Small businesses across the Limestone Coast are now engaging professional services free of charge through Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast’s (RDALC) Expert Connection program. Developed in response to the severe impact COVID-19 has had on small businesses across the region, Expert Connection is an expansion of RDALC’s existing small business support program, providing businesses significantly impacted by COVID-19 with free one-on-one, professional advice.

“It’s wonderful to have the program up and running with business owners and operators now accessing our experts’ services,” said Rachael Ashman, Manager, Business and Workforce Development. “We’ve worked hard behind the scenes to secure the services of over a dozen top performing business advisors and now we’re keen to get more local businesses accessing these supports,” she said.

RDALC’s recently appointed Chair, Evan Flint knows too well the impact COVID-19 has had across the region, having recently been part of RDALC’s Regional Roadshows, meeting with local businesses across the region.

“The Roadshow events provided the chance for me to hear firsthand the challenges our local businesses have been experiencing in recent times,” he said. “RDALC have taken this intel on board and are focused on ensuring that the support available through Expert Connection is in line with the needs of our businesses,” he said.

“We are very aware that different businesses have different needs, some people might need to access a qualified bookkeeper, accountant or digital consultant – whereas others may need a HR consultant or a lawyer,” said Ms Ashman. “The importance of doing so in a confidential, tailored and private setting, whereby the conversation can be frank and fearless is key” she said.

The Expert Connection program fully funds up to 3 hours access for participating small businesses. Once eligible participants sign up for Expert Connection, RDALC provide a list of experts who have agreed to assist with the program. The participant then gets to select who they would like to see, make the appointment and meet with them privately.

Small businesses owners and operators that are interested in accessing these services, are encouraged to visit the website www.rdalc.org.au/expertconnection or speak directly to Rachael Ashman, Manager, Business and Workforce Development on 0439 848 624 or email rachael@rdalc.org.au

Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC) and RDA Murraylands and Riverland (RDAMR) have joined with state government body Green Industries SA (GISA) to drive the creation of a “Circular Economy” blueprint for the two Eastern regions.

A Circular Economy aims to dramatically reduce waste and pollution by reducing the consumption of finite resources, re-using products and materials where possible, and is all driven by renewable energy. It’s about reuse, recycling and responsible manufacturing to enhance the health of communities and the health of the environment.

This will be the first time a model for a regional Circular Economy has been created in Australia and will likely act as a template for other regions to adopt.

Shortly, the call will go out to commercial consultants to submit a tender to create an innovative document that identifies and analyses the needs, opportunities and pathways to a more circular economy. This blueprint will include details of new investment and job opportunities for the regions.

Once the report is generated, GISA and the two RDA’s will focus on getting up activities and projects that align with its vision and recommendations. The partners hope this will drive engagement by industry and governments and inspire strong community involvement.

“The SA Government recognizes that the Circular Economy offers real opportunity to regional communities to build ongoing economic resilience, social value and environmental security. This collaborative and trail-blazing Pilot Project is the first step in assisting RDALC and RDAMR understand those opportunities and develop their own positive pathways towards realizing those shared benefits”, said Andrew Hutcheon from GISA.

The Regional Development Australia network across South Australia is working in partnership with the Government of South Australia to help deliver its $4.45 million investment in matching jobs with job seekers.

Through this new initiative, Regional Development Australia Limestone Coast (RDALC) is actively working on-the-ground to connect the right people with the right jobs in our region. Key industries being targeted under the new initiative include agriculture, tourism and hospitality.

RDALC CEO, David Wheaton said that there are many seasonal, contract and permanent roles available across the region and that the ‘Real Work. Real Experience – Regional Work SA’ initiative was critical to connect job opportunities and the available workforce.

“This initiative will get job seekers back into the workforce to help ease financial pressures; it will support local industry, businesses and employers to achieve their goals; and it will support our region’s economic recovery,” Mr Wheaton says.

“The impacts of COVID-19 are still being felt around the region, including significant shortages in the supply of skilled labour, especially for our agriculture and hospitality sectors,” said Mr Wheaton.

“Ensuring our regional employers have access to a reliable workforce is essential to allow regional businesses and supply chains to continue to function during this time.”

RDALC has welcomed Lance Pedlow and Steve Chapple to the team to deliver the program across the Limestone Coast. In their new roles, Steve and Lance will provide on the ground advisory and coordination services, linking the region’s job vacancies with job seekers.

“By having two dedicated staff working on the program in-region, we can focus on providing personalised support to our businesses” said Mr Wheaton.

Details of financial support for business and individuals is available through the ‘Real Work. Real Experience.’ website. Incentives include up to $6,000 in relocation and travel support for eligible job seekers.

‘Real Work. Real Experience.’ is an initiative of the Government of South Australia, being delivered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA), South Australian Tourism Commission, the Department of Innovation and Skills, and the Department of Education, with on-ground support from eight Regional Development Australia bodies across the State.

Employers and job seekers can register their details at www.rdalc.org.au/regionalwork or contact RDALC on (08) 8723 1057.

To find out more about the ‘Real Work. Real Experience’ initiative visit www.regionalwork.sa.gov.au/

Above from left: Lance Pedlow and Steve Chapple