion, and excellence in their work.” “I am surrounded by incredible people in the dairy unit, and more broadly in the whole branch. They have brought out the best in me through good leadership and good mentoring.”

Funding for Holiday Break Program is now available! Regional NSW councils and not- for- profit organisations can apply for funding to run holiday break activities for regional youth aged 12-24 this Summer and Autumn.     Find out more and how to apply. 👉https://lnkd.in/gUX8Cjqi 

Our Sensory and Consumer Science researcher Soumi Paul Mukhopadhyay, PhD is conducting a survey on Australian honey and your input could be critical to our research and for Australian beekeepers. If you are keen to help us understand Australian honey consumers better then click here: https://brnw.ch/21wL8qa to complete a 10 minute voluntary survey. Help us reach our goal of receiving 1,000 responses!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie! 💚 💛 💚 💛 oui, oui, oui! We have a very proud Dad here at Local Land Services. Clayton Miller, Team Leader NRM will be cheering on his daughter, Emilie Miller who will be representing Australia in wheelchair rugby at the Paralympics. “She loves rugby. It is completely different to the individual sports she has competed in before, and she loves the team environment. Wheelchair Rugby used to be called murderball which gives you an idea of the competitive, combative nature of the sport. "But Emilie is tough, she can take a hit and it doesn't worry her,” said Clayton. The Steelers play 3 games against Great Britain (Tokyo gold medallists), France (home crowd advantage) and Denmark, over 3 consecutive days starting 29 August. Tune in and help us cheer on Emilie and the Steelers! 👏

Wondering how you can protect your personal information from scammers? ❌🖥️🙅 ID Support NSW is running free online sessions to help keep your personal info safe. Check out the dates and book your spot. ✔️ https://lnkd.in/gM6bkCwp NSW Department of Customer Service

In Western NSW, a unique Digital Walkabout program is helping participants become job ready by combining First Nations culture with digital literacy. Course facilitator from Dinawans Connections Mark Merrit says the program gives mob a platform to be themselves. “It’s about opening closed doors to feel a sense of vulnerability, but also to find pride and strength in your story. We encourage people to look back into the past to fully understand themselves,” he said. With cultural revitalisation as a starting point the program is able to instil confidence, and a sense of belonging that is vital for future success. Crafted by Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people, the 10 day program has been met with enthusiasm by communities in Condobolin and Peak Hill, where it has already been rolled out. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Acting Director of Regional Aboriginal Partnerships and Outcomes, Andrew Higgins says it’s important for people to have access to opportunities close to where they live. “Our Western NSW Aboriginal populations shouldn’t have to travel large distances to access valuable personal development and training opportunities.”

Our Secretary Steve Orr appeared on a panel at the Regional Australia Institute conference this week where he talked about what the department is doing to ensure even better liveability in the regions. The factors that directly influence and impact the liveability of each regional town or community varies across the state, but the priority is to ensure that people have access to critical infrastructure, digital connectivity and essential services such as healthcare, childcare, schools and emergency services that they need to go about their business, jobs and daily life. 📷: Regional Australia Institute. Photographer: Matthew Beaver.