Regional Australia Institute

🌿 Bega Valley's Bold Circular Economy Vision! Discover how Bega Valley Shire Council, NSW, is leading the charge to become Australia’s most circular regional economy by 2030! 💪 From rebuilding after the Black Summer bushfires to launching the groundbreaking Bega Circular Valley initiative, this resilient community is transforming agriculture, aquaculture, and tourism while protecting the environment and enhancing wellbeing. Read the full story and be inspired by Bega Valley's journey toward a circular future 👇 🔗 https://lnkd.in/geUPUFND #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #SystemsThinking #EmpoweringRegions #RegionalAus #GrowingRegions #EnrichingCommunities

Regionalisation Ambition 2032: A Framework to #RebalanceTheNation It’s been two years since the RAI launched the Regionalisation Ambition 2032, a visionary framework guiding Australia towards a future where more of us live, work, and thrive in regional areas. Developed with insights from over a decade of research and extensive community consultation, the Ambition sets bold targets across jobs, liveability, population, productivity and innovation, and sustainability and resilience to ensure a more balanced and prosperous Australia.   Each year, we report on the targets – to find out where improvement have been made and in what areas regional Australia is dropping behind. 📽️ Need a refresher on the Ambition? Watch this quick video to discover how we’re driving change and how the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 can benefit not just regional communities, but our nation as a whole! Let’s work together to rebalance the nation and unlock the true potential of regional Australia.   #Regionalisation2032 #RebalanceTheNation #RegionalAustralia #RAI

Inspiring stories like Bryce Westbrook’s remind us of the incredible impact that inclusive employment has on regional communities. 🏆 At 22, Bryce’s hard work and friendly spirit brighten the days of Berri’s shoppers. His journey from overcoming early challenges to gaining independence is inspiring his entire community and reshaping attitudes about disability and ability. Stories like this remind us of our recent "Against the Odds - Realising Regional Australia’s Workforce Potential" report. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/giGJzEJb The report emphasises how inclusive practices can help address workforce shortages by tapping into the unique strengths people with disability bring to regional workforces. It highlights the value of supportive environments that empower individuals, like Bryce, to thrive and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Read Bryce's story, and learn more about the power of inclusive employment in our report.

🌱 What do a blossoming tree, a farm, and a recycling plant have in common? They’re thriving examples of systems thinking in action. In Liz Ritchie’s latest article, she takes us on a journey from the vibrant ecosystem of a single tree outside the RAI office to the vast interconnected network that is regional Australia. By exploring how circular practices are rooted in local ingenuity, Liz highlights the essential role of systems thinking in building a sustainable future for our regions. This theme was front and center at our recent #RegionsRising Tasmania event, where we launched the Circular Economy in Action: Regional Perspectives report. Through this research, we’re uncovering incredible examples of councils and industries across regional Australia adopting innovative circular practices, often driven by resourceful locals. Yet, there’s still work to be done to fully support and empower regions to lead Australia’s circular economy journey. As Liz notes, the strength of regional Australia lies in each part influencing the whole, much like the tree’s ecosystem. Check out her full reflections on how regional interconnectedness is the key to Australia’s future 👇 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gBkbkmqN #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #SystemsThinking #NetZero #EmpoweringRegions #RegionalAus #GrowingRegions #EnrichingCommunities

We are thrilled to welcome Downer as the newest member of the Regional Australia Council (RAC)! Downer joins a powerful coalition of Australian organisations, committed to building a better future for the one-third of our population living in regional communities.   Downer’s commitment to sustainability and creating thriving communities aligns seamlessly with the Regional Australia Institute’s mission to empower regions to thrive.   Please join us in welcoming Downer to the Regional Australia Council and to our shared journey toward rebalancing the nation.   Together, we can make a lasting difference. If your organisation is interested in becoming a RAC member, head to our website to find out more.   🔗 https://lnkd.in/gt-fgC9d   #RegionalAustralia #Regionalisation #Sustainability #Collaboration #ThrivingRegions | Nicola Mitchell

Adelaide - you’re invited! Join us on 12 November for our free Regional Research Insights Forum! 🎟️ https://lnkd.in/gMPksiWn Deep dive into Regional Australia Institute’s leading research on: 🍃 Transitioning to Net Zero 👷🏾 Regional Labour Markets ♻️ Building a Circular Economy What to Expect: Our expert RAI researchers will unpack key insights, and inspiring case studies, bringing regional experiences to life. 📅 When: Tuesday, 12 November 2024 📍 Where: InterContinental Adelaide or online 🕛 Time: 12pm - 5pm, followed by a networking session This free event includes catering and fantastic networking opportunities! Seats are limited - don’t miss out! Register now!

We’re delighted to share that our latest report, “Circular Economy in Action - Regional Perspectives,” was released at the recent #RegionsRising Tasmania event! ♻️ This report explores how regional Australia can lead the charge toward a sustainable circular economy - a critical step for both economic growth and achieving net zero targets. With 9.78 million people now calling regional Australia home, the opportunities for fostering innovation in sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, and manufacturing have never been more significant. Key insights from the report include: 🔍 Regional Case Studies: Highlighting successful circular economy initiatives from diverse regions, including Bega Valley (NSW), Limestone Coast (SA), Albury (NSW), Launceston (Tas), Rockhampton (Qld), and Central Desert (NT). These case studies reveal how local leadership and community action can spark transformative changes. 💡 Recommendations for Action: The report outlines crucial recommendations, including: ✔ Establishing a dedicated authority to coordinate circular economy activities ✔ Reviewing the National Waste Policy to address regional challenges ✔ Expanding national circular economy policy ✔ Creating state-level data hubs ✔ Establishing a regional investment fund to support circular economy initiatives ✔ Aligning regulatory frameworks across all levels of government ✔ Launching information campaigns to promote circular practices ✔ Providing support to grassroots movements and local initiatives This report is not just a document; it's a roadmap for empowering regional Australia to thrive sustainably. Together, we can transform our regions into beacons of innovation and resilience! 👉 Download the full report here: https://lnkd.in/erCaQ57M The Circular Economy in Action: Regional Perspectives report was partially funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. #CircularEconomy #NetZero #EmpoweringRegions #RegionalAus #GrowingRegions #EnrichingCommunities

It's been a special day at #RegionsRising Tasmania! 🌟 It's an incredible experience to be in Launceston, discussing the pressing issues that matter to local leaders and communities. From workforce development to digital innovation, the conversations we had today can drive real change for Tasmania and beyond. 💡🌱 A special thank you to The Hon. Catherine King MP for helping launch the RAI's newest report: Circular Economy in Action: Regional Perspectives, which highlights why transitioning to a circular economy is critical for sustainable growth and achieving net zero. 🌍♻️ 📥 Download the report and learn how regions can lead the charge in this transformation: https://lnkd.in/erCaQ57M The passion and commitment to shaping a brighter future for regional Australia is inspirational! 🙌 #CircularEconomy #NetZero #TasmaniaLeadership #EmpoweringRegions #RegionalAus #GrowingRegions #EnrichingCommunities

"This isn't like other executive programs". On Day 3 of 'Regions Leading Their Own Development,' participants gathered around the campfire to dive deep into real-world regional transformation stories, connecting directly with the changemakers driving them: 🎤 Amy Robinson, Executive Officer, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project 🎤 Chris Sounness, CEO, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development 🎤 Morgan Gronold, Deputy CEO, RAPAD - Remote Area Planning and Development Board The RAI is taking its fifth Executive Program to Mandurah WA in December. Register now, or reach out to find out more! 👇 https://lnkd.in/gzB4YekT This Executive Series is partially funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts. #EmpoweringRegions #RegionalAus #GrowingRegions #EnrichingCommunities #ExecutiveEducationProgram

It’s been an extraordinary start to the week for participants in RAI's Executive Program! We’ve taken a step off the dancefloor and up to the balcony, gaining a new perspective on the systems driving change in our regions.   With the fourth iteration now in full swing, we're already looking ahead to the next!   Are you ready to join us? Mark your calendars for 1-4 December in Mandurah, WA and be part of the conversation shaping Australia’s regional future.   This Executive Series is partially funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.   #EmpoweringRegions #RegionalAus #GrowingRegions #EnrichingCommunities #ExecutiveEducationProgram | Liz Ritchie | Katie Stubley | Stefan Hajkowicz | Susan Sheldrick