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SEGRA 2015 SPEAKERS

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MinistersKeynote SpeakersRegional Collaborative Investment Summit Facilitators and SpeakersRural Regional Remote Research AgendaBusiness Breakfast SpeakersPlenary ChairsSpotlight FacilitatorsSpotlight Discussion Leaders / SpeakersChallenge LeadersChallenge SpeakersRegional Best Practice ChairsRegional Best Practice SpeakersWorkshop FacilitatorsWorkshop Speakers

Ministers

The Hon. Warren Truss MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

The Hon. Julie Collins MP, Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Local Government

Keynote Speakers

Lauren Andrews, Bendigo BankAshley Bland, SkillsetEmma Bradbury, The Murray Darling AssociationDon Burke OAM, Director, CTC ProductionsMichael Campbell, AEC GroupAmanda Chadwick, Department of Industry, NSWProf. Darryl Low Choy, Griffth UniversityDr. Jen Cleary, RDA Far North, University of South Australia and SEGRA National SteeringCommitteeA/Prof, Michelle Evans, Charles Sturt UniversityProf. Geoff Cockfield, Professor in Government & Economics, University of Southern QueenslandProf. Max Finlayson, Charles Sturt UniversityKerry Grace, Evolve NetworkMichael Heard, Department of Infrastructure and Regional DevelopmentCassandra Hughes, Shire of Cranbrook and SEGRA National Steering CommitteeKristian Kolding, Associate Director, Deloitte Access EconomicsPeter McMillan, Executive Officer, RDA Central West

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Gerry Morvell, Conservation Volunteers & Wetlands AustraliaKristine PetersDeray, Independent Researcher & ArtistRobert Prestipino, Vital Places Pty LtdRobert Reed, Forms Express Pty LtdMark Ritchie, RDA RiverinaTony Slatyer, Department of Agriculture and Water ResourcesFelicity TaylorEdwards, RDA OranaProf. Andrew Vann, Charles Sturt UniversityBrent Williams, MurrayDarling Basin Authority

Regional Collaborative Investment Summit Facilitators and Speakers

Lauren Andrews, Bendigo BankChristine Doan, Malanda NorthPaul Niederer, CIM AustraliaRobert Prestipino, Vital Places Pty Ltd

Rural Regional Remote Research Agenda

Dr. Jen Cleary, RDA Far North, University of South Australia and SEGRA National SteeringCommitteeProf. Geoff Cockfield, Professor in Government & Economics, University of Southern QueenslandProf. Max Finlayson, Charles Sturt UniversityDr. Jay Rajapakse, Queensland University of TechnologyA/Prof. Peter Waterman, University of the Sunshine Coast and SEGRA National SteeringCommittee

Business Breakfast Speakers

Prof. Geoff Cockfield, Professor in Government & Economics, University of Southern QueenslandThe Hon. Julie Collins MP, Shadow Minister for Regional Development and Local Government

Plenary Chairs

A/Prof. Jeremy Buultjens, Southern Cross University and SEGRA National Steering CommitteeKate Charters, Management Solutions (Qld) and SEGRA National Steering CommitteeProf. Mary Kelly, Deputy ViceChancellor (Research, Development and Industry), Charles SturtUniversityProf. Andrew Vann, Charles Sturt University

Spotlight Facilitators

Andrew Crowley, TAFE NSW Western InstituteProf. Max Finlayson, Charles Sturt UniversityDr. Kim Houghton, Regional Australia Institute and University of CanberraCassandra Hughes, Shire of Cranbrook and SEGRA National Steering CommitteeCr. Rod Macdonald, Portfolio for Knowledge Economy & Education and Major Projects, City ofGreater Geelong and SEGRA National Steering CommitteeProf. Mark Morrison, Charles Sturt UniversityPaul Rosair, NAJA Business Consulting ServicesProf. Kishor Sharma, Charles Sturt UniversityBronwyn Voyce, Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland & Torres Strait Inc andCairns Millennial Taskforce

Spotlight Discussion Leaders / Speakers



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Ian Aitken, Samsung ElectronicsDr. Parikshit Basu, Charles Sturt UniversityMatt Bennett, TAFE NSW Riverina InstituteDr. Rui Bi, Charles Sturt UniversityAshley Bland, SkillsetSimon Boughey, Cherry Growers Australia and SEGRA National Steering CommitteeProf. Jock Collins, University of Technology SydneyDr. Paul Collits, University of the Sunshine CoastChristine Doan, Malanda NorthA/Prof.. Michelle Evans, Charles Sturt UniversityAnthony Friday, Pilbara Regional CouncilMaxine Greenfield, TAFE WesternDr. Benjamen Gussen, University of Southern QueenslandDr. Jill Guthrie, Australian National UniversityBettyanne Hauville, TAFE NSW Western InstituteJohn Hemphill, Voyager Strategies Pty LtdDebra Howe, Mackay Regional CouncilLani Houston, RDA RiverinaRen Hu, University of WollongongA/Prof. Branka KrivokapicSkoko, Charles Sturt UniversityDr. Devaki Monani, Australian Catholic UniversityProf. Mark Morrison, Charles Sturt UniversityGerry Morvell, Conservation Volunteers and Wetlands AustraliaDr. Thomas Murphy, Charles Sturt UniversityProf. Edward Oczkowski, Charles Sturt UniversityGraham Perry, Inland NSWCraig Randazzo, SkillsetDanielle Ranshaw, Western Research InstituteRobert Reed, Forms Express Pty LtdPaul Rosair, NAJA Business Consulting ServicesJamie Sampson, TAFE WesternLeanne Small, TAFE NSW Riverina InstituteAmanda Spalding, TAFE WesternProf. Kishor Sharma, Charles Sturt UniversityRod Towney, TAFE WesternTodd Williams, RDA HunterCr. Joan White, Goondiwindi Regional Council

Challenge Leaders

Ashley Bland, SkillsetSimon Boughey, Cherry Growers Australia and SEGRA National Steering CommitteeKerry Grace, Evolve NetworkTroy Haines, theSPACE CairnsGerry Morvell, Conservation Volunteers and Wetlands AustraliaLara Wilde, Etheridge Shire Council

Challenge Champions

A/Prof. Peter Waterman, University of the Sunshine Coast and SEGRA National SteeringCommittee



Michael Kitzelmann, Etheridge Shire Council

Regional Best Practice Chairs

A/Prof. Jeremy Buultjens, Southern Cross University and SEGRA National Steering CommitteeKate Charters, Management Solutions (Qld) and SEGRA National Steering CommitteeProf. Mark Morrison, Charles Sturt UniversityBronwyn Voyce, Regional Development Australia Far North Queensland & Torres Strait Inc andCairns Millennial TaskforceA/Prof. Peter Waterman, University of the Sunshine Coast and SEGRA National SteeringCommittee

Regional Best Practice Speakers

Steven Bowman, Bathurst Regional CouncilDr. Lorne Butt, TAFE WesternDr. Ian Gray, Charles Sturt UniversityAlexis Guillot, Pilbara Regional CouncilDr. Jill Guthrie, Australian National UniversityDebra Howe, Mackay Regional CouncilDr. Valerie Ingham, Charles Sturt UniversityProf. Alan Lawton, Federation University AustraliaDaniel Masters, Trade & Investment NSWDr. Sarah Redshaw, Charles Sturt UniversityKen Varcoe, Water Engineers United Pty LtdPaula Walker, TAFE WesternTodd Williams, RDA HunterRyan Wilson, City of KalgoorlieBoulderAnna Wyllie, Parkes Shire Council

Workshop Facilitators

Simon Boughey, Cherry Growers Australia and SEGRA National Steering CommitteeAngus M. Robinson, Leisure Solutions® and Geological Society of AustraliaRobert Prestipino, Vital Places Pty LtdA/Prof. Peter Waterman, University of the Sunshine Coast and SEGRA National SteeringCommittee

Workshop Speakers

Peter Hubert Bishop, Kuro Kin WagyuPeter William Bishop, Kuro Kin WagyuEmma Bradbury, The Murray Darling AssociationKate Charters, Management Solutions (Qld) and SEGRA National Steering CommitteeDaniel Cove, Ecotourism Australia LtdProf. Max Finlayson, Charles Sturt UniversityIan Lewis, Kanawinka Geopark/GeotrailGerry Morvell, Conservation Volunteers and Wetlands AustraliaKenneth Moule, Global GBMMichael Growder, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)Angus M. Robinson, Leisure Solutions® and Geological Society of AustraliaProf. Neil Williams, University of Wollongong

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Ministers

The Hon. Warren Truss MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia

The Hon. Warren Truss MP is Deputy Prime Minister of Australia and theMinister for Infrastructure and Regional Development.

He became Leader of the Nationals in 2007 and is the longest serving federalleader of any political party in Australia today.

A third generation farmer from the Kumbia district near Kingaroy inQueensland, Mr Truss first won the federal seat of Wide Bay in 1990.

He was a Minister in the Howard Government for 10 years, serving as Ministerfor Customs and Consumer Affairs in October 1997, and a year later, Ministerfor Community Services. In July 1999 Mr Truss became the Minister forAgriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, where he served for six years. He becameMinister for Transport and Regional Services in July 2005 and, in September2006, was appointed Minister for Trade.

Before entering Parliament, Mr Truss was a Kingaroy Shire Councillor (1976 to1990), including seven years as Mayor. He was Deputy Chairman of theQueensland Grain Handling Authority and a member of the State Council ofthe Queensland Graingrowers Association for more than 10 years.

Mr Truss is also former State and National President of the Rural YouthOrganisation and President of the Lutheran Youth of Queensland.

At the 2013 federal election, Mr Truss led The Nationals to the Party's bestelectoral result in 30 years.

The Hon. Julie Collins MP, Shadow Minister for Regional Development

and Local Government

The Hon. Julie Collins MP is the Shadow Minister for Regional Developmentand Local Government.

Julie was born in Hobart and was educated locally in TAFE, gaining aCertificate IV in Business Administration. She first joined a union at age 14while working at a local supermarket. Julie reluctantly decided she was unableto continue her education due to financial limitations. Looking back at herexperiences, Julie realises that access to education and information was just asbig a barrier to equality as being poor was, and she vows to ensure that allpeople have access to a quality education.

A passionate, strong voice for health reform, affordable child care, educationand creating local jobs, Julie was elected to parliament in 2007. In 2011, Juliewas appointed Minister for Indigenous Employment and EconomicDevelopment, Community Services, and the Status of Women. In 2012, shewas appointed Minister for Housing and Homelessness.

Julie is married to Ian and is the mother of three young children. Like most



working mothers, Julie has taken an active interest in her children's educationaland sporting activities and has a firsthand understanding of the difficultiesmany families face.

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Keynote Speakers

Lauren Andrews, Rural & Regional Affairs Strategist, Bendigo Bank

BiographyLauren Andrews is the Regional and Rural Affairs Strategist for Bendigo andAdelaide Bank. She was appointed to the newly created role earlier this yearafter the Bank recognised it could do even more to ensure the opportunitiesand challenges facing regional Australians were better represented in publicdiscussions and policy debates. Prior to her current role Lauren led Bendigoand Adelaide Bank's Media and Communications team for eight years, workingclosely with the Bank's staff, customers, community partners, shareholders andvarious other stakeholders including the media and government. Laurenstarted her career as a journalist and worked as a television reporter inregional Australia with WIN News, and in Melbourne at the Seven and ABCnewsrooms. Lauren recently finished her MBA with La Trobe University inBendigo, and is involved with an exciting new initiative to introduce the Bank'sunique Community Bank model to universities across Australia. Lauren lives inBendigo and enjoys road cycling in her spare time.

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Copresenter Ashley Bland, Senior Manager Environment, Skillset

BiographyAshley comes from a commercial organic farming background and studiedengineering and ecology before working in the mining industry in northwestQueensland. He returned to the farm growing broccoli and working as amusician for a period before rejoining the natural resource industry, managingthe ACT and SE NSW for Conservation Volunteers. Meeting the love of hislife resulted in a 3 year sojourn overseas that included 2 years on Cruise ships,much of that as a photographer/videographer. On his return to Australia,Ashley again worked with Conservation Volunteers in a Corporate andGovernment affairs role before his current position with Skillset as SeniorManager Environment.

Throughout this diverse career one constant theme emerges; that of concernand action for environmental issues and the realisation that people are both thesource and the key to our sustainability challenges.

With Skillset, Ashley played a leading role in developing the Flannery Centre,an $8.5 million training facility themed around sustainability and constructedunder the Green Star program to worlds best practice. Through this centreAshley is now offering and developing programs aimed at transformingindividuals and industries, from construction to agriculture, waste and energy.



Ashley remains passionate about the opportunities for regional Australia from anew, greener economy where deceltralised services deliver genuine social,environmental and economic returns for ours and future generations.

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Emma Bradbury, Chief Executive Officer, The Murray Darling Association

BiographyEmma joined the Murray Darling Association in May 2014 in the role of ChiefExecutive Officer she is also a current councillor with the Shire of Campaspe.As the director of a hydraulic engineering and mine maintenance business inthe Bowen Basin, QLD for 15 years and Campus Manager of Bendigo TAFE,Echuca Campus, she has extensive business management experience. With abackground in mixed farming and involvement in local government Emma hasfelt the effects of policy decisions on local communities first hand. Emma iscommitted to the principals of good governance and public participation. Sheholds a Bachelor of Social Science and a Graduate Diploma in Education.

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Don Burke OAM, Director, CTC Productions

BiographyDon Burke, OAM, is an ex President of the Australian Institute of HorticultureNSW and multi Logie winning Executive Producer of both Burke's Backyard &Backyard Blitz TV programs, editor in chief of Burke's Backyard magazine &presenter of Burke's Backyard radio program.

President Aust Institute of Horticulture NSW 19791981 Recipient inaugural Golden Wattle Award 2011 Australia Day Ambassador since 1990 Past board member Landcare Australia Past board member SustainableDevelopment Australia Past Chair Australian Environment Foundation 20052008 Lobbied Federal government & subsequently set up APVMA Member of founding groups: Greening Australia, Year of the Tree, Decade ofthe Tree Recipient 2010 Order of Australia for services to environment,horticulture & the media Patron Retina Australia 1990 to present Current member of University of NSW Science Advisory Committee Ambassador for Asbestos Awareness – 2005 to present

*Presenter and Executive Producer of Burke's Backyard TV program for 17.5years. Received 6 Logies & 2 People's Choice Awards. *Variety Club's 1990 TV Presenter of the Year*Executive Producer of Backyard Blitz received 6 Logies. *Editor in chief of Burke's Backyard Magazine July 1998 to March 2013 *Syndicated radio segments currently going to stations around Australia.*Author of 16 books

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Michael Campbell, Senior Consultant, AEC Group

Designing and Implementing Projects that Deliver Policy Intent

AbstractIs your project a Go'er? How do you know that your project is a good one?There are plenty ideas out there for projects that can improve your community,but how do you know that you have got the right idea? Government agenciesare increasingly seeking projects that are 'investment ready' and provide notonly a community or social benefits, but economic ones as well. Equally, thereis more private sector investment flowing into regional Australia than everbefore, with a wide variety of international investors entering Australia, agrowing number of superannuation funds looking for investments and manyprivate sector investors as well as new avenues, such as crowd funding. Inorder to access funding, projects need to be ready and worthy of funding(public or private sector). This presentation will review ways of investigatingprojects to ensure they have the best chance of success.

BiographyMichael Campbell is a Senior Consultant with AECgroup and has considerableexperience in economic and regional development, which he gained in theUnited States, Europe and Australia. Michael is a trusted adviser to many localand state governments in regards to economic development, regionaldevelopment, investment attraction, tourism and planning. He regularlyprovides advice and guidance related to strategy development, marketing andpromotion, property economics, land use planning, incentives andinfrastructure. Michael also provides advice to private sector companies andproperty developers regarding investment projects across a number of sectorsincluding industrial, hotel, residential and mixed use. Michael's consultancyexperience benefits from his practical background in economic developmentand investment where he has successfully secured corporate investmentsequating to $425 million in capital investment and over 4,000 new jobs. He hasalso engaged with hundreds of businesses about their expansion/relocationplans and built numerous quantitative models to analyse various investmentprojects for corporate clients. Michael has Bachelor of Arts degrees from theUniversity of North Carolina (USA), an International MBA from the MooreSchool of Business, University of South Carolina (USA) and an MBA from theVienna University of Economics and Business Administration (Austria). Michaelis a current member of Economic Development Australia (EDA) and was oneof the first in the country to receive the ACEcD (Australian Certified EconomicDeveloper) accreditation.

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Amanda Chadwick, Executive Director Industry Policy, Economics &

Regional Development,

Department of Industry, NSW

Approaches & Priorities of the NSW Department of Industry to RegionalEconomic Development

Abstract



Regional NSW, home to 2.9 million people, is the largest and most diverseregional economy in Australia. Vital to NSW, it contributes about a third, or$138 million, of Gross State Product. In August 2015, it was the only Australianregional area to record an annual increase in employment. To drive continuedlongterm growth, the NSW Government developed the EconomicDevelopment Strategy for Regional NSW. The Strategy consolidates over 100actions across Government, designed to facilitate competition, invest in thedrivers of productivity and growth, and maximise benefits from publicinvestment. Rebuilding NSW, the biggest infrastructure program in the State'shistory, will boost regional infrastructure investment by $6 billion, to a record$19 billion. A new $190 million Jobs for NSW fund will deliver job creationincentives, and significant investment in skills development will help deliver theworkforce needed for new jobs. The presentation will update on the Strategyand these priority initiatives.

BiographyAmanda Chadwick is Executive Director, Policy & Economics at NSW Trade &Investment. Amanda drives the industry policy and regulatory change agendafor industry investment within NSW. Her team undertakes economic andmarket analysis for NSW Trade & Investment and develops the policies thatsupport industry productivity and innovation and growth in businessemployment and investment. Amanda has a background in the developmentand implementation of government policy. Prior to joining NSW Trade &Investment, Amanda was the Director of Water at the Independent Pricing andRegulatory Tribunal (IPART). Amanda holds qualifications in law andeconomics from ANU and Masters of Science (Regulation) from LondonSchool of Economics.

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Prof. Darryl Low Choy, Professor, Environmental and Landscape

Planning, Griffith University

The Regional Landscape Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists'Blueprint for a Healthy Environment and a Productive Economy

AbstractOver a number of decades now, regional landscapes in Australia have notattracted the same degree of community focus and policy attention as urbanareas largely due to their low population footprints, limited communityprioritisation and poor understanding by urban populations and politiciansgenerally. This has been particularly the case in land use planning and naturalresource management circles. Planning systems and processes for regionallandscape are poorly developed and have had limited application in practice. InSeptember 2014 the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists released theirBlueprint for a Healthy Environment and a Productive Economy. The aim ofthe Blueprint is to describe the magnitude of the environmental challenges thatAustralia faces, establish the case that it is possible to grow the economy andprotect the environment, and to describe some longterm institutional andeconomic reforms that are essential to achieve these ends. This presentationwill outline what the Wentworth Group's Healthy Environment and a ProductiveEconomy's desired scenario could look like for future regional landscapes inAustralia.



BiographyProfessor Darryl Low Choy is Professor of Environmental and LandscapePlanning and Head of Discipline (Planning) in the School of Environment,Griffith University. He has extensive industry experience as a practicing plannerbefore and during his academic career. He has completed a number of majorsecondments to State Government planning initiatives, more recently theQueensland Government's SEQ Regional Plan. He is a qualified professionaltown planner and serves on a number of state and national government boardsthat deal with environmental planning and NRM matters.

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Dr. Jen Cleary, Chair, RDA Far North, Senior Research Fellow, University

of South Australia and SEGRA National Steering Committee

Localism and Leadership in Regional Australia: what do we really need?

AbstractWhy is it that some rural communities thrive, while other, seemingly similarcommunities do not? What are the characteristics of 'thriving' towns that makethem different to 'surviving' towns or even 'diving' towns?' There are manyreasons, not least of which is that every community is unique (or, if you've seenone country town, you've seen one country town). However, one characteristicthat 'thriving' towns seem to share is that they have very effective leaders. Howdo leaders in thriving towns operate? Why are they successful? In thispresentation, I discuss some of the traits of thrivingtown leaders and the waysin which they use their skills to benefit their communities. The presentation isdrawn from my experiences over many years of living, working andresearching in Australia's regional, rural and remote communities. Thepresentation introduces the '6 C's' of effective governance and leadership inlocal contexts: Capacity, Connectedness, Courage, Commitment, Crocodilesand Catalysts.

BiographyDr Jen Cleary is Chair of RDA Far North in South Australia, and a humangeographer with the University of SA. Her research interests lie in regionaldevelopment, rural communities and agriculture. Jen's recent research hasfocused on community participatory planning and local decisionmaking in ruraland remote communities in Australia. She has also recently completed work onfarmer collective bargaining in the agricultural sector and investigated thepotential of Geographical Indications of origin as regional development tools.

Jen is recognised for her leadership in regional Australia and holds a numberof positions that reflect her knowledge and experience. She currently sits onthe Deputy Prime Minister's Regional Australia Reference Group, cochairs theInternational Rural Network and is a member of the SEGRA National SteeringCommittee. Jen also holds an honorary position as Adjunct AssociateProfessor at the Institute for Governance and Policy Analysis at the Universityof Canberra.

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A/Prof. Michelle Evans, Senior Lecturer in Leadership, Charles Sturt

University

Australian Indigenous Entrepreneurial Leadership

AbstractThis presentation will outline the research design for a new ARC Linkage studyinvestigating the impact of human and social capital of Indigenous businessleaders on business routines and outcomes. The research will explore theleadership challenges faced by Indigenous business leaders, including how dothey attempt to overcome these challenges? The research aims to contribute tounderstanding the leadership experiences and perspectives of Indigenousentrepreneurial leaders and better explain the challenges faced and thecontexts Indigenous leaders work with. This study will provide evidence basedresearch and policy advice on effective business education interventions forAustralian Indigenous enterprises and individuals. It will also explore the uniquechallenges Indigenous leaders face in owning or operating commercialenterprises. Chief Investigator, A/Prof. Michelle Evans will speak to the themesthat have emerged from the qualitative data in year one of the ARC projectfocusing on business models of Australian Indigenous enterprises and exploreunanswered theoretical questions.

BiographyA/Prof. Michelle Evans, originally from the Hunter Valley NSW, is a Bathurstbased academic, writer, facilitator and cultural producer. Michelle holds aSenior Lectureship in Leadership at Charles Sturt University and is a ResearchFellow at Melbourne Business School. Michelle leads Australia's firstIndigenous Business Master Class series MURRA established to skill upIndigenous entrepreneurs. Michelle is a Fulbright Scholar (2013); a VisitingFellow of the Centre for Cooperative and Community Based Economy at theUniversity of Victoria, Canada (2012); and is Trustee of the Yvonne CohenAward for Indigenous Creative Young People.

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Prof. Max Finlayson, Director, Institute for Land, Water & Society, Charles

Sturt University

BiographyMax Finlayson has been Director of the Institute for Land, Water and Society atCharles Sturt University, Australia, since the end of 2007, with responsibility forthe Institute's strategic development and delivery of research and technicalguidance to stakeholders. He has over 30 years experience of scientific andconservation research, largely but not only in tropical ecosystems, with over200 papers and other publications on the ecology, assessment, conservationand wise use of coastal and inland wetlands and the ecology of aquatic plants,water pollution and interactions between land uses, such as agriculture andmining. He has been involved in many international projects and globalenvironment assessments (on water, biodiversity, ecosystem services,agriculture, climate change) and has a longstanding interest in, and strongcommitment to, the transfer of environmental science into policyrelevance anddecisionmaking, and the involvement of local people in science and policydevelopment.



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Kerry Grace, Director, Evolve Network

BiographyThrough the past 10 years, Kerry has crafted a business which carries a brandthat is synonymous with an ethical approach, reliability, entrepreneurship andcreativity. These qualities are reflective of Kerry and her unquenchable passionfor her work. Known for her strengths in getting things done, Kerry has beenexploring the role of the enabler over the past few years whilst honing her skillsas a coach. She is now immersed in a learning community of thousandslearning a multitude of skills to better help her clients to live lives that trulymatter to them. Having spent her earlier career in the corporate sector, Kerryfound much more satisfaction working with the community and in this contexthas undertaken contacts with nongovernment organisations and governmentagencies across a broad range of projects incorporating research, servicemanagement, direct service delivery, business development, communityeconomic development and marketing.

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Michael Heard, A/g General Manager, Regional Economic Policy Branch,

Policy and Research Division , Department of Infrastructure and Regional

Development

Progress in Australian Regions

AbstractOver the past year, the Department of Infrastructure and RegionalDevelopment has released several publications that examine regional trendsand patterns that can help to explain the shape of our regions. Progress inAustralian Regions: Yearbook 2014 brings together information aboutAustralia's regions from a range of different sources and presents that data in aconsistent format over time. The Yearbook provides a statistical resource thatcan help answer the question of how our regions are progressing againsteconomic, social, environmental and governance indicators. This informationcan assist governments, private investors and the community to identify trendsthat are important for policy development and investment decisions. State ofRegional Australia 2015 draws on data from Yearbook 2014 to illustrate thetrends and patterns of economic and social progress in regional Australia. Thereport considers changes and patterns in demographics, economics, structuralchange, social progress and infrastructure. State of Regional Australia 2015also includes a number of case studies to demonstrate the different aspects ofthis variation and how they have changed over time.

BiographyMichael Heard is a member of the Policy and Research Division of theCommonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. Hehas worked on a wide range of regional engagement, policy andimplementation issues. At the former Department of Regional Australia he hada number of roles relating to the national Regional Development Australiacommittee network. Michael has also worked at the Department of Defence



and the Australian Public Service Commission.

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Kristian Kolding, Associate Director, Deloitte Access Economics

Australia's Economic Outlook

AbstractAs always, the Australian economy is facing challenges and opportunities. Ourgreatest current challenge is China. China is slowing as it manages the difficulttransition away from constructionfuelled growth. Falling demand from ourlargest trading partner has accelerated the decline in the price of our resourceexports and investment in the resources sector. Beyond the immediatechallenges however, Australia is also facing long term demographicheadwinds, as our population ages and the participation rate declines.Together these forces represent our productivity challenge: factors that have inthe past supported growth in living standards are now weighing on per capitaincome growth, and we must find new ways to boost productivity in order tocontinue increasing our living standards. At the same time, Australia ismanaging its own transition. Growth drivers are changing as businessinvestment falls, resource exports rise, and lower interest and exchange ratesfavour growth in the southeastern states. So where will future productivitycome from? First and foremost, Australia must take full advantage of the Asianopportunity on our doorstep, and free trade agreements are an encouragingstep in the right direction. Yet Australia must also tackle the more complexissue of economic reform. Deloitte has recently released the first of two reportsshedding light on the tax reform debate, and in October, we will release thefifth instalment in the Building the Lucky Country series. The steps outlined inthese reports are just some of many that Australia will have to take if it is tomaintain current living standards, and capitalise on more than two decades ofeconomic growth.

Biography Kristian Kolding joined Deloitte through the acquisition of Access Economics in2011. He is an Associate Director in Deloitte Access Economics'Macroeconomic Policy and Forecasting team where he undertakes much ofthe economic forecasting underlying publications such as Business Outlookand Building the Lucky Country. Kristian's economic consulting experiencecovers a wide range of areas, including industrial relations, infrastructureprivatisations, and education and labour market policy. Prior to joining AccessEconomics, Kristian completed a Masters of Economics in Denmark and spenttime working in India. He is currently undertaking his MBA at the AustralianGraduate School of Management and in his spare time Kristian enjoys gettingoutdoors to coach his soccer team.

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Peter McMillan, Executive Officer, RDA Central West

Biography



Peter McMillan joined RDA Central West in April 2013. Prior to that, he workedin supply chain management and headed up the planning and logistics team atSimplot's value added seafood plant in Bathurst. Over the past 20 years, Peterhas held management roles with Simplot in Melbourne and with BHP Billiton inthe Illawarra region and Northern Territory. Peter completed a Bachelor ofCommerce Degree at the University of New South Wales, including asecondment to Copenhagen to undertake an International Business StudiesProgram. During his time in Europe, Peter witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall.He enjoys travelling, cycling and reading.

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Gerry Morvell, Chair, Conservation Volunteers Australia and Chair,

Wetlands Australia

Don't Demonise Carbon! It is Essential to Regional landscapes, Ruraland Remote Communities and You

AbstractWorldwide many moralising and mischievous activists and illinformed andheadline seeking media commentators are demonising the terms 'carbon' andcoal with catchall cries to for a "carbon free economy", a "fossil fuel free world"and to "leaveitin the ground". Such demonising is being done in extremeignorance of what the words really mean in ecological, economic and socialterms. Scant regard is being given to the reality that carbon is the foundationelement of all forms of life on earth and that it is essential for the maintenanceof the biophysical environment and our livelihoods and lifestyles.

Yes, nations must move quickly to reduce and mitigate the deleterious effectsof emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gasses that are forcingfactors for accelerated global warming. And this is where the confusioncommences. Carbon is not carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gasses aspromoted at times in media 'shorthand'. Rather, it is a chemical element thatforms a vast number of compounds many of which have as yet unmeasuredvalue to mankind. Many scientists and technologists argue that carbon will befor the 21st century what iron and steel were for the 19th and 20th centuries.And coal is a mineral of fossilised carbon, which among many uses, is essentialfor the production of steel, plastics, carbon polymers and pharmaceuticalproducts.

The proposition: Don't demonise carbon! It is essential to regional landscapes,rural and remote communities, a sustainable future and you serves to remindus of the value of retaining and putting carbon into the soil to maintain andenhance production and conservation landscapes. As well, it highlights of theinherent value of coal as a source of new 21st Century products, rather thansimple burning a valuable nonrenewable resource to generate electric powerusing 19th century technology. For example, producing and using 'carboninwater' fuel from either brown or black coal to reduce the vulnerability of primaryproducers, the mining industry and the transport sector across rural andremote regional production landscapes to the insecurity of imported diesel.Carbon could also serve as a medium for energy storage for intermittentrenewable sources and is essential for the production of silicon metal for thesolar industry and turbine blades for the wind industry. Many new technologiesthat underpin energy efficiency are carbon based.



Maximising the benefits that carbon can bring to production and conservationlandscapes and reducing greenhouse gas emission could in fact be achievedby moving towards having an 'enhancedcarbon society and economy'.

BiographyGerry is a company director and consultant on environment and energy issuesincluding conservation, low emission technologies and waste tyre waste. Hehas experience as a senior executive in the Australian Government where hewas responsible for high level policy and program advice on range of issuesincluding low emissions energy, environmental assessment, coastal andmarine policies, climate change, and sustainable industry development. He hasextensive high level governance experience in Australian and internationalorganisations including the United Nations Headquarters. He chairs of theboards of Conservation Volunteers Australia, Conservation Volunteers NewZealand, WetlandCare Australia, Brown Coal Innovation Australia and TyreStewardship Australia

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Kristine PetersDeray, Independent Researcher & Artist

A New Creative Engagement Model for Robust Community Consultationand Interaction

AbstractThis paper introduces the concept of creative engagement as a novel methodto elicit tactic knowledge from people in regional communities; in this casethroughout riverine systems of the Murray Darling Basin. The equitable andeffective distribution of limited water is challenging for those communitieswhose identity and livelihood are linked to water access and usage. Highlyprofiled contention around the initial Murray Darling Basin Plan was evidenceof what can occur when the wider community is not actively and appropriatelyengaged in the planning process. This paper proposes that creative events or'public interactives' can provide platforms from which to collect and collate'spoken about' knowledge held in communities. Such platforms are supportiveof a grass roots response that can be focused through provision of a nonthreatening space for social interaction. Leveraging creative engagement as acommunication 'tool' could have benefit over more traditional means (such as,meetings, charts, text reports and / or spreadsheets) as such events allowpeople to 'unpack' the dataset in a way that humanizes the information. This isdue to the nature of such events that rely upon interactive experiences in publicsettings accessed through digital technology. This is a different approach totraditional Research and Critical Analysis and yet capable of equal rigor. Thispaper describes the conceptual modeling of creative engagement, the stagesof a project, and through a scenario demonstrates the potential of the methodto gain information that reflects knowledge relative to a complex issue in thiscase, water.

BiographyKristine has worked in the creative arts space as a choreographer and visualartist before completing a PhD in computing science. After leaving her mostrecent post at the University of Technology Sydney, Kristine has continued herfascination with human/IT interfaces and visual arts. Ashley Bland has anecological engineering background, designing and implementing environmentalprojects spanning natural landscapes to renewable energy. Together they have



collaborated on creative use of technology and gamification in engaging thecommunity and eliciting behaviour change.

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Robert Prestipino, Director, Vital Places Pty Ltd

PlaceBased Investable Business Cases

AbstractWhat does your community do if you don't have the good fortune of havingobvious strategic infrastructure within your region? Even if you do, how canyou ensure there will be long term local benefits? Today, all regionalcommunities face the challenge of transitioning into the new economy. Tosucceed, communities will need to facilitate economic development thatstrengthens their unique sense of place as well as the regional economy. Thispresentation will outline a smarter and faster way for communities to leveragetheir unique local assets into more highly investable business cases forregionally significant projects.

Has Place Been Hacked by the Hipsters?

AbstractWe know place is the foundation of local identity, regional character and theeconomic opportunities of the 21st century but, are we prepared to create theplaces that will thrive in this rapidly changing world. Could our love of place beour greatest weakness? Do we really understand the true nature of theexperiential economy? This presentation explores the typical journey of wellmeaning placemaking and shines light on the deeper motivations needed tosolve the 'wicked problems' confronting the future social and economic vitalityof regional communities.

BiographyRobert specialises in helping regional communities identify local growthstrategies and catalyst projects that support regional sustainability and locallifestyle. For more than 25 years, Robert has worked with government,community and local business stakeholders to develop innovative solutions anddeliver more with less to ensure regional communities secure a vibrant future.He is a qualified Urban Designer, Registered Landscape Architect, CorporateMember of the Planning Institute of Australia, Member of EconomicDevelopment Australia, An Australian Certified Economic Developer and LocalEcommerce Marketer.

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Robert Reed, Director, Forms Express Pty Ltd

Practical Ways to Build Social Capital and Business Enterprises ofLocal Levels: response to global drivers



AbstractGeelong has a proud manufacturing history, but global drivers mean that thiswill not be Geelong's future. This presentation is about the shaping of one partof Geelong's future, ICT, where it started, who were the drivers, what was thevision. Its about the building of the ecosystem, how this has progressed, whatworked and what were the lessons learnt.

BiographyIn more than 30 years in business, Robert Reed has worked closely withnumerous "startups".

Robert has a proven track record in identifying market needs, the technologiesthat address them and in building and selling successful companies.

Under Robert's direction, Forms Express Pty Ltd has grown from supplyingbilling services to one council, to today supplying billing services to over 175councils and utilities throughout Australia. Forms Express has received manyawards and continues to receive accolades for its innovation.

In November 2007, FE Technologies installed its first RFID based librarysystem at Geelong Grammar, and through Robert's direction, it had installedsystems in over 600 libraries in 6 countries by mid 2014.

Robert is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of HealthRFID thatuses RFID technology to enable doctors to provide patients with a whole newlevel of service to hospitals to minimise waste of a very precious resource,blood.

As CEO of RFID Technologies Robert's primary focus is to chair thedevelopment of the novel printed RFID project, and liaison with partners toassist with the commercialisation of the technology in various markets.

Today, through Forms Express, HealthRFID, RFID Technologies, and otherinvestments, Robert has the privilege of using technology to help changepeople's lives.

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Mark Ritchie, Executive Officer, RDA Riverina

BiographyMark is currently the Executive Officer for RDA Riverina having recently takenup the role and relocated back to Wagga Wagga after 2 years as the ChiefExecutive Officer of Landcare Tasmania. From time as a Jackeroo in WesternAustralia, to the Environmental Manager for the North Australian PastoralCompany in Western Queensland and Policy Director with the Cattle Councilof Australia in Canberra, Mark has travelled and worked extensively in thefarming and grazing zones across Australia. He has over twenty five years'experience within the government, commercial and community not for profitsectors, predominantly from an agricultural and natural resource managementperspective. Mark is also a Churchill Fellow having studied a range ofenvironmental management issues relevant to the pastoral industry andcommercial agriculture, in Canada and the United States.

Originally from the western Riverina, Mark is passionate about the sustainablemanagement of the regions' natural resources and the role community can playin driving economic growth and development. The Riverina region is home to



some of the smartest industry innovators in Australia and is a significanteconomic driver for the NSW and Australian economies. With the potential forsignificant growth and expansion within a number of industries, particularlyagriculture, RDA Riverina is currently facilitating projects to develop the righttools, opportunities and infrastructure to allow these industries to develop andgrow into the future.

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Tony Slatyer, First Assistant Secretary Water Division, Department of

Agriculture and Water Resources

BiographyMr Slatyer is a First Assistant Secretary in the Australian GovernmentDepartment of Agriculture and Water Resources. He heads the Water Divisionof the Department. In this role, Mr Slatyer has been a lead adviser to theAustralian Government on water resource policy responses to the millenniumdrought, improvements to the national water market, and the current MurrayDarling Basin water reform. Before holding this position, Mr Slatyer held anumber of senior executive positions in the Australian Government, withenvironment, transport and regional development policy responsibilities. MrSlatyer has also held the positions of Executive Director of the AustralianGovernment Bureau of Transport and Regional Economics, and DeputySecretary General of the Pacific Islands Forum based in Fiji. Mr Slatyer holdsdegrees in Law and Arts from the Australian National University and has beenawarded the Public Service Medal.

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Felicity TaylorEdwards, Chief Executive Officer, RDA Orana

BiographyFelicity is currently the CEO of RDA Orana, based in Dubbo NSW. The Oranais a large area comprising 13 LGAs and covers 25% of the landmass of NSW.Felicity leads a team in the Orana with a focus on economic development andinnovative and collaborative practice in all of RDAs work. She has lived andworked in the Central West of NSW for the past 15 years working with bothNSW State and the Federal Government and NGOs, primarily in CommunityDevelopment and Policy roles with a focus on Indigenous Affairs and skillsdevelopment. Felicity also spent many years living and working in Cape Yorkand the Gulf of Carpentaria in north Qld and Arnhem Land NT.

She is passionate about regional Australia, its contribution to the economy ofthe State and Nation and the need to regain some equilibrium andaccountability for outcomes of social investment balanced with the need forinfrastructure and economic development. She is particularly interested in theneed for economic investment to drive economies where people want to liveand work, local decision making and accountability and clear outcomes allbeing high on her agenda. Felicity likes to work "outside the square" andnaturally innovates and brings collaboration and a partnered approach to allprojects. She believes strongly in the need for regional leadership and isprepared to put RDA up to facilitate that.



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Prof. Andrew Vann, ViceChancellor, Charles Sturt University

Leadership: what does it mean, how is it evidenced, advocacy andlobbying

AbstractThis presentation will focus on leadership in the context of regional Australiaand the part effective leadership can play when drawing attention to regionalissues, advocating the regional voice and lobbying for regional change.

Regional Australia fulfils a peculiar place in the national psyche in that whilst itis celebrated as a fundamental part of the national character, it is alsofrequently regarded as being inherently disadvantaged and problematic.

It is also notable that 'regional' is a flexible concept depending on where youstand. For example, the 2012 NSW Long Term Transport Master Planidentified Parramatta as NSW's premier regional city which seems somewhathumorous on the other side of the Blue Mountains.

As leaders, it is important that we advocate the fundamental strength ofregional Australia and clearly identify structural issues specific to regionalcommunities and economies. This allows us to lobby more effectively and togenerate innovative ideas around ways to address these issues.

Major media organisations and a number of key decision makers are based incapital cities. This adds a level of complexity to not only describing the uniqueissues of regional Australia, but also ensuring a collaborative understandingand attention to the issues, beyond those publicised in stereotypical ways.

Social media and online communication is connecting regional Australia andproviding a voice in a way never previously possible. Harnessing the power ofviral communication has provided different and innovative opportunities to gainattention for regional issues at a national level.

Finally, the presentation will discuss lobbying at all levels and its place increating effective advocacy. The political, economic and demographicstructures of issues and their advocates affect what can be achieved.However, developing a longterm strategy and providing a voice allowsbusiness, media and political cycles to be used when opportunities presentthemselves.

BiographyProfessor Vann trained as a civil engineer and worked in engineeringconsultancy before completing a PhD in the Civil Engineering Systems Groupat University of Bristol in 1994.

He lectured in structural engineering at University of Bristol prior to coming toAustralia in 1996 where he took up a similar post in the Faculty of Engineeringat Central Queensland University in Rockhampton. During this time he pursuedresearch interests in structural monitoring and artificial intelligence as well asleading pedagogical change in moving the Bachelor of Engineering at CQU toa projectbased format.

He held various senior academic and administrative roles at CQU before



joining James Cook University in North Queensland in 2004 as Pro ViceChancellor Information Services and Technologies, subsequently Pro ViceChancellor and, from 2008, was Senior Deputy ViceChancellor withresponsibility for the Faculties and Teaching and Learning.

Professor Vann joined Charles Sturt University as ViceChancellor inDecember 2011.

He has held a number of board and community leadership roles, is a Fellow ofthe Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Fellow of the AustralianInstitute of Management, Associate Fellow of the Australian Rural LeadershipFoundation and a Fellow of the Institute of Engineers Australia.

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Brent Williams, General Manager Constraints Management Taskforce,

Murray Darling Basin Authority

BiographyComing Soon

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Regional Collaborative Investment Summit Facilitators and Speakers

Christine Doan, Director, Malanda North

The Apprenticeships of the 21st Century

AbstractThis interactive talk lures the audience through human cultural/economicdevelopment by focusing on how differently 'apprenticeships' have beenorganised at each new stage: agricultural economy, industrial ; information,and finally today's emerging creative economy. Although no developmentalframework is addressed directly, evolution of culture underpins the concept.Because the power point gives structure to a 30 to 40 minute presentationmore Socratic than lecturing in nature, it is very simplified. Regardless of thesimplistic approach, the understanding that human culture develops but does



not extinguish previous 'levels', rather transcends and includes them, comesacross very clearly without any theoretical rhetoric on that subject. Manyparticipants experience truly AHA moments when they realise that the tradeswhich we most often identify as apprenticeships , are, in fact, the still relevant,but no longer leading edge remnants of an industrial era which once createdhuge wealth and increases in living standards. Today working in a factory is notseen as a crowning achievement, as that status has long given way tobusiness success in finance and services. The fact that the 'apprenticeships' ofthe information economy (eg. uni degrees, internships with internet giants) arenow giving way to the next level of cultural/economic development in thecreative economy is also a revelation to many. The novel analysis of events likeStart Up Weekends and Crowdfunding as the 'apprenticeships' of the 21stcentury, requires some grounding in historical context in order to hit home.Interestingly, this original idea does hit home at every telling, regardless of thesophistication or age of the audience. Once experientially contextualisedthrough requiring the audience to answer penetrating but, on reflection, quiteanswerable though largely unasked questions, this presentation leaveslisteners not only energised but also thoughtful. They carry away a newperspective which can instantly find pragmatic application in most lives.

BiographyChristine Doan has a long history of creating a success out of taking a differentperspective. She immigrated to Australia in 1970 when America was cluelessabout its location on the globe. She delved into alternative therapies andapplied them to horses in the seventies when alternative therapies for humanswere few and far between. She successfully applied that twist, and herpenchant for being able to spot talent, to a berth on the Australian Olympicteam in Barcelona, 1992.

After selling two Grand Prix horses in Europe for gobsmacking amounts ofmoney, she dug herself out of Olympic debt and charged into the arena ofsustainable industry, first in forestry, now in real estate development, takinginnumerable side tracks along the way.A community advocacy addict and devoted fan of the Atherton Tablelands, sheis determined to find solutions to rural economic development dilemmas forherself and her community.

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Paul Niederer, Chair, CIM Australia

BiographyPaul Niederer is one of world's leading authorities in collaborative and equitybased crowdfunding investments and raisings. He is CEO of a revolutionaryfunding platform at the Collaborative Investment Management Australia. Hehas personally been involved in transactions with 90 different entities seekingcapital. Paul also consults to a number of organisations and governmentsinternationally on how to structure their funding portals, processes andregulations to successfully manage funding with transparency governance.Internationally he is known as "Mr Governance" due to the fraud free reign hemanaged while CEO of ASSOB, the world's oldest equity crowdfundingplatform. ASSOB raised $146 million for over 300 Australian companies usingtechniques tailored by Paul and his team over many years. Paul lives south ofBrisbane on Australia's eastern coast and relishes the opportunity to discusspeer to peer finance developments and any moves towards better governancein fund raising and the democratisation of capital.



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Rural & Remote Regions Research Agenda

Dr. Jay Rajapakse, Lecturer Science and Engineering Faculty,

Queensland University of Technology

BiographyJay Rajapakse is a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Water andEnvironmental Management, UK and is a Lecturer in the School of Earth,Environmental and Biological Sciences at QUT. On gaining a doctoral degreein public health engineering, as a Deans Scholar from University CollegeLondon (UCL), he worked as a postdoctoral researcher in water treatmentat UCL and at Imperial College London, jointly with Anglian Water ServicesPlc (Alton Water Treatment Works). He was the project engineer for SalfordCivil Engineering Ltd (SCEL, UK) for two years and subsequently joined thePNG University of Technology as a Lecturer in 1997 rising to be an AssociateProfessor in 2008. On leaving PNG, Jay spent a year at CambridgeUniversity on a sabbatical attachment investigating new filter media for waterfiltration while gaining an MPhil degree in engineering from CambridgeUniversity before joining QUT in 2010. Between 2005 and 2007, Jay wonthree competitive international awards: two from UNESCODaimler Chrysler(Water treatment solutions for remote communities, Mondialogo EngineeringAward, Berlin 2005 and India 2007); and one award from the World Bank(Innovations in Water and Sanitation), Washington DC, in 2006.

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A/Prof. Peter Waterman, Adjunct Associate Professor in Environmental

Science, University of the Sunshine Coast

Sources and Quality of Domestic Water for Northern Australia: an initialoverview and evaluation

AbstractAustralia wide the social and economic viability of many small towns andisolated communities in rural and remote regions is threatened by theinadequacy of domestic water supplies. Often, the limited quantity of poorquality water that is available for human consumption is an environmentalthreat to population health. Maintaining and expanding populations is central tothe development of rural and remote regions in Northern Australia. Withoutaffordable secure and safe potable water, many existing towns will not be ableto expand and the development of new settlements to support emergingregional enterprises could be seriously constrained.

The 2014 report of the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia (JSCNA2014) noted that there were: ongoing water supply challenges in many areas



and that the seasonality of water availability was considered a 'limitationspecific to the region'. However, the report did not dimension this area of issueand only indicated that 'water supply' was one social and economyinfrastructure constraint along with education, health, energy provision androads. Arguably, the provision of secure and safe domestic water supplies is an'interjurisdiction' challenge that must be addressed as a matter of urgency ifthe vision for the development of Northern Australia is to be realised.

This paper provides an overview and evaluation of potential regionaldevelopment constraints arising from the lack of secure and safe water acrossnorthern Australia. Sources of domestic water are broadly identified anddimensioned spatially and quantitatively using governmental reports andscientific and technical literature. As such, this paper seeks to make an initial acontribution to the regional strategic planning necessary to underpinagricultural, pastoral, tourism, mining and related initiatives across NorthernAustralia. Specifically, to explore how such constraints may impact onpopulation growth and the socioeconomic viability of existing and new regionalsettlements. Finally, we seek to indicate ways forward to ensure that adequateand healthy water is an integral component of the economic and socialinfrastructure of Northern Australia.

BiographyVisit: http://www.segra.com.au/segra_committee.html#peterwaterman

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Plenary Chairs

Prof. Mary Kelly, Deputy ViceChancellor (Research, Development and

Industry), Charles Sturt University

BiographyProfessor Mary Kelly was appointed Acting Deputy ViceChancellor(Research, Development and Industry) (DVC RDI) in June 2015. Prior totaking up this position, Professor Kelly was Director, Major Grants and ExternalLinks at CSU.

Professor Kelly is responsible to the ViceChancellor for the administration ofresearch and research training at CSU which includes governance of sixResearch Centres, the Research Office, and the newly expanded Office of theDVC RDI which since late June 2015 includes the Pro ViceChancellorInternational, Education and Partnerships Prof. Heather Cavanagh and thePro ViceChancellor Indigenous Prof. Jeannie Herbert. This expansion isintended to bring new dimensions to the Portfolio and strengthen theconnectivity across the university around research as guided by the ResearchNarrative and the Research SubPlan 20152016.

Professor Kelly's background includes a BSc Hons. Biochemistry (UniversityCollege Dublin), PhD Microbiology (University of Georgia) as a FulbrightScholar, Conway Postdoctoral Fellow and Health Research Board Fellow,University College Dublin, and over a decade in professional researchmanagement positions including Science Foundation Ireland, University ofCanberra and 5 years at the Australian Research Council in a number of

http://www.segra.com.au/segra_committee.html#peterwaterman



different roles including Director, Program Operations NCGP and BranchManager Strategy.

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Spotlight Facilitators

Andrew Crowley, Director VET Delivery, TAFE NSW Western Institute

BiographyAndrew began his professional career as a social worker in rural New SouthWales, gaining experience in interacting with people from all walks of life inAustralia and also overseas. Since 2004, Andrew has been part of the seniormanagement team at TAFE Western which specialises in excellence invocational education and training across an area more than half of NSW.Andrew is employed as the Director VET Delivery – Production Industries. Inthis position Andrew provides leadership to 350 staff across a variety ofteaching disciplines in the production, service and trade sectors.

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Dr. Kim Houghton, General Manager, Policy and Research, Regional

Australia Institute and Adjunct Associate Professor, University of

Canberra

The Future Economic Performance of Australia's Regions

AbstractThe presentation will detail the findings of the RAI's analysis of economicmodelling results for every Australian LGA to 2030. Based on an optimistic,pessimistic and business as usual scenario, the range of future economicoutcomes for each LGA have been estimated. Areas most likely to outperformor underperform, to be stable or volatile in response to macroeconomicchanges are revealed by this analysis. This has significant implications fordevelopment approaches and priorities in regions around Australia.

Working with SMEs

AbstractSMEs are often characterised as the 'engine room' of an economy even moreso in many regional economies where they make up the vast majority ofbusinesses. How can regional leaders and economic development practitionerswork most effectively to harness and extend the capacity and potential of thesebusinesses? The first part of the workshop will have participants sharing theirexperiences in working with SMEs, discovering the success factors and pitfalls.



The second part will step through practical application of five tools andresources for supporting SME growth: Energizing Entrepreneurs (Centre forRural Entrepreneurship US) NxLevel (Western Entrepreneurial Network US)Economic Gardening (Chris Gibbons, Colorado) IDEAS business innovationevaluation system (Jack English, UTAS) Springboard Business DevelopmentProgram (Kim Houghton) The strengths and weaknesses of each tool andresource will be covered, and discussed to highlight the filtering needed toselect the right approach for the target group of SMEs. Some programs workbest for groups of compatible growthoriented businesses, while others workbest for independentlyminded individuals either starting out or expanding. Thethird part of the workshop will involve participants designing an SME growthprogram matched to the needs of their region.

BiographyKim Houghton established specialist consultancy firm Strategic EconomicSolutions in 1997 to help regional communities understand and prosper fromeconomic changes happening around them. Under Kim's leadership thecompany has undertaken many practical and research projects on issuesaffecting regional economic growth. The company has also created innovativeprograms to help small businesses directly including the Springboard BusinessDevelopment program. Kim previously worked at the Australian NationalUniversity in Pacific economic relations, and in the Department of the PrimeMinister and Cabinet. Kim has a PhD in economics from the University ofTasmania and a BSc from the University of Tasmania.

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Prof. Mark Morrison, SubDean (Research), Professor in Economics,

Charles Sturt University

Determining the Factors Influencing the Success of Private andCommunityOwned Indigenous Business Across Remote, Regional andUrban Australia

AbstractThis is the first largescale study that incorporates a systematic analysis of theissues facing different types of Indigenous businesses across different locationsof Australia. It is the first large scale (360 Indigenous entrepreneurs) andnational (covering Indigenous enterprises in urban, regional and remote areasof all states and territories of Australia apart from Tasmania) analysis of thecontemporary Indigenous business enterprise landscape, with a focus onmicro, small and medium Indigenous enterprises. Indigenous privateenterprises are the main focus of this research, although the research alsoincluded communityowned businesses and cooperatives. The qualitativemethodology included indepth interviews with 38 Indigenous entrepreneurswhile the quantitative methodology involved a survey of 324 Indigenousentrepreneurs in private (n=263), community (n=51) and cooperative (n=10)enterprises. The findings indicate that Indigenous businesses operate across arange of industry sectors and that business success as measured by growth,number of employees, sales revenue and longevity depends crucially on theadoption of sound business practices and the receiving of business support.Overall, a picture emerges from these results of what drives the growth ofIndigenous businesses across Australia. Business growth is driven by theadoption of a range of quality business practices including marketing practices,accounting systems, ICT, business planning and being able to adaptivelyrespond to changes in the market. Business growth also depends on gettingappropriate support to help improve these practices, including a tertiary



education, involvement in business networks, mentoring (for older businesses),having a spouse and potentially accessing finance.

BiographyProfessor Mark Morrison researches in the area of environmental economicsand environmental marketing. In environmental economics he has publishedwidely on nonmarket valuation, and has worked on several high profiledecisions including assisting the MurrayDarling Basin Authority with benefitestimation for the Basin Plan, and two Copyright Tribunal hearings on thevalue of music. Mark is interested in the use of incentive programs and hasconducted several projects with a number of catchment managementauthorities and regional bodies investigating how to encourage landholderparticipation, particularly among difficult to reach landholder segments. Hiswork in environmental marketing includes research on climate changecommunication, and household demand management of electricity. He hasalso conducted research in the area of marketing education.

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Paul Rosair, NAJA Business Consulting Services

The Current State of the Regional Development in Western Australia

AbstractRegional Development in Western Australia has experienced unprecedentedgrowth and challenges as a result of the establishment and implementation ofthe State Government's 2008 Royalties for Regions (R4R) program. In its 7thyear of operation it has faced many challenges and criticism but has survivedintense political, media and public scrutiny to achieve bipartisan support at the2013 State election. The R4R program has recently been described by thePremier of Western Australia as The Royalties for Regions program has hadthe biggest effect on regional Western Australia in our history, and I don't thinkthere is anything equivalent to it elsewhere in Australia maybe the SnowyMountains Scheme in the 50s. Over $4bn has been invested since 2008directly into regional Western Australia through some 3500 projects. This hasresulted in major infrastructure, economic diversification and communitydevelopment across the state including initiatives such as the $330m OrdIrrigation expansion, $1.2bn Pilbara Cities, $90m Regional Mobiletelecommunications, $300m Indigenous Economic Development and $80mSupertowns, to name just a few. This unparalleled investment has faced manychallenges in areas of governance, capability, land tenure, native title,government approvals, fiscal policy and planning alignment across all fourlayers of government; Federal, State, Regional and Local. This presentationwill provide a candid and unique insight, overview and reflections on the last sixhalcyon years, the journey, the learnings and more importantly the lessonslearnt, contentiousness faced and more importantly the opportunities to berealised for the future.

BiographyPaul was the inaugural Director General of the Department of RegionalDevelopment and Lands formed in July 2009, now the Principal of NAJAConsulting. Paul was responsible for the establishment and administration ofthe Royalties for Regions program, commencing 2008. He managed initiativessuch as the Ord Expansion, Supertowns, and Pilbara Cities.

The R4R program was recently described by the Premier of Western Australiaas: "The Royalties for Regions program has had the biggest effect on regional



Western Australia in our history, and I don't think there is anything equivalent toit elsewhere in Australia – maybe the Snowy Mountains Scheme in the 50s."

Paul has worked across government in environment, water, land management,Aboriginal affairs, infrastructure, planning, corporate service and NRMportfolios. He has a broad perspective on policy and strategic issuesconfronting regional Australia. He works across all layers of government,federal, state, regional and local.

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Prof. Kishor Sharma, Professor of Economics, Charles Sturt University

Internal Migration Across Regional Australia: the impact of industrialchange

AbstractInternal Migration Across Regional Australia: the impact of industrial changeAbstract In Australia, the analysis of the internal migration across regionalareas smaller than states has been restricted by the availability of suitable data.This paper endeavours to use a new experimental data set produced by theAustralian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) which records the internal migration ofAustralians between substate regions over the period 2006/7 to 2010/11. Thisperiod is of particular interest in inland and remote Australia as it follows onfrom a severe national drought which adversely impacted agriculture and itsrelated industries and coincided with the latter stages of a mining boom drivenby demand from China. Understanding the impact of these events onpopulation, and hence labour, mobility is essential for the effective developmentand implementation of government policy. We use the new ABS data inconjunction with data on regional economic performance to apply a fixedeffects regression model to explain the impact of the economic performance ofthe regions on their internal migration experiences.

Biography

Professor Sharma teaches economics and researches on trade anddevelopment issues. He is the author and editor of seven books and over 80journal articles and book chapters. Prior to joining CSU in 1992, ProfessorSharma worked for the UNDP. He has been a consultant to the UN agenciesand the Asian Development Bank.

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Bronwyn Voyce, CoDeputy Chair, Regional Development Australia Far

North Queensland & Torres Strait Inc and CoFounder, yRepublic

Cairns Millennial Taskforce

BiographyBronwyn's knowledge extends across the public and private sectors and shehas worked with industry as well as with corporates, SME's and startups. Hercrosssector experience affords her with solid business acumen, strategic



communication, project management and problem solving skills. Most recently,Bronwyn was the Senior Economic Development and Innovation Officer atCairns Regional Council where she led the development and implementationof the G20 Economic Leveraging Strategy for Cairns; enhanced the region'sinnovation and entrepreneurship agenda; and worked with key national andinternational stakeholders to attract investment and grow business into theregion. Bronwyn's genuine and professional qualities enable her to shine as awell networked, highly respected and valued leader in her field. Her peersdescribe her as a talented thinker and a compelling doer with a passion forachieving excellence in all she does. With a love for learning, Bronwyn has aGraduate Certificate in Economic Development, a Masters in International andCommunity Development and a Diploma in Business Management andAdministration.

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Spotlight Discussion Leaders / Speakers

Ian Aitken, Director, Engineering and Solutions, Samsung Electronics

BiographyIan has worked in the IT industry for more than 20 years, and in that time hasworked for four companies, the most recent being worldleading electronicscompany, Samsung Electronics as Director of Engineering and Solutions. Priorto Samsung Electronics Ian worked for Cisco Systems for 13 years culminatingin his role as Regional Engineering Director. Within that time Ian has gainedextensive knowledge and experience in both Software Development,Hardware Development, Post and Pre Sales Engineering and manyOperational aspects of client side IT environments. This includes Enterprise,Data Centre and Service Provider technologies, processes and practices.

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Dr. Parikshit Basu, Associate Professor in Economics/Finance, Charles

Sturt University

The Determinants of the Adoption of Current Recommended Practicesfor Natural Resource Management in the Wimmera Region of Australia

Abstract

The Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (WCMA) is responsible forapproximately 30,000 square kilometres of land in the west of the state ofVictoria in Australia. The predominant land use in the Wimmera is agriculturewhich is primarily responsible for the clearing of 85 percent of the region'snative vegetation. The 20032008 Wimmera Regional Catchment Strategy(WRCS) confirmed the natural resource management (NRM) priorities for theWimmera Region. The Strategy document identified a number of currentrecommended practices (CRP), the adoption of which would contribute to thefuture sustainability of the region. Qualitative research identified thirteen critical



CRPs that were investigated in a survey of landmanagement practices in theWimmera. The research reported in this paper is based on the data collected inthis survey of over 1200 of the region's landholders. Our research, using aneconometric model for count data, seeks to identify the determinants of thenumber of CRPs taken up by the regions landholders and to provide policyrecommendations for enhancing the future adoption of NRM activities in theregion.

Earnings Outcomes in Metropolitan and Regional Labour Markets: agender based analysis for New South Wales

AbstractGender issues have frequently been highlighted in the many analyses of urbanAustralian labour markets. This paper seeks to establish if discrimination bygender differs between regional and urban communities in the Australiancontext. The conceptual framework used in this research is in the tradition ofhuman capital analysis. We first analyse, separately, determinants of hourlywage rates and weekly incomes by gender in Australian metropolitan cities andregional areas. We then utilise the BlinderOaxaca procedure, to decomposethe mean outcome differences between men and women within a region intothat part that is 'explained' by gender differences in endowments and that partwhich remains unexplained by such differences and which therefore provides ameasure of discrimination. The data is drawn from individual levelconfidentialised unit record files (CURF) data of the 2006 Australian Census.Genderbased analysis is conducted for each region, Sydney, regional NSW,Melbourne and regional Victoria, with a view to discerning if the impact of thedeterminants vary spacially. The research confirmed that gender plays animportant role in influencing labour market outcomes. The research alsoidentified a number of factors that impact on both hourly wages and weeklyearnings and assessed how these factors impacted differently for men andwomen across metropolitan and regional areas. The results indicate that, ingeneral, differences exist between men and women in hourly wage rate andweekly income earned. The determinants of these differences varied betweenmetropolitan cities and regional areas.

BiographyCurrently Dr. Basu teaches undergraduate and postgraduate level economicsand finance subjects. He is also involved in management of a finance subject inAustralian Graduate Management Consortium (AGMC), a professional courseof CSU. He supervises doctoral students. So far two students have completedtheir doctoral degrees under his principal supervision. In the recent past, hewas 'Acting Director DBA Programme' at the Faculty of Business, CSU. Heis an active researcher and has published in international referred journals inAustralia and overseas. He was involved with the corporate sector in seniormanagement positions in Australia and overseas for 18 years and representedcountries in international forums. He assumed academic career in 1998 andtaught at University of Queensland and at Griffith University, both in Brisbanebefore joining CSU (Bathurst) in 2001. He also worked as an independentconsultant in Australia during 199698 and completed several economic andtourism related projects.

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Matt Bennett, Manager, Assets & Infrastructure Planning, TAFE NSW

Riverina NSW Institute



Maximising Access to VET

Abstract'Max Access' is a program to provide Vocational Education & Training (VET) toregional locations across the Murray Riverina using video conferenced deliveryof training. The program is a partnership with local government where the LGAmakes space available in a Shire facility and TAFE Riverina provides theequipment & technology support as well as the training. TAFE NSW coursesare made available to people in more isolated locations who would wtherwisehave to travel. Employment options are enhanced and students can opt to takeup further enrolments in higher level study. This creates econimic benefit forthe students, enhances the relationship between local government and TAFEand also displays adaptability to changing circumstances.

BiographyMatt Bennett is the Manager, Assets & Infrastructure Planning at RiverinaInstitute TAFE NSW and is based at Albury. He has a teaching backgroundwith a focus on history. In his work with TAFE NSW at Deniliquin, Finley andWagga Matt has developed a strong interest in regional issues related tovocational education & training (VET) and is keen to promote greater accessfor people living in regional and remote Australia to all types of learning. Hehas recently completed a pilot project to improve access for residents in theMurray Riverina to VET using video delivered training.

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Dr. Rui Bi, Lecturer in Management, Charles Sturt University

IT Innovation and SME Performance

AbstractGrounded in the resourcebased view theory, we develop, theorize, and test atheoretical model to evaluate ebusiness capability and ebusiness value in thefast growth smalltomedium enterprise (SME) context. We propose that ebusiness value depends on how fast growth SMEs deploy IT resources,strategic planning, culture, and business partnerships to develop ebusinesscapability and business process competence which help these companies toachieve outstanding business performance. Structural equation modeling isemployed to test our theoretical conceptualization on a cohort of 310 Australianfastgrowth SMEs across different industrial sectors. The results show that ITresources, strategic IT alignment, market orientation, and businesspartnerships do contribute significantly and indirectly to ebusiness valuethrough the mediating effects of ebusiness capability and business processcompetence. Our study provides an initial empirical evidence to understand therelationship between IT and entrepreneurial SME performance. These findingshave important implications for research and business practices. Keywords: ITResources, Strategic IT Alignment, Market Orientation, Business Partnerships,Ebusiness Capability, Business Process Competence, Ebusiness Value,Resourcebased View of the Firms Theory, Fast Growth SMEs.

BiographyDr Rui Bi is a Lecturer in Management with the School of Management andMarketing at Charles Sturt University. Her research interests focus onEntrepreneurship and IT innovation, Ebusiness and supply chainmanagement, and fast growth SmalltoMedium Enterprises (SMEs). Her workhas been published in several peerreviewed academic journals, national and



international conference proceedings.

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Simon Boughey, Chief Executive Officer, Cherry Growers Australia Inc.

and SEGRA National Steering Committee

Where Have All the Regions Gone?

AbstractThere seems to be a growing disconnect, whether real or perceived betweenthe three levels of government, a range of other land councils and thecommunity they serve in Australia and this seems to increasing across thecountry even though we are developing new approaches to regionalism andhow to meet the needs of their communities. We need to look to newopportunities and directions for Australia to be by 2030 out to 2050 and breakthe archaic nexus of the original boundaries of Federation from 1901 as itconstricts us all and really is still the only real mechanism for the Federalgovernment to carry out regional programs. We need a new paradigm thatincludes a seismic shift and change in thinking and governance in this countryto move from one federal government, six State governments and two Territorygovernment and 560 plus land councils perhaps to as Richard Murray (2011)indicated to 24 Regional and City Councils and a Federal Government. Wemust ask though is this the right model for this island continent and in the lasttwelve months where have all the regions gone as we talk up big picture issuessuch as Northern Australia and big infrastructure? Would need to be a range ofmeasures taken across the Federation and a referendum held and thequestion could this become a reality through consensus or will there be thecontinuation of the Rise of the Regions to make it occur and create there ownpathway but we need to find them again!!

BiographyVisit: http://www.segra.com.au/segra_committee.html#boughey

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Prof. Jock Collins, Professor of Social Economics, University of

Technology, Sydney

Permanent and Temporary Immigrants and Rural Development inAustralia

AbstractIn recent decades an increasing number of permanent and temporaryimmigrant have settled and worked in regional and rural Australia. These newimmigrant arrivals assist in redressing labour market shortages, particularlyseasonal shortages in the case of Working Holiday makers, and counteractingthe internal migration from regional and rural areas to Australian cities.Drawing on the findings of two RIRDC research grants, this paper documentsthe new migration pathways to regional and rural Australia before presenting

http://www.segra.com.au/segra_committee.html#boughey



research on the economic and social impact of these new immigrants and onthe perceptions and experiences of these new permanent and temporaryimmigrants in the Australian bush.

BiographyJock Collins is Professor of Social Economics in the Management DisciplineGroup at the UTS Business School, Sydney, Australia. He has been teachingand conducting research at UTS since 1977. He is CoDirector of theCosmopolitan Civil Societies Research Centre at UTS. His research interestscentre on an interdisciplinary study of immigration and cultural diversity in theeconomy and society. His recent research has been on Australian immigration,ethnic crime, immigrant and Indigenous entrepreneurship, immigrant youth,ethnic precincts and tourism, multiculturalism, the Cronulla Beach Riots, globalteachers, immigrants and the built environment and immigrants in regional andrural Australia and the social use of ethnic heritage and the built environment.He is the author or coauthor of ten books, the most recent of which is GlobalTeachers, Australian Perspectives: Goodbye Mr. Chips Hello Ms. Banerjee(with Carol Reid and Michael Singh) to be published by Springer Press laterthis year. He is also the author of over 100 articles in international and nationalacademic journals and book chapters. His work has been translated inSwedish, French, Japanese, Arabic, Dutch, Chinese, Portuguese, German,Turkish and Italian. Jock Collins has had visiting academic appointments in theUK, Canada, Sweden and the United States and has consulted to the ILO andOECD.

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Dr. Paul Collits, Adjunct Professor, School of Business, University of the

Sunshine Coast

ReImagining the Region: what it means for regional businessdevelopment

AbstractFor twenty years Australian and much international thinking, policy andstrategy has assumed a conception of "region" that the paper argues is nowoutdated, if it ever was relevant to the real world. Policy and practice havefocused exclusively on the "stickiness" of regions as locations of business unitsand people, and almost not at all on their 'slipperiness". We now inhabit aworld of hyper mobility occasioned by the coincidence in time of globalisationand the rise of the knowledge economy, increasingly built on digital platforms.Doing business is being transformed, business models are being disrupted,management and much work is now distributed, and people and ideas nowmove across space in ways previously unimagined. These developments haveconsequences for policy and practice, and old models of spatially definedcompetitive advantage no longer work. They have consequences too forregional industries and businesses and the ways we should be developingthem.

BiographyPaul Collits has worked in economic development for over 20 years, inresearch, analysis, policy, teaching, practice and consultancy. Currently he isEconomic Development Projects Manager for Napier City Council, and is partof a team now developing an economic development strategy for the Hawke's



Bay region of New Zealand. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the BusinessSchool at the University of the Sunshine Coast, and is coeditor of theAustralasian Journal of Regional Studies. He is immediate past president ofthe Australian and New Zealand Section of the Regional Science AssociationInternational. He has presented and written widely on all manner of topicsrelated to regions, rural Australia and economic development.

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Anthony Friday, Chief Executive Officer, Pilbara Regional Council

Designated Area Migration Agreements

AbstractThe Pilbara Regional Council is currently structuring a Designated AreaMigration Agreement for the Pilbara region with the Federal Department ofImmigration and Border Protection. Designed to provide 'top up' labour in timesof peak economic activity, the program is an essential component of communitysustainability for regions that suffer fluctuations in population due to largeprojects. This presentation will walk participants through the process of buildingthe case for a DAMA, and present an innovative model to land a wellqualified,Englishspeaking labour pool in any region of need.

BiographyTony Friday is responsible for the Pilbara Regional Council, an umbrella localgovernment serving the interests of the four member local governments in thePilbara region of WA. As a corporate CEO and Company Secretary, he hasworked across technology, property development, corporate advisory, andcontemporary theatre; leading several organisations through period of intensegrowth and into new international markets. Working in Government hasallowed him to extend his professional capability beyond the traditionalboundaries of shareholder return; instead focusing citizen returns, social equity,and regional economic development. During his time at the Pilbara RegionalCouncil he has led a range of exciting initiatives encompassing foreign directinvestment attraction, specialist migration instruments, and innovative tourismmarket development. He is a passionate adventure traveller in his spare time,most recently crossing the Sahara Desert by motorcycle.

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Copresenter Maxine Greenfield, Aboriginal Partnerships & Industry

Liaison, TAFE Western

BiographyMaxine Greenfield is a descendant of the Gurringgai people and is a BusinessCapability Consultant, Aboriginal Partnerships and Industry Liaison for TAFEWestern Institute. Maxine has been employed in the education sector in oneway or another for over twenty five years, holding senior state and regionalpositions. Maxine has a University Degree and Diploma's and also conductsresearch into Aboriginal perspectives in education.



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Dr. Benjamen Gussen, Lecturer in Law and Economics, University of

Southern Queensland

The Legal Personality of Cities and Reforming the Federation

AbstractIn October 2014, the Committee for Economic Development of Australia(CEDA) published a timely report on reforming our federal system. While thereport touches on the themes of local government and subsidiarity, providingvaluable contributions in this regard, it does not address the 'powerlessness' ofwhat this author suggests is the nucleus of our federalism: the cityregion. Inthis paper, the legal status of cities will be analysed both descriptively andprescriptively. The key proposition is that the Commonwealth is largely anetwork of cities that power our political, social, and economic systems.Reforming our federalism would hence not only necessitate creating more'alpha' cities, but also affording these cities a wider (asymmetrical) margin ofautonomy. Bringing about such change is easier to institutionalize relative toproposals that rely on the vagaries of constitutional amendments.

BiographyBenjamen F. Gussen is a law and economics lecturer in the School of Law andJustice at the University of Southern Queensland. His main research focus ison the principle of subsidiarity and its application in unitary and federal polities.Ben's other research interests include the amelioration of Australianfederalism, the role of cityregions within 'worldsystems', and the application ofcomplexity theory to the analysis of legal polycentricity. Ben holds graduatedegrees in law, economics, engineering, business administration andeducation.

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Bettyanne Hauville, Educational Planner, TAFE NSW Western Institute

TAFE Western Connect: more choices in more places

AbstractTAFE NSW Western Institute (TAFE Western) services more than 50% ofNSW, including some of the most disadvantaged and isolated communities.Feedback from stakeholders within the region confirmed the need for anincreased range of training solutions to underpin the region's economic andsocial wellbeing. TAFE Western Connect (TWC) is a regional strategy toincrease access to quality Vocational Education and Training for all students,irrespective of where they live. TWC extends the capacity of TAFE Western toreach rural and remote communities through blended delivery models utilisingour extensive videoconferencing and webconferencing networks, fleet ofmobile delivery vehicles and combination of online and facetoface trainingacross a broad range of courses. In 2013, TAFE Western Connect won the2013 NSW Premier's Public Sector Award for Revitalising Regional NSW,clear recognition of the valuable contribution of this initiative. In 2014, over4,000 students undertook training through TWC. Significantly, 28% of theseenrolments were Aboriginal, highlighting strong support for TWC within



Aboriginal communities. TWC continues to provide significant service deliveryimprovements in western NSW communities by increasing the number oftraining options for isolated and disadvantaged learners. It is also Bridging theGap by providing a new accepted and effective way for Aboriginal learners toaccess training. The uptake of course offerings in skillshortage areas has beensignificant in communities where training was not previously available.Examples include Certificate III Children's Services; Certificate II Resources &Infrastructure Work Preparation; Certificate I Logistics; Responsible Service ofAlcohol and Responsible Conduct of Gambling.

BiographyBettyanne Hauville is the TAFE Western Connect (TWC) Coordinator at TAFENSW – Western Institute. Her role is the development and implementation ofthe TWC delivery strategy which aims to increase access to high qualityvocational education and training for all students, irrespective of where they livein the region. Her background is in vocational training, with over 30 years as ateacher in the Business Services and Information Technology sectors.Bettyanne was an early adopter of the blended delivery model and trainedfellow teachers in the management, facilitation and support techniques of thisnew training approach. As the TWC Coordinator, she continues to supportteachers in developing new and innovative strategies to deliver training to ruraland remote locations across the large geographical area of TAFE Western andbeyond.

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John Hemphill, Director, Voyager Strategies Pty Ltd

The SME Regional JobCreation Opportunity

AbstractGrowth SMEs are the great underexploited opportunity in Australian regionaldevelopment. They have the potential to create new, sustainable, high valuejobs. But how is this to be brought about? CEOs and management teams learnby doing. From this learning they can innovate. And from successful innovationthey can grow and create jobs and wealth. But they usually need help to learnthe right things the right way and then the right way to successfully applythem.

This paper, drawing on experience in fostering successful learning in hundredsof regional growth SMEs, sets out what has been shown to work successfully.Points it will cover include:

• The demographics of growth SMEs; • The mind of the growth SME CEO; • Delivering successful experiential learning; • Typical cost and resource requirements; • Results obtained; • Vignettes of success and failure.

The paper ends by answering the opening question – how to bring this about.

BiographySince 1991, John has owned and led companies teaching SME managementpractice. He has run regional technology programs for the Victorian, ACT,NSW and Federal governments (over 300 SMEs), and delivered a longrunning ITC SME management program (330 SMEs) for the SA Government.Independent research on these programs showed that the right learning



delivered the right way to the right SMEs led to sales increases, job creation,increased productivity, and other favourable outcomes such as joint ventures,exports and investment. There was a large leverage in the value of resultscompared with the program funds employed.John graduated from Duntroon, and subsequently as a civil engineer andeconomist. He served with Australian forces in Vietnam, and then as anAustralian Trade Commissioner in four countries. He was on the team whichestablished Austrade and was a direct report in that organisation.John is a contributor to the forthcoming Regional Australia Institute'sDiscussion Paper on Growth SMEs.

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Copresenter: Lani Houston, Former Chief Executive Officer, RDA

Riverina

Biography

Lani Houston is the Former Executive Officer, Regional Development AustraliaRiverina. She was President, Long Paddock Committee project(2005 – 07), and a former committee member, Griffith Regional Theatre & ArtGallery. She has over 10 years experience in community and economicdevelopment roles in the Riverina region. Her former position as EO forRegional Development Australia (RDA) – Riverina is part of an AustralianGovernment initiative that brings together all levels of government to supportthe growth and development of regional Australia. She has developed theRADRiverina Regional Plan 20102015 and is working with 13 LGAs andtheir communities to grow the region.

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Ren Hu, PhD Candidate, University of Wollongong

Australian Agricultural Restructuring and Disadvantaged Farmers

AbstractThe neoliberal turn of Australian national economy since the 1970s hastriggered profound restructuring in agricultural industries. With economic gainbeing viewed as the only major criterion in resource allocation, agriculture,which accounts for an insignificant share in the national economy, has beenexperiencing a considerable loss of arable land, human resources, and socialcapital. Under adverse economic conditions, farmers have been experiencingdeclining terms of trade, long working hours, low profitability, increasingindebtedness, the decline of agriculturebased rural towns, a loss of farmautonomy to financial capital, abuse of market power by supermarkets,disadvantaged position in competition with foreign products, psychological andphysical pressure, and relatively high suicide rate. When farmers are pressuredto increase productivity, natural resources will be stressed. Environmentaldegradation is widespread on farms and is a billiondollar problem. The futureof Australian agriculture is uncertain. Problems have usually been attributed tothe neoliberalisation. Neoliberalism does come naturally, but from the internaldilemma of capitalist economic development. From the agricultural boom in the



1950s and 60s, to the neoliberal age since the 1970s, and to the unfolding of afinancial crisis in agricultural communities since 2012, we have witnessed acoherent trajectory that brings us to today's situation. Besides the economicdevelopment, we also discuss cultural and structural reasons why farmers areespecially disadvantaged compared with people from other occupations. Forthe future, the capitalist economic path of Australian agriculture would beincreasingly disturbed by the two byproducts of capitalism, environmentaldegradation and technological unemployment.

BiographyThe first author, Ren HU, is currently a PhD candidate in health & society atUniversity of Wollongong. Ren graduated with a master's degree inenvironmental science also at University of Wollongong. During his matercourse, he has conducted a mail survey project on Wollongong residentsgardenrelated environmental behaviour and attitudes toward environmentalweeds. He obtained a bachelor's degree in ecology at Northeast NormalUniversity in China. Ren's general research area covers agriculture andcapitalism. His specific interests include Australian agriculture, ruralcommunities, farmer's economic and financial conditions, neoliberalism,globalisation, evolutionary history of global capitalism. Recently, he had beenorganising an interview project on Illawarra farmers strategies to cope witheconomic and financial pressure.

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A/Prof. Branka KrivokapicSkoko, Associate Professor in Management,

Charles Sturt University

Pacific Seasonal Workers in the Australian Horticultural Sector

AbstractThe urgency of the labor shortage in the primary industry in Australia has beenregularly emphasized by the key agricultural industry agencies such as theNational Farmers Federation, the Victorian Farmers Federation, the AustralianTable Grapes Association Fruit and the Vegetable Growers Association(Growcom) as well as farmers and growers across Australia who would saythat securing labour is their biggest and most difficult challenge. In 2008, theNational Farmers Federation (NFF) predicted around 100,000 farm workerswere needed across the rural sector. Australia has a very large temporaryimmigration program, but unlike most other immigration nations in NorthAmerica, Europe and New Zealand Australia has not had a large scaleseasonal worker program of temporary agricultural workers. A PacificSeasonal Worker Pilot Scheme was introduced in Australia in 2008 for threeyears (DIAC 2011) for Pacific Islanders to work in lowskilled jobs in thehorticulture industry across Australia and in limited locations in the tourismagriculture (sugar cane, cotton); and fisheries industries. The program isdemand driven with 12 000 visa places available over the 201216 period(DIAC 2013). However the everyday ground realities for Pacific Seasonalworkers may be impeding productivity. This presentation is based on thepreliminary field work and focus group discussions organised with seasonalworkers from the Papua New Guinea and Kiribati in the RobinvaleMilduraEuston region. The focus was on getting more in signs into a settlementprocess, working and living condition of the seasonal workers and theirrelationship with the community

Biography



Branka obtained her doctorate from Lincoln University, New Zealand based onher research on ethnic entrepreneurship. During 20012002 on she workedwith Australian Centre for Cooperative Research and Development(ACCORD) on research projects which explored different aspects ofagricultural cooperatives. Branka joined CSU in 2002 and during the last fewyears her research activities have focused on ethnic business communities,new forms of agricultural cooperation, and ethnic diversity in rural and regionalAustralia. She also did research on psychological contracts in the context oftheory and practice of management.

Branka has published in the area of mixed methodology, and the Booleanbased comparative method. She is currently a Chief Investigator on two largeprojects funded by Australia Research Council and Rural Industry & RuralDevelopment Corporation on ethnic communities and the built environment inAustralian cities, and new immigrants in the regional and rural Australia.

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Copresenter: Dr. Devaki Monani, Lecturer in Social Work, Australian

Catholic University

Biography

Dr Devaki Monani joined the Australian Catholic University in 2015. Shecompleted her PhD from the School of Social Work, University of Melbourne in2008. In 2013 she completed an executive qualification in Social ImpactInvestment from the Said Business School, University of Oxford. She wasoffered a prestigious government internship in Victoria and was mentored bythe chief social innovation strategist in Australia.

She worked in the capacity of postdoctoral research associate for five yearson numerous projects at the Cosmopolitan Civil Societies Centre at theUniversity of Technology Sydney. She has managed several governmentcommissioned research projects and worked across Universities. Since 2012she has been researching immigrant productivity in Australian Agriculture inregional Australia in a multidisciplinary team along with senior scholars fromCharles Sturt University and the University of Technology Sydney. Herresearch interests include Immigrants Settlement; Regional Areas and SocialImpact; Human Rights; India and Australia.

Her teaching areas reflect her areas of research: Social Policy and Social workwith communities. She has a particular interest in crosscultural study ofcommunities.

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Dr. Thomas Murphy, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Charles Sturt University

The Role and Linkages in Employment Growth Across Australia'sRegions

AbstractThis paper seeks to establish if the labour market performance of Australian



regions is dependent on the level of the internal integration of a region'sindustries and on the extent to which a region's industrial structure containsindustries growing faster than each particular industry's national average interms of the local employment growth component attributable to thoseindustries. We hypothesise that regional labour market performance will bestrongest in regional markets where both the number of industriesoutperforming their state average (for both growing and declining industries)and the number of highly regionally integrated industries is highest. Converselywe hypothesise that labour market performance will be weaker in regionallabour markets that have been hollowed out and exhibit relatively less internalintegration. An inputoutput matrix is developed for the economies of each ofAustralia's regions. This matrix is then used to undertake an extended form oflinkage analysis to compare the extent of internal integration of all of nonmetropolitan regions of Australia with internal integration measured as an indexand based on both backwards and forward linkages. We then conduct shiftshare analysis across Australia's regions to identify the industries in eachregion where the local factors contributing to employment growth in thatindustry exceed state factors. The results will provide direction to localeconomic development officers in terms of whether to focus on strengtheninginternal integration or assisting underperforming industries or developingnationally faster growing industries.

BiographyDr. Murphy has over 35 years of experience in applied economic research. Hewas Executive Director of Western Research Institute (WRI) for over 15 yearsand has made significant impact in developing regional policy and planning.Currently, he is adjunct senior lecturer at CSU.

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Prof. Edward Oczkowski, SubDean (Research Students), Professor in

Applied Economics and Quantitative Methods, Charles Sturt University

Emerging Trends in Skills Shortages in Regional New South Wales: thecase of the Riverina region

AbstractSkill shortages are commonly reported in Australia and are seen as beingamongst the biggest issues in the Australian labor market. Despite this, studiesexamining the causes and effects of such shortages, particularly in rural andregional Australia, are very limited. The purpose of this study is to fill this gapby investigating the causes and effects of skill shortages in rural and regionalNSW using the Riverina as a case study. The examination of skill shortages inthis region is important, generally, because it is one of the largest regions inNSW in terms of gross regional product, population and area covered. Theregion is particularly important for wine industry, contributing over one quarterof the State's total production. Our preliminary analysis suggests that whileboth State and Federal governments have numerous programs to addressskills shortages, at national and regional levels, many sectors in the Riverina particularly agriculture, services and manufacturing industries, continue to faceskills shortages notwithstanding the fact that the regional migration programhas somewhat helped address skills shortages in some professional areas inthe region. The chronic shortage of skills has forced some businesses in theregion, particularly those in agriculture and food processing, to pay higherwages to attract labor or to rapidly automate their processes in order to ensurethat they continued to meet production deadlines and remain competitive in the



market. Our analysis suggests that improvements in services and physicalinfrastructure will help attract and retain skilled workers in the region.

BiographyEddie is a Professor in applied economics and quantitative methods and SubDean (Research Students) in the Faculty of Business. Eddie's previousappointments include: tutor at La Trobe University (Bundoora), Head of Schoolof Management at CSU, codirector of the Australian Centre for CooperativeResearch and Development (ACCORD) and the Director of Graduate Studiesat CSU. Eddie has over 25 years teaching experience in areas such asMicroeconomics, Macroeconomics, Managerial Economics, AppliedEconometrics, Business Forecasting, Business Research Methods, and HigherDegree research supervision. Eddie's expertise is applied econometrics withan emphasis on limited dependent variables, modelling markets for agriculturalproducts and structural equation modelling applications to marketing andmanagement.

Previous research interests have covered areas such as: modelling agriculturaldisequilibrium markets, hedonic wine pricing, bargaining in the coking coaltrade, the demand for eggs, Australia's bilateral aid allocation, agricultural cooperatives, airtravel demand and marketing and HRM applications ofstructural equation modelling. Eddie has received external grant funding fromorganisations such as NSW Department of Fair Trading, RIRDC and NCVERand has conducted various consultancies for local businesses and regionalcouncils.

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Graham Perry, Chief Executive Officer, Inland NSW

Leveraging a Cohesive Digital Strategy to Deliver Economic Growth

AbstractTourism is a major economic driver, with 79 million domestic trips taken in2014. In NSW alone, this contributed $22.2 billion to the economy, accountingfor 1 in 23 jobs. Increasing visitor dispersal to regional areas providessignificant growth opportunities for local communities. Inland NSW hasinvested heavily in a comprehensive destination management process that hasimproved local relationships and resulted in collective regional marketingcampaigns to build local economies. One of the key priorities identified was theneed for a collaborative digital strategy. The industry currently works in silos,making trip planning difficult, marketing cut through costly and challenging forsmaller regional destinations with limited budgets. To deliver a solution, Inlandsuccessfully obtained an $832,000 grant from the NSW Government todevelop a digital platform to bring the regional together as one to driveincreased conversion and overnight expenditure to the Inland region. The firstof its kind with its scale and scope, the platform, entitled 'Travel In' is the resultof a successful partnership between Inland and Bauer Media Group. Travel Inwill help grow overnight visitation and expenditure to the State's inlandcommunities through making it easier for people to book and research theirtravel. Launching in July 2015, it addresses the needs of consumers providingcross regional information throughout the travel lifecycle. The benefits of such acohesive digital strategy includes greater collective audience reach, costefficiencies for marketing and overall a better consumer experience resulting ingreater visitation, delivering economic growth to regional areas.

Biography



Graham is a natural executive leader and adept at aligning company visionswith rapid growth strategies, from the Board through multiple stakeholders.Graham's 30+ year career has spanned the globe in the travel, tourism andhospitality sectors. Prior to joining Inland NSW, he has operated at a seniorlevel across a number of roles. As Managing Director of EMEA in the 90s, hemanaged Utell's 2,500 hotels. Moving to Australia in 1995, Graham operatedas CEO for Traveland responsible for 1500 staff and 420 retail travel centresbefore being appointed CEO, See Australia (the domestic arm of TourismAustralia). His work at See Australia underpins the current No Leave No Lifedomestic tourism campaign running to this day. Graham's role as ManagingDirector, Classifieds of Fairfax Digital saw him growing internet basedrevenues in excess of $100m annually. Graham has consulted and mentoredmany clients with high growth objectives.

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Craig Randazzo, Chief Executive Officer, Skillset

BiographyCraig Randazzo is CEO of Skillset and Principal of Skillset Senior College.Craig has been in the education and training and employment services sectorfor over seventeen years and has worked across most areas of service deliveryincluding employment services, work for the dole, disability services,apprenticeship services and training services. Craig has tertiary qualificationsfrom the University of Sydney in Psychology and Education and Managementand has been a presenter at the Bangamalanha Indigenous nationalconference 2014; the National CCA conference 2012, the National JobsAustralia Conference 2007, the National Agrifoods Skills Council Conference2009 and a facilitator at the National Employment Services AssociationConference 2010 and a presenter at the 2010 Homelessness NationalConference. Craig's professional interests include research in alternativeapproaches to senior secondary education and research in the field of PositivePsychology. Craig is also Principal of Skillset Senior College an alternativeAlesco senior school in Bathurst NSW. Craig is passionate about thetransformational power of education, and believes that regional NSW has somuch to offer in terms of business and lifestyle opportunities.

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Copresenter Danielle Ranshaw, Chief Executive Officer, Western

Research Institute

WRI Lunch Tuesday, 20 October 2015

The Western Research Institute (WRI) was formed in February 1999, with thepurpose of providing research and analysis aimed at developing the WesternNew South Wales economy. As the name suggests, WRI's main area of focusgeographically in its early days, was Western NSW. In fact, WRI receivedsome initial financial support from the regional development boards of CentralWest NSW, the Orana region and Far West NSW, as well as Charles SturtUniversity.

WRI's reputation for providing solid and credible research soon spread, and



this saw our geographic market spread too. Now we support organisations allover Australia. In addition, we've evolved our business in response to changedfunding opportunities and to meet changing needs across regional Australia.

There's an important and distinct role for a local regional development researchcapacity, benefitting from regional staff with regional connections, experienceand knowledge. Our role in supporting regional Australia is to connectorganisations with credible research that enables them to maximiseopportunities for sustainability, growth and future development.

WRI's research portfolio has changed over time and people often say to us "wedidn't know you did that kind of work". Therefore, this presentation is anopportunity to showcase some of our more recent research projects, and thesupport we can provide our regional communities.

BiographyDanielle leads the team at WRI, managing overall research output anddeveloping the organisation's business and profile. With over eight years ofexperience in research with WRI, and qualifications in economics and finance,Danielle has a solid background for managing the organisation's operations.She has led projects for clients ranging from local and state government, toeducation institutions, notforprofit organisations, finance and peak industrybodies. Alongside a strong focus on project planning and management,Danielle has a "hands on" approach, being involved in roles including surveydevelopment, data analysis, stakeholder consultation, focus group facilitationand reporting. Prior to relocating to her home town of Bathurst, Danielle spentseveral years' as a project manager within the Information Technology sector.Danielle's return to the Central West of NSW with her young family hasreinforced her love of the country and she is passionate about developingopportunities for sustainable growth in the regions.

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Copresenter Jamie Sampson, Educational Leader Aboriginal Programs,

TAFE Western

BiographyJamie is a proud Kamilaroi man from Coonamble in Central Western NSW.Jamie has been a teacher in Primary Schools and Secondary Maths, as wellas a Deputy Principal. He is the Educational Leader Aboriginal Programs forTAFE Western, leading a team from Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo, Walgett,Bourke, and Broken Hill. The team works with communities, businesses andindividuals to deliver quality training for Aboriginal students and provide a wraparound service that supports the 21St Century TAFE student in achieving theiraspirations.

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Copresenter Leanne Small, Manager Business Community &

Partnerships, TAFE NSW Riverina Institute



BiographyLeanne Small is the Manager Business, Community and Partnerships at TAFENSW Riverina Institute and is based at Deniliquin. Leanne has worked in theVocational Education sector for over 30 years as an administrator, teacher andcurrently has portfolio responsibility for Workforce and CommunityDevelopment, Tender Response, School Engagement, International andHigher Education. As the Manager Business, Community and PartnershipsLeanne leads a team of consultants, spread across southern NSW who haveresponsibility for engaging with community, industry and the schools sector. Inline with the Riverina Institute Strategic Plan the Business, Community andPartnerships team facilitate development of partnerships with individuals andorganisations to deliver outstanding workforce development and studentoutcomes for regional organisations.

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Amanda Spalding, Director Corporate Services, TAFE Western

Aboriginal Education and Employment Partnerships

AbstractChanging Lives through Education and Employment Aboriginal Education andEmployment Partnerships This presentation will demonstrate the partnershipbetween TAFE Western and the Aboriginal Employment Strategy of WesternNSW. TAFE Western covers more than half of NSW and delivers training tomeet the needs of the NSW economy: by aligning training to regional industryneeds; increasing the level of post school qualifications to meet industry needsfor higher skills levels and ensuring meaningful outcomes and pathways forstudents. TAFE Western is responsible for delivering the Dubbo OpportunityHub and is the largest provider of training to Aboriginal people in Australia. Byworking closely with Aboriginal communities, ensures enduring partnershipsare forged with businesses, organisations, local government and governmentagencies, all of which focus on achieving education and employment outcomesfor Aboriginal people. One of these partnerships is with the AboriginalEmployment Strategy (AES) of Western NSW. The Aboriginal EmploymentStrategy is a 100% indigenous managed, national, notforprofit RecruitmentCompany that seeks to match Aboriginal participants to the right opportunitiesto achieve greater retention rates. AES offers expertise, commitment and valueto recruitment, Traineeships and Business Development Service for Aboriginalpeoples. The presentation will demonstrate how the Memorandum of Action isbeing developed to include actions, milestones and reporting to TAFEWestern's Aboriginal Community Reference Group to build capacity inAboriginal communities and achieve the shared aims of assisting Aboriginaland/or Torres Strait Islander peoples to gain the skills and knowledge,recognition and/or qualifications necessary to support their career aspirationsand employment needs to promote social inclusion and sustainablecommunities in regional areas.

BiographyAmanda Spalding is the Director of Corporate Services at TAFE Western,which serves more than half of NSW, with some 1,700 staff. Amanda is aChartered Accountant with over 20 years Executive Management experiencein England and Australia and has been a director of several companiesincluding Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. Her background is in economicdevelopment in regional economies in the north of England where she was insenior management in local government and ran a private public economicdevelopment partnership. She has also worked in senior management in local



government in Sydney, been an Executive Director and Chief InformationOfficer in the NSW Government, and has been the CEO of two not for profitcompanies, as well as running her own management consultancy. In avoluntary capacity Amanda is the Vice President of Womensport NSW and isan Orange Health Councillor.

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Rod Towney, Manager, Aboriginal Education and Training Unit, TAFE

Western

The Maliyan Experience: a journey into cultural excellence

AbstractThe Maliyan Experience A journey into Cultural Excellence; offers agenciesand individuals a chance to develop their knowledge and approach to workingwith Aboriginal peoples and contribute to bridging the gap across all indicatorsthrough 'Cultural Excellence'. Rod and Maxine propose to share their high levelexpertise in developing Cultural Competence and the critical role it plays inproviding social benefits to regional Australia whilst supporting policycompliance. TAFE Western's Maliyan Experience is founded on the AustralianNational Best Practice Framework for Indigenous Cultural Competence inAustralian Universities. The content has been developed using academicresearch, TAFE Western's own organisational learning and capability indeveloping training, the approval and support of NSW Aboriginal EducationConsultative Group Inc and input from Aboriginal and nonAboriginal peoplesacross various sectors. The Maliyan Experience learning experiences arebased on the understanding that Aboriginal Cultural Competence is notachieved through words alone, but rather through knowledge, the applicationof that knowledge and firsthand experience with Aboriginal and/or Torres StraitIslander peoples. The Maliyan Experience is a six stage, three phased suit ofoptions to advance knowledge and skills to journey from cultural self and/ororganisational reflection to organisational implementation. We propose toreveal each of the six stages of the Maliyan Experience and their application ina range of contexts. Rod and Maxine will provide delegates with background tothe initiative; interactive activity and, preview of materials as well as theopportunity for discussion to support analysis of the concept of CulturalCompetence.

BiographyRod Towney is a Wiradjuri man. He has in excess of 30 years workingexperience within various Federal and State Government Departmentsincluding the United Nations. He has held positions of trust at senior levels witha continued focus on improving outcomes for Aboriginal peoples. Rod hasvarious University Degrees, including a Master of Indigenous LanguageEducation and continues to research factors relating to Aboriginal participation.Rod has been awarded a Public Services Medal for his outstanding service inIndigenous Education and Training.

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Todd Williams, Chief Executive Officer, RDA Hunter



The ME Program: building a skilled workforce for the future

AbstractThe ME Program has become Australia's most innovative workforcedevelopment initiative since introducing Phase One of the project in 2010.Its initial goal to increase the workforce capacity of the Defence Industryremains as important today as it did then. Through five years ofmanagement RDA Hunter has worked with the Defence Materiel Organisationto ensure that the Program achieves its strategic goals and in doing so, hasgenerated unprecedented support from local industry and education bodies.

The driving objective of the ME Program is to increase the pool of studentsstudying Mathematics, Science, Engineering Studies, and Physics. Thisoutcome has been accomplished through the employment of the followingoutputs and related activities.

BiographyTodd is regarded as a proven collaborator and metrics driven executive with atrack record supporting entrepreneurial growth. He is currently the CEO ofRegional Development Australia Hunter. Todd's international executive careeralso includes sectors such as financial services, business services, education,health, leisure and recreation.

His strategic agenda is to maximise the value of emerging economicopportunities specifically for the Hunter, so that it is recognised as a leadingregion in Australia in which to invest and grow a business. This includesdeveloping and implementing numerous successful initiatives to drive andpromote the economy by securing public and private sector funding involvingprivate, public sectors and all levels of government.

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Cr. Joan White, Councillor, Goondiwindi Regional Council

How Can We Change Things: leadership,entrepreneur, businessdevelopment

AbstractJoan became involved in Leadership and communities because her 18 monthold first grandson became fatally ill with leukaemia. She enrolled in aLeadership Course at Charleville Western Qld looking for direction for myfamily but mostly myself. The results of this lead her to pursuing a path tochange things to help her community of Texas who supported her familythrough our horrific crisis. From this Joan continued training and implementedher learning's to her farming enterprise and diversification. Community wherestill looking for direction during the mourning loss of this child. To repay themshe took on local Government and was elected. This lead to becoming a Mayorof Inglewood Shire prior to amalgamation. Continuing a pathway of education,the more she learned, the more she could see the differences that could bemade. It was obvious that one cannot make a difference as the bird on theoutside of the biscuit tin she needed to get inside that biscuit tin.Communication a vision and lots of people that helped support and encourageI felt that I had to continue and represent rural and remote communities.Unchosen change is always going to be the elephant in the room. Rural



families struggle with commodity prices, climatic conditions and opportunities todiversify. Wilga Vale Venison is a diversification within our own farmingbusiness that was mainly wool growing and some cattle. It now has goats, deerthat once was Venison into Hunting and camping. Beef Cattle, but instead ofwool we now turn off fat lambs. Our farming production is a story on its ownwhich was stimulated by my passion to prove changes could happen providingyou had net works prepared to take a risk and used all your learning's to beimplemented in different fields. Life continues to be a challenge and will not beuseful unless it is. No matter what is thrown up there is always a network ofpeople that can help. Change has to be drawn from people's ideas, dreamsand experiences for the individual is only as good as the network of peoplethey have around them. New concepts are the future and who do we have toimplement this new age of change in society, markets and all the unchosenexception circumstances that face communities and individuals. Sharing acrossa broad spectrum, communication and trust building strong communities willgive ownership not to individuals but everyone plays a very important role in acontribution.

BiographyJoan runs a farming enterprise at Texas Qld in partnership with her husband.Sheep , cattle, goats and Deer with an intensive 80 sow piggery. She wasMayor Inglewood Shire Council pre amalgamation. Now a Councillor withGoondiwindi Regional Council. she had two years as the Vic President ofMurray Darling Association. She has been appointed to the interim Board ofthe UN RCE MD. Joan has been a community member to many workinggroups related to environment with the most recent being a member of theworking group of the Border Rivers Environmental Water Network. This groupfeeds information directly to the Federal Government appointed Northern BasinAuthority's Consultative Committee working directly with the Murray DarlingBasin Authority to implement the MDB Plan. Joan's passion now lies in thesocio economic effects on rural communities.

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Challenge Leaders

Troy Haines, StartUp & Innovation Coach, theSPACE Cairns

BiographyTroy Haines is a Startup and Innovation Coach who has worked with hundredsof entrepreneurs across Australia to help them commercialise their ideas.Amongst many awards, he was named Innovation Champion in 2014 by theMinister of Innovation and Premier of QLD. He was also inducted into the QLDGovernment Innovation Wall of Fame for his work in building the NQ startup &innovation ecosystem. Troy and the team at theSPACE have developedstartup & innovation programs which they deliver across a wide audience, fromhigh school students, SME's to Government (and everyone in between). Hehas been referred to as a creative genius and consistently demonstrates howactions speak louder than words when getting results.

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Lara Wilde, Project Director, Northern Agriculture Development Scheme,

Etheridge Shire Council

Provision of Secure and Safe Domestic Water: the GulfSavannah region

AbstractConstitutionally, water resources management in Australia belongs to the statesand territories. The exception is the MurrayDarling Basin which is managedpursuant to the Commonwealth Water Act 2007. Currently, there is no NationalWater Plan and the water resources plans for each jurisdiction are in differentstates of completion. Information on the sources and quality of water fordomestic purposes is spread across a range of governmental reports andpapers in the technical and scientific literature.

Australia wide it is difficult to develop and appreciation of the scope of issuesconfronting the provision of domestic water supplies in rural and remoteregions. Recognition of the importance of 'secure and safe domestic water' as akey area of issue for sustainable regional development needs to beunderpinned by sound qualitative and quantitative information. For NorthernAustralia this encompasses three jurisdictions each with their policy settings andmanagement regimes. As well, Northern Australia is characterised by itsgeographically diverse biophysical and socioeconomic regional conditions.Information on the provision of domestic water across Northern Australia needsto be collated at two scales: jurisdictional and regional.

The 2014 report of the Joint Select Committee on Northern Australia (JSCNA2014) outlined and made recommendations with respect to a range of largewater management projects for the irrigated agriculture sector. The need tojurisdictionally align water sector management policy and practices washighlighted. On the domestic water front, JSCNA 2014 noted that there were:ongoing water supply challenges in many areas and that the seasonality ofwater availability was considered a 'limitation specific to the region'. However,no specific recommendations were made for the provision of secure and safepotable water at either jurisdictional or regional scales.

To initiate the regional information process, this paper provides a 'reality check'on the current situation with respect to the provision of domestic water in theGulfSavanah Region of Queensland. The material collated and analysed hasbeen gathered by a combination of a simple survey instrument and a case studyof the Etheredge Shire Council. The story highlights conditions and that arereplicated in other rural and remote regions in Northern Australia and lessonsthat can be applied irrespective of jurisdictional differences.

BiographyLara Wilde has successfully worked in local Government, project management,recruitment and retention, economic development and her own privatebusinesses in remote, rural and regional parts of Australia. Throughout hercareer Lara has honed her commercial project management skills in the areasof community resource projects, infrastructure and agriculture amongst others.Regional economic development has been a core issue prompting Lara'spassion for community growth as a fundamental element supporting Australia'seconomic growth and prosperity.

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Challenge Champions

Michael Kitzelmann, Chief Executive Officer, Etheridge Shire Council

BiographyMichael is the Chief Executive Officer at Etheridge Shire Council in far northQueensland. With over 24 years' experience in Government, Michael is wellversed in the challenges associated with negotiating the systems, policies andpriorities of Government in order to achieve local objectives. Being a proactiveleader, Michael is a strong believer in driving positive change rather thanworking within the norm and reacting to situational driven change. Michael ispassionate about the delivery of services and value adding to the Community,his enthusiastic approach to leadership has resulted in the development ofnumerous strategies for the growth Etheridge Shire. Recent changes to themethods of service delivery have renewed the linkages between Council,Industry and the Local Community in driving future growth for the Shire.

Regional Best Practice Speakers

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Steven Bowman, Manager, Economic Development, Bathurst Regional

Council

The Bathurst Economy & Council's Leadership in EconomicDevelopment

AbstractPart 1 Bathurst is in the top 5 regional growth areas of NSW (NSWDepartment of Planning & Environment, 2013) and has a diverse, vibrantbusiness base. The Bathurst economy grows at a rate of 2.3% per year (5 yearaverage) and is experiencing an everincreasing population boom. In part 1 ofthe presentation, I will present an overview of the Bathurst economy, includingGRP, jobs growth & unemployment, housing & property, population andgrowth industries.

Part 2 The second half of the presentation will cover Council's involvement ineconomic growth and key projects that have established Bathurst as a leaderin economic programs in the Central West. Bathurst Regional Council placesgreat emphasis on its involvement in economic growth, with a vision forBathurst to become the fastest growing regional centre in NSW. Council'sEconomic Development activities effectively grow, reinforce, support and'safeguard' Bathurst's diverse economy in a challenging economic climate.While Council has limited control over macroeconomic factors, Council is ableto directly influence microeconomic factors such as employment, local businesssuccess, investment attraction, innovation and new enterprise. A Council thatstrongly supports and fosters economic prosperity significantly improvesconsumer and business confidence at a local level. I will provide an overview ofkey projects including the Business Management Workshops, Jobs Expo,Bathurst Buy Local Gift Card, Business Hub Website & BizWeek. I will alsocover key relationships/partnerships with Business Enterprise Centre, Regional



Development Australia, NSW Trade & Investment, Office of the SmallBusiness Commissioner and AusIndustry.

BiographySteve Bowman is the Acting Manager, Economic Development at BathurstRegional Council. His primary responsibility is to assist in the growth of localbusiness, and to attract new businesses and residents to Bathurst throughnumerous growth and attraction programs. He assists in the development ofBathurst's industrial parks and the Airport precinct. Steve is the central point forthose looking for Bathurst economic data including forecast economic andpopulation growth, demographics, employment, industry and socioeconomicdata. Prior to working at Council, Steve lived in Sydney and worked in thecorporate training sector. He was Manager, Professional Development Pacificat LexisNexis overseeing 10 staff across the Pacific region in marketing, sales,conference development and event logistics. Steve also worked at CPAAustralia overseeing their conferencing and training portfolio. Steve has lived inBathurst for almost 3 years with his wife, and also went to CSU in Bathurstfrom 2001 2004.

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Dr. Lorne Butt, Sustainability Coordinator, TAFE Western

Mudgee Learning Resource Hub: innovation in education andinfrastructure design in TAFE NSW

AbstractAustralian education institutions are facing the twin pressures of infrastructurerenewal, and changing student demand increasingly, within a context ofsustainable practice. Research indicates increasing demand by students forenvironmental education (Sack et al. 2014); the efficiency returns fromsustainable infrastructure design (Newell et al. 2011); and sustainable practiceas a key driver of organizational performance (Benn at al. 2011). The MudgeeLearning Resource Hub is the first building of its kind in TAFE NSW, achievinga 5 Star Green Star Education design v1 certified rating from the GreenBuilding Council of Australia in January 2015 demonstrating AustralianExcellence in environmentally sustainable design. The Hub project will enableTAFE Western to enhance and expand educational delivery in Mudgee, withthe Hub itself intended as a living laboratory to demonstrate excellence insustainable infrastructure renewal and environmental performance to staff,students and other stakeholders. This case study demonstrates how the Hubwas designed to respond to changing educational and employment patterns inthe Mudgee region, demonstrate adaptation of TAFE Western's sustainabilityframework to local conditions to reduce environmental impact, and buildrelationships with local, regional and metropolitan stakeholders to deliverinnovative, stateoftheart infrastructure design.

BiographyDr Lorne Butt is the Sustainability Coordinator at TAFE NSW WesternInstitute. Lorne trained as a biologist before joining the higher education sector.With a background in quality management, strategic planning and corporategovernance, Lorne now specialises in sustainability practice, governance,education and research. Lorne is an Associate Fellow of the Australian Instituteof Management, and a member of the British and Australia/New Zealandacademies of management, the Australian Institute of Company Directors, andthe Australian Association of Environmental Educators. Lorne is also amember of the Advisory Board for the Institute for Land, Water and Society at



Charles Sturt University.

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A/Prof. Ian Gray, Adjunct Associate Professor in Sociology, Charles Sturt

University

Rail Freight for Regional Development

AbstractThe potential of rail freight to grow regional economies by boosting localprimary and secondary industry is now well documented in research andcommentary, as is the desirability of increasing rail freight's modal share.Branch line railways can contribute. North American experience, where smallrailways contribute 25 per cent of the freight moved on the main lines, andattempts at reviving branch line freight here, have revealed what could be donewith the right model. The case of the BlayneyDemondrille (Cowra) line in theCentral West of New South Wales shows the promise. However, its ongoingprocess of revival also shows the necessity for a simple and effective model ofa way to make it happen. The overall economics of branch line operation is notwhat is getting in the way. People trying to develop rail freight are hampered bymisconceptions among potential rail customers, governments and even parts ofthe rail industry. These misconceptions include ideas about distance breakevenpoints for road and rail, the capital and operating costs of railways, the potentialfor ˜first and last mile railways and relations among large and small railoperators. There also appears to be little appreciation of the benefits ofrailways which focus on local and regional development. The paper discussesthese issues with an eye on potential developments in regional New SouthWales and proposes some principles for a simple and reliable process ofbranch line development.

BiographyIan Gray is Adjunct Associate Professor in the Institute for Land, Water andSociety at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga. He has published on ruralissues including transport in many academic journals and has written twobooks for Cambridge University Press. His most recent largescale researchwork was on regionalism and federalism for the Australian Research Council.He is also Honorary Research Officer for the Lachlan Regional TransportCommittee.

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Alexis Guillot, Deputy CEO, Pilbara Regional Council

Activating Tourism in Difficult Times

AbstractThe Pilbara is wellknown for its contribution to the national economy throughthe extraction of minerals and resources. Less well known are its stunningregional attractions and iconic huge distances between them. Attracting touristsvia flights filled with fluoro vests to stay in the most accommodation in the



country has offered some unique challenges for regional tourism authorities.Join this session to discover how a resolute partnership between diverse publicand private sector organisations has kept tourism alive (and flourishing) evenunder these difficult circumstances.

BiographyAlexis Guillot is an experienced notforprofit company director, and currentlyserves as a Deputy CEO for the Pilbara Regional Council (PRC). Hepreviously served as a governance and risk advisor to some of WesternAustralia's largest companies and statutory authorities with Blue Zoo,contributed to the development of Western Australia's public sectorgovernance framework and assisted a number of leading energy andresources companies with their risk and continuity readiness. Alexis serves asa nonexecutive Director on a number of local and international Boards in theproperty investment, disability, aged care, mental health and youth servicesand contemporary theatre. He is also a keen dancer in his spare time,favouring the energy and traditional style of lindy hop swing.

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Dr. Jill Guthrie, Research Fellow, Australian National University

Justice Reinvestment

AbstractAn innovative policy idea that is gaining traction in Australia is JusticeReinvestment (JR). JR can be conceived of as both a philosophy for justicereform and a set of strategies that seek to examine incarceration spending, sothat funds that might have been spent on incarceration are instead reinvestedinto health and social interventions that reduce offending in the sociodemographic groups and communities that disproportionately contribute toprison populations. The idea springs from an understanding that overincarceration impacts communities in ways that perpetuate cycles of crime. Asa systemsbased approach, JR encompasses a comprehensive range ofservice provision areas such as health, housing, employment, justice, familysupport, mental health and alcohol and other drug use services. It impelspolicymakers to consider the implications of current punitive policies that resultin higher levels of incarceration, particularly of Indigenous Australians, and howfunding could instead be directed towards addressing the social determinantsof incarceration. The burgeoning costs of incarceration in Australia arenonetheless a valid reason for tackling this serious public policy issue. While JRhas not been adopted as policy by any jurisdiction in Australia, interestingpreliminary work is occurring in several regional locations, including Cowra andBourke (NSW), Ceduna (SA), and Katherine (NT), where local communitiesand service providers are working together to cocreate stronger and safercommunities.

Reducing Incarceration Using Justice Reinvestment: an exploratorycase study

AbstractCowra, NSW, is the site of exploratory research that is testing how JusticeReinvestment (JR) could be adopted as a policy approach. JR is a frameworkfor rethinking the criminal justice system so that taxpayer monies are not spenton imprisoning people for low level criminal activity. Australian National



University researchers are working with the community to explore the theoryand methodology of JR as a way of reducing incarceration. The research isguided by a Research Reference Group that includes representatives of theCowra Shire Council, Cowra Aboriginal Land Council, the President of NSWChildren's Court, and USbased JR academic.

Several community forums have been held over the past 2 years: the localpolice, PCYC, judiciary, education, health, mental health, community serviceand nongovernment sectors, worked together to develop a locally relevantquestionnaire and recruitment process for inviting young people to selfrefer tothe research to explore issues of concern to them, and to build a case forobtaining services or resources that may help prevent young people fromcontact with the criminal justice system.

At a recent forum, cofacilitated by Professor Mick Dodson and Councillor RuthFagan, community members assessed that some $23 million had been spenton incarcerating their citizens over the past 10 years for crimes whichparticipants judged as were amenable to a JR approach, if such a policy was inplace.

More broadly, the research will potentially result in recommendations foraddressing high levels of incarcerated young people, through developing aplacebased JR informed model.

BiographyDr. Jill Guthrie is a descendant of the Wiradjuri people of western NSW, andhas lived in Canberra ACT for over twenty years. She joined the NationalCentre for Indigenous Studies at the ANU in 2012 as a Research Fellow. Sheis currently working on healthrelated research projects with a particular focuson the relationship between criminal justice and health. She is a member of theNHMRCfunded Indigenous Offender Health Research Capacity BuildingGroup (IOHRCBG). Jill is a graduate of the Master of Applied Epidemiology(MAE) Program at the National Centre for Epidemiology and PopulationHealth (NCEPH) at ANU.

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Debra Howe, Manager Economic Development, Mackay Regional Council

Economic Development is Everyone's Business

AbstractIn an economy under pressure, never before has economic development beenmore important to the Mackay region. Economic development needs to be atthe forefront of decision making and is everyone's responsibility. This extendsto all areas across Council, not just the Economic Development Program, andincludes state government agencies and organisations in the region, such asthe Mackay Region Chamber of Commerce, Resource Industry Network andDiversify Mackay Leadership Alliance, all of who play a pivotal role in workingwith business and industry. While diversification is imperative, it is notsomething that can be achieved overnight and in isolation. Mackay RegionalCouncil is committed to taking a leadership role in the development of adiversified, vibrant and sustainable economy. The recently launched EconomicDevelopment Strategy 2015 2020, the first of its kind for the Council,identifies the Economic Development Framework that lays the foundation tofacilitate economic development within our region. Formed in 2014, the



Diversify Mackay Leadership Alliance, a 12member consortium, comprisingleaders hailing from a diverse crosssection of industry, business andgovernment, strives to collaboratively act sustainably to diversify and exploreinnovative business opportunities for our region. Although Mackay already hasa somewhat diversified economy, it is heavily dependent on mining andagriculture, both of which experience very normal cyclical trends in line withglobal commodity markets. The vision for the Mackay economy is to increasethe diversity and capacity of the local economy, business and industry so it isable to sustainably capture the benefits of upcycles and manage the normalmarket corrections as part of everyday business activities. Economicdevelopment is about improving the quality of life experienced in the localMackay community. To achieve this it requires commitment, collaboration andconsensus from community leaders and a detailed understanding of everyone'srole in delivering and providing a local environment that is conducive tobusiness investment and activity. The vision is a more diversified, vibrant andsustainable economy with a connected and engaged local business base andfocused on regional leadership. And the key is...that economic development iseveryone's business!

BiographyDebra Howe is an experienced practitioner who has worked in localgovernment in Queensland and Victoria for over 18 years, primarily in regionaland economic development, and in the private sector for just on 21 years withinbusiness and industry development, and retail and tourism sectors. Debramoved to Mackay in May 2014 to commence with Mackay Regional Council asManager Economic Development responsible for economic development,place management and major projects and investment facilitation andattraction. Debra has worked in local government in Melbourne for three years,Toowoomba region for seven years and with Brisbane City Council for sevenyears. In September 2010, Debra won the Queensland Telstra BusinessWomen's Award, Community and Government category and went on tocompete in the 2010 Australian Telstra Business Women's Award.

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Dr. Valerie Ingham, Senior Lecturer of Emergency Management, Australian

Graduate School of Policing & Security Services, Charles Sturt University

Exploring Community Resilience and Vulnerabilities in the BlueMountains

AbstractThe research project 'Community Connections' seeks to identify the strengthsand potential gaps in community resilience in the Blue Mountains throughconnecting with local community organisations and local groups representingvulnerable people, in addition to drawing on the disaster and communityresilience literature. The central elements of community resilience identified inour research will be discussed drawing on the results of a survey, focus groupsand interviews and a narrative of resilience as developed by Zautra and Hall(2008). Where much focus can be placed on the structural and system issues ata state, command and control level, at a community level vulnerable people andhow to identify their needs and how they are provided for in times of emergencyhas been considered in the literature. In building a model of communityresilience through mapping community resilience in the Blue Mountains it hasbecome apparent that local community organisations are not necessarilyincluded in disaster preparedness, planning or recovery even even though they



are the most likely contact for vulnerable people in the community. In the BlueMountains organisations such as local Neighbourhood Centres and theMountains Community Resources Network have been instrumental in bringingcommunity organisations to the disaster table. Establishing links to enablemobilisation of local resources of state government as well as communityorganisations such as facilities, transport and volunteers is important. We foundthat it is imperative for significant community organisations to be involved inemergency management at all levels planning, preparedness and recovery.

BiographyDr Valerie Ingham is Senior Lecturer of Emergency Management with theAustralian Graduate School of Policing & Security, Charles Sturt University,Australia. As a practicing artist and a lecturer of emergency management she isconstantly confronted by the aesthetic dimensions of emergency response, ahitherto highly scientificised discipline. Her research focus is the aestheticawareness of incident commanders in time pressured decision making. She is afounding member of the Bangladesh Australia Disaster Research Group. Herresearch interests include visual methodologies, somatic and aestheticperceptions of risk and decision making, community resilience, disaster recoveryand the tertiary education of emergency managers and fire investigators. Shehas extensive experience in the design, development and delivery of programsin the disciplines of emergency management and fire services.

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Prof. Alan Lawton, Professor of Management, Federation University

Australia

Developing a Regional Resilience Monitor

AbstractRegional resilience, in terms of health and wellbeing, lifting productivity andeconomic growth, managing risk, and capturing opportunities for sustainableenvironments and human systems, has been identified as a key strategicpriority for Australia. Regions, as much as individuals, can be vulnerable tochanges in economic, social, health or environmental conditions. What isimportant is how regions respond to, and indeed, anticipate the impact of thesechanges. The capacity to respond will depend upon a number of factorsincluding current economic health, the quality of the relationships betweendifferent stakeholders, the support networks that exist within a community, thehuman capabilities and competences that exist and the attitudes of groups andindividuals to the challenge of change. However, the concept of resilience itselfis contested. It has been identified as a response to key events such as floods,climate change or bushfires (Pooley et al. 2010); as the capacity of individualsand communities (Buckle et al., 2001); and elsewhere, as the quality of anation (Conservative Party UK 2010). Notwithstanding such definitionalproblems, we offer our own definition: Resilience is the capacity of acommunity to respond to, and anticipate economic, social and environmentalchange and to adapt, plan and transform itself for the future. Our paperpresents the development of a Regional Resilience Monitor (RRM) whichprovides a holistic framework consisting of six interlocking dimensions;Economic health; Human capital; Social wellbeing; Liveability; Social capitaland social networks; Entrepreneurialism References Buckle, P., Marsh, G andSmale, S (2001) Assessment of Personal & Community Resilience &Vulnerability Emergency Management Australia Report 15/2000 ConservativeParty (2010) A Resilient Nation: National Security Green Paper Pooley, JA,



Cohen, L and O'Connor, M. (2010) Bushfire communities and resilience: Whatcan they tell us? The Australian Journal of Emergency Management 26(2) 3338.

BiographyProfessor Alan Lawton is a professor of management in Federation BusinessSchool with a background in political philosophy. He has held professorialappointments at five different universities in three different countries. He haspublished extensively on public sector management and he has particularexpertise in the field of public sector ethics. He has advised governments inEurope and Africa on developing ethical frameworks for government ministers,MPs, judges and civil servants. His most recent publications are on ethicalleadership. He also led a small team on a project developing a tool to measureregional resilience and this paper reports on that research.

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Daniel Masters, Senior Manager, Investment Appraisal, Policy &

Economics, Trade & Investment NSW

Comparative Analysis of the Benefits of Regional DevelopmentProjects: which generates the greatest return?

AbstractThe following paper provides a comparative economic analysis of regionaldevelopment projects. The projects subjected to the comparative analysis havebeen chosen for their ability to reflect a 'typical' regional industry investmentproject or tourism based initiative. The projects are separately assessed usingeconomic impact analysis and social welfare cost benefit analysis, with theresults compared. Using both methodologies, it is shown that tourism relatedprojects offer comparable, if not greater, economic benefits to regionaleconomies than traditional industry based projects. However, it is also shownthat the economic benefits associated with tourism projects are sensitive to thereferent group selected for the analysis as well as the likelihood of specificpurpose visitation to the region as a result of the initiative. In addition toproviding a comparative analysis of industry investment and tourism projects,the paper also provides an overview of those elements that drive the quantifiedeconomic benefits in a cost benefit analysis and economic impact analysis. Thecost benefit analysis methodology used to assess the projects is consistent withthe NSW Treasury Guidelines for Economic Assessment (TPP075). Toassess the economic impact of the projects, regional input output analysisbased on the Generation of Regional Input Output Tables methodology isused.

BiographyDaniel Masters is the Senior Manager of the Investment Appraisal team inNSW Trade and Investment (T&I). In this role, Daniel leads a team ofeconomists who undertake cost benefit analysis over a diverse portfolio ofprojects, ranging from arts precincts to public transport concessions. Prior tohis current position, Daniel held the position of Manager Asset Managementand Strategy at the State Water Corporation where he undertook economicassessments of water infrastructure. Daniel has also held positions in theNorthern Territory Government regulating transport markets, and undertakingCBAs of transport related infrastructure. Daniel was awarded a bachelor ofeconomics with distinction and the Dean's medal for academic excellence in2003 from the University of Western Sydney. Daniel was also awarded a



masters degree in economics from the University of New England in 2009.

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Copresenter Dr. Sarah Redshaw, Research Associate, Institute for

Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University

BiographyDr Sarah Redshaw is currently a Research Associate at Charles SturtUniversity working with Val Ingham on research related to emergency servicesas communities of practice and community connections and resilience. She hasdeveloped and conducted research projects for over 15 years including as anARC Postdoctoral Research Fellow with the Centre for Cultural Research atthe University of Western Sydney and Senior Researcher at the Kid'sResearch Institute, The Children's Hospital at Westmead and recently asResearch Fellow in Sociology at Macquarie University. She has published anumber of papers and a book, In the Company of Cars: driving as a social andcultural practice (Ashgate 2008) from her studies on the social and culturalaspects of young people's engagement with cars, and on a number of healthrelated projects including Bereavement Support in Community Nursing,Heartbeads and 'Measuring the Outcomes of Case Managed CommunityCare' with Michael Fine.

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Ken Varcoe, Technical Director, Water Engineers United Pty Ltd

Safe Water from Common Salt? A Sustainability Technology Reality forRegional Australia and Beyond

AbstractMost urban dwelling Australians take secure and safe water supplies forgranted. That is, they have an adequate quantity of water at a quality that canbe used by people without harm from human and animal wastes, salinity andhardness or pollutants from agriculture and industry. However, this is not thesituation across much of rural and remote regional Australia or in thedeveloping world where availability and poor quality water can be a majorthreat to human health. The purpose of this presentation is to introduce asustainability technology for water disinfection using common salt that ensuressafe water for all purposes. Machines are now available for onsite generationof either Sodium Hypochlorite (liquid chlorine) or Chlorine Dioxide by theprocess of electrolysis. The technology allows the production of these powerfulwater disinfectants at the point of use, requiring only electric power (mains,portable or renewable) and common salt or Sodium Chlorite (low cost rawmaterials). This means low operating cost and high levels of safety, comparedto the traditional methods of providing disinfection using liquid chlorine. Therange of applications for Hypochlorite and Chlorine Dioxide are enormous, asvirtually all water that is consumed domestically or used in industry, needseither (or both) of the these disinfectants. The latest patented technologyallows generation of both disinfectants from a single machine and has thepotential to revolutionise a vast range of water treatment applications. A newfocus is on collaborative research, development and demonstration (RD&D)



project work aimed at generating water disinfectants from seawater usingrobust mobile solar powered units. This application of sustainability technologyis being designed for rural and remote regions in Australia; developingcountries such as the Solomon Islands, PNG, and Vanuatu; and vulnerableregions in Sri Lanka and India.

BiographyKen Varcoe is the Technical Director of Water Engineers United Pty Ltd, aglobal company focused on water treatment solutions for a range ofapplications. Ken is a member of the Institute of Engineers and gained hisprofessional qualifications in Chemical Engineering, and Business(Administration) from Swinburne University of Technology. Additionally, he hasundertaken courses in and Electrochemistry in Australia and Germany. He hasbeen with Water Engineers for over 15 years working from their Head Officeon the Gold Coat Queensland on projects in key Australian states andoverseas (eg India, Dubai, Mexico, China, Iran, Singapore and the USA).Currently, Ken is involved in collaborative research, development anddemonstration (RD&D) project work aimed at generating water disinfectantsfrom seawater using robust mobile solar powered units.

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Copresenter Paula Walker, Manager Infrastructure Planning,

Procurement and Maintenance, TAFE Western

BiographyPaula Walker is the TAFE Western Manager Infrastructure Planning,Procurement and Maintenance. Her roll over the last 2 years has primarilybeen managing TAFE Western Infrastructure projects from minorrefurbishments to major capital projects, including the Mudgee LearningResource Hub. A couple of recent highlights for Paula this year have includedTAFE Western being awarded a Green Building Council of Australia 5 StarGreen Star – Education Design v1 certified rating for the Mudgee project andthe construction of a portable building for Wilcannia. Paula has 31 yearsworking with TAFE NSW including Finance, Human Resources, IT Systemsimplementation and Campus Administration Management. Paula loves theproject management aspects of her role particularly bringing togetherstakeholders and achieving outcomes that meet community and customerneeds. Paula strongly believes in the TAFE Western mission of changingpeople's lives and respects the role TAFE Western plays in regionalcommunities and economies.

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Ryan Wilson, Sustainability Officer, City of KalgoorlieBoulder

GVROC Regional LED Streetlight and Solar PV Project

AbstractThe City of KalgoorlieBoulder, acting on behalf of the Goldfields VoluntaryRegional Organisation of Councils (GVROC), has secured $5.6M in funds fromthe WA Government's Royalties for Regions program and the federal



Community Energy Efficiency Program to manage the installation of over 3,000LED streetlights and 7 solar PV systems across the GoldfieldsEsperanceregion. This project is expected to reduce electricity consumption due to streetlighting by over 55% in the 6 towns participating. Shire owned facilitiesscheduled to have solar PV systems installed will realise on average a 51%reduction in electricity consumption and solar PV systems will range between10kW to 150kW in size. GVROC shires will receive additional financial benefitsin the form of export tariffs for excess electricity provided to local grids. Totalexpected financial benefit to GVROC shires resulting from this project isapproximately $360,000/year, while total CO2 emission reductions areexpected to be approximately 1,000 tonnes/year. The City of KalgoorlieBoulder has played a central role in securing the funding, managing the projectand dealing with the numerous stakeholders involved such as the local shires,Horizon Power, GVROC and the WA Department of Treasury. The project iscurrently in the installation phase with the first streetlights installed in May 2015and the first tender for solar PV systems to be released in June 2015.Streetlight installations are expected to be completed by December 2015 andsolar PV installations by December 2016.

BiographyRyan Wilson has bachelors of science (hons) and economics from theUniversity of Western Australia and a graduate certificate in projectmanagement from Curtin University. Ryan has worked for the City ofKalgoorlieBoulder for over two years and has managed numerous renewableenergy and other sustainability related projects in this time including theconstruction of WA's largest councilowned solar PV system at the City'swastewater treatment plant.

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Anna Wyllie, Business and Economic Development Manager, Parkes

Shire Council

Parkes' National Logistics Hub

AbstractIn terms of a national freight interchange, our Vision, as the name implies, isthat Parkes will be a "National Logistics Hub". But we are not experts inTransport, logistics or manufacturing BUT we are experts in collaboration,advocacy and facilitation. We believe that Parkes presents a very excitingopportunity we are the Cross roads of the Nation BUT we understand thatwe need to work with Industry and we need industries advice to make the mostof the very exciting opportunity that is in front of us!! Getting a majordevelopment up sometimes takes a long time but we are here for the longhaulto help those that may share our vision. Parkes is strategically located at theintersection of the Newell Highway and the railway linking Melbourne/Brisbane/Sydney/Perth as well as Adelaide and Darwin. Parkes Shire Council, hasrezoned significant parcels of land for the development of the Parkes NationalLogistics Hub, designed to become a 24 hour, seven day per week multimodaltransport facility in conjunction with inland rail. 16 million people or over 80% ofthe Australian population can be reached in less than 12 hours by road fromParkes. Parkes Shire Council knows and understands our community,economy and stakeholders. Council can see the opportunities that the InlandRail will bring to regional Australia as well as the benefits it will bring to thetransport and logistics industry. This presentation will showcase the uniqueposition that the Parkes National Logistics Hub will play in the solution of thegrowing national freight task.



BiographyAnna has been living and working in Parkes for the past 9 years with herhusband, who works for Northparkes Mine and their 3 girls. She has been theEconomic and Business Development Manager with Parkes Shire Council for2 year and it is a role she is passionate about having grown up in regionalNSW. Anna has a Bachelor in Commerce and has previously worked in thefinance industry for large multinational companies as a Business DevelopmentManager and for a regional charity in Canada as their General Manager.

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Workshop Facilitators

Angus M. Robinson, Managing Partner, Leisure Solutions® and Chair,

Geotourism Standing Committee, Geological Society of Australia

Geotourism: pathways for regional development in Australia

AbstractThe serious pursuit of ecotourism in Australia was 'kick started' nearly 25 yearsago through the establishment of Ecotourism Australia Ltd which nowrepresents some 500 operators in Australia. Whilst the potential forgeotourism, a related field of 'nature based' tourism was first recognised inAustralia in 1996, the concept was only conceptualised locally by the conveningin Western Australia of a Global Geotourism Conference in 2008, with thesubsequent establishment of geotourism constituency groupings firstly by theGeological Society of Australia in 2011 and by Ecotourism Australia throughthe creation of the Geotourism Forum in November 2013. In 2008, the thenKanawinka 'Global' Geopark (a key instrument of geotourism delivery) wasestablished in Victoria and South Australia, but its status was not ratified byAustralian Governments in 2009, and recently the geopark structure wasdismantled with the 'geopark' now operating as a 'geotrail', with some logisticsupport being afforded by local government . For geotourism to reach itspotential, new pathways for development such as geotrails need to beimplemented, having regard to government interest in nurturing regionaldevelopment and new job creation through celebrating geotourism, geologicaland mining heritage. The Australian Government's Australian NationalLandscapes Programme and the development of a range of existing andproposed geotrail projects which offer exciting new opportunities forgeotourism growth, whilst not overlooking Australia's extensive protected areasas venues for enhancing geological and landscape interpretation and educationas part of the overall 'naturebased' tourism mix.

BiographyAngus is an exploration geologist by profession and training. After 20 yearsrecently in 'hitech' industry development roles, including as the inauguralgeneral manager of the Australian Technology Park and Chief Executive of amanufacturing industry association, he is now developing new 'experiential'tourism packages in his business, Leisure Solutions®.

With a passion for industry development, Angus currently serves as both Chairof the Geotourism Standing Committee of the Geological Society of Australia



and as a member of the Geotourism Forum of Ecotourism Australia Ltd.

He has previously served in an executive role with Sydney's Taronga Zoo, asthe inaugural Director of Sydney's former redeveloped Geological and MiningMuseum (The Earth Exchange), and has managed the Mt Hotham AlpineResort in Victoria. He has also worked for coal and mineral resourcedevelopment exploration roles working throughout Australia.

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Workshop Speakers

Peter William Bishop, Director, Kuro Kin Wagyu

Kuro Kin Wagyu in the Hunter Valley

AbstractKuro Kin Wagyu was founded in 1997 at Wootton, Scone, 2337 Since then wehave sold Wagyu cattle to the Japanese, the Chinese, and feedlots in Australiawhere the ultimate destination is across Asia, Europe and the USA. We havesold wagyu genetics to most states of Australia.

BiographyKuro Kin is a family operation run by Peter W. Bishop B.Sc.Ag.(Syd) and PeterH.Bishop A.D.F.M..(Syd). We entered Wagyu production after a long period ofappraisal. We were well versed in stud beef cattle with 50 years of WoottonPoll Hereford Stud. Nevertheless you need a lot of luck, and Wagyu has beena lucky choice, getting luckier by the day.

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Copresenter Peter Hubert Bishop, Kuro Kin Wagyu

BiographyKuro Kin is a family operation run by Peter W. Bishop B.Sc.Ag.(Syd) and PeterH.Bishop A.D.F.M..(Syd). We entered Wagyu production after a long period ofappraisal. We were well versed in stud beef cattle with 50 years of WoottonPoll Hereford Stud. Nevertheless you need a lot of luck, and Wagyu has beena lucky choice, getting luckier by the day.

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Daniel Cove, Chair, Geotourism Forum, Ecotourism Australia Ltd



Geotrails: enhancing the visitor experience and encouraging extendedstays in Australia

AbstractGeotrails offer genuine potential for both adding new dimensions to a regionalvisitor experience and as a tool for encouraging extended travel time within theregion. The Geotrail concept seeks to develop an extended journey that followsa logical sequence and which connects otherwise unrelated towns, districtsand attraction through thematic interpretation based upon geological features.Geotourism, as tourism that focuses upon geology as the underpinning basisfor the appeal of a natural attraction or area, is an increasingly important part ofthe international tourism spectrum. Geotrails are the most effective way ofintegrating the increasingly popular concept of geotourism on a regional scale.Both international and domestic perceptions of Australia's tourism advantageare largely directed toward Australia's 'natural advantage' and to nature basedtourism. Geological heritage is a major component of this advantage as clearlydemonstrated in Australia's 'National Landscapes' and World Heritage listedsites. Geotrails can utilise a major flagship site with broad brand recognition asa focal point for a more comprehensive experience. Such an approach isconsistent with the everincreasing demand for immersive and authentic visitorexperiences and can be further enhanced by digital interpretation throughinteractive apps and such pursuits as geocaching. Geotrails represent anopportunity for all regional areas to offer a compelling reason for travel andextended stay time whilst pursuing an authentic and memorable naturalexperience.

BiographyDan has been involved in geotourism since starting work as a guide at theWombeyan Caves at age 18. He has subsequently been involved in managing,developing and promoting show caves internationally and developedtechniques and approaches to cave lighting, cleaning and restoration andthematic interpretation that have been widely adopted by the show cavecommunity. As Operations Manager at the Jenolan Caves, NSW untilDecember 2014, Dan oversaw a repositioning of the iconic site with a muchbroader product offering and the site winning over a dozen state and nationalTourism Awards. He is the current President of the Australasian Cave andKarst Management Association, VicePresident of the International Show CaveAssociation, a Director of Ecotourism Australia and Chair of the GeotourismForum of Ecotourism Australia.

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Ian Lewis, Director, Kanawinka Geopark/Geotrail

Developing the Potential of Geotourism Across Rural Australia: theKanawinka Geopark/Geotrail experience

AbstractKanawinka Geopark/Geotrail promotes rural tourism and landscape care forthe many volcanoes, famous caves and coastline features across the area ofWestern Victoria and SouthEastern South Australia. There are approximately300 Geoparks around the world with a great variety of landscapes. These areusually of the order 10 x 10 kms in area. However, Kanawinka is 400kms x150kms and is by far the world's largest Geopark. Due to the wide distributionof its natural attractions and features, Kanawinka has adopted the 'Geotrail'concept, encouraging visitors to select from a number of highway trails through



the region via accommodation hubs, with a subtheme of 'Stay another Day'. Afullcolor foldout map available at all tourism centres in the region indicatesthese trails and describes the features along them. The Geotrail concept isrelatively new in Australia but particularly suited to our wide and diverselandscape. One example is the 'Dig the Tropic' Geotrail across centralQueensland from the inland to the reef. Kanawinka has identified that theGeotrail concept is more applicable to develop than the smallscale distinct'Geopark' model which originated in closelysettled Europe. This paper is aboutdeveloping the potential of Geotrails across rural Australia.

BiographyIan D Lewis grew up next to Mount Gambier's beautiful Blue Lake volcanosurrounded by limestone caves and spectacular groundwaterfilled sinkholesHe has written several books on the volcanic/limestone marine coastline andcaves, including shipwreck research. He works as a hydrogeologist for theSouth Australia Department for Environment and is completing his PhD on theGeology of the nearby World Heritage Naracoorte Fossil Caves. Ian is Directorof the Kanawinka Geopark which focuses on blending related landscapethemes such as geology, marine environments, local history, culture andwildlife into a framework of Geotrails for the benefit of tourism promotion of afascinating region of rural Australia.

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Kenneth Moule, Chief Technical Officer, Global GBM

Exploring the World we Walk in Through Mobile Technology

AbstractSustainable economic growth is about encouraging commercial activity withoutdestroying what makes our regions special. For tourism it means leveragingthe pull of our natural environment to counter the excitement of theme parksand the hubble and bubble of the city We so commonly walk through our worldunaware of layers of interesting detail about the ground we walk over. Flora,Fauna, Geology, Ecology, Agriculture and Heritage are but a few of the topicsthat pertain to almost every spot in our continent, but seldom are weaccompanied by a guide who is across but a few of these. Our visitors departwithout getting the full experience. This presentation looks at the contribution oftechnology to the tourism experience, opening the way for a new regionalimitative around map enabled mobile apps to economically promote attractionsand enhance the visitor experience. Based on a successful proof of conceptdeveloped for the Geological Society of Australia, the talk will present a modelfor engaging with a full diversity of interest groups to collated and presentdetails of each region. This type of mobile app can contribute to sustainabletourism and also engage the public in collecting observations to support soundenvironmental management and agriculture. This is all about a framework forpartnering with regional authorities, commercial groups and members of thepublic in each region to build a shared resource that will not only promotesustainable tourism but also engender interest and pride in what our regionshave to offer.

BiographyKen Moule B.Sc (University of Queensland), MSc (university of London) KenMoule is a geologist who has made a transition into the technology sphere.After an exciting career engaged in mineral exploration across the globe, Kenpracticed for many years as an ore resource and mine planning consultant



before cofounding a technology company in 1992. Ken is Chief TechnicalOfficer for Global GBM, a company that has made its mark through servicingLocal Government Organisations with map enabled mobility solutions. RecentlyKen worked with industrial minerals specialists under the banner of theGeological Society of Australia to deliver a mobile app that describes thesource and nature of the geological materials used in each of the buildings inthe Brisbane CBD and the history of those buildings. That app is a small pieceof a national geotourism initiative that is evolving through collaboration betweena number of professional societies and the community. Ken has a specialinterest in working with the full diversity of interest groups to collate informationabout our natural environment and heritage and to present that information in away that is both accessible and relevant to the community.

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Michael Growder, Assistant Secretary, FTA Outreach Unit, Department of

Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

BiographyMichael Growder is currently an Assistant Secretary in DFAT's Free TradeAgreement Division, where he is responsible for advocacy work on therecentlyconcluded north Asia FTAs. He has just returned from a posting asPublic Affairs Counsellor in the Australian Embassy in Beijing (2012 to 2014),and was also formerly posted to the Australian Embassy in Hanoi as FirstSecretary responsible for economic and trade policy issues (20052007).Michael was previously part of the negotiating teams working on the China,Japan and Korea FTAs, and has also written published reports on Australiancommercial opportunities in India and China. Prior to joining DFAT, Michaelworked at the Reserve Bank of Australia for several years. He graduated fromthe University of Queensland with degrees in Economics and MandarinChinese.

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Prof. Neil Williams, Honorary Professorial Fellow, University of

Wollongong

Unlocking Geological Information in Support of GeotourismDevelopment

AbstractThere are many opportunities to enhance tourism experiences across Australiathrough the provision of quality geological information. Tourists with an interestin the natural environment and the nation's unique flora and fauna, will besimilarly interested in the geological evolution of the areas they are visiting andthe impact geology has had on the present landscape and its flora and fauna.In collaboration with relevant tourism organizations, the Australian geologicalcommunity is becoming increasingly involved in the development of geotrailsthat link sites of particular geological interest and enable visitors who follow thetrails to gain an appreciation of not only the geology of the area but also ofother attractions the areas have to offer. A world leader in the realisation of the



potential of highlighting geological heritage is the USA, and Australia has muchto learn from the ways the US government agencies and private operatorshave gone about highlighting America's geological heritage and encouraginggeotourism. Critical to the successful development of geotourism acrossAustralia is quality information on the nation's geology. Custodians of thepublicly accessible and vast geological information base for Australia comprisethe Australian Government agency Geoscience Australia and the State andNorthern Territory Geological Surveys. While much of this information supportsinvestment in mineral resource exploration, management of the environmentaland the mitigation of geohazard risks, the information also has great potentialto support geotourism. The challenge is how best to bring together geoscienceand tourism expertise in support of geotourism development.

BiographyNeil has the distinction of being the longestserving CEO of Australia's nationalgeological survey and topographic mapping agency, Geoscience Australia,which he directed from 1995 to 2010. Before joining the Australian PublicService in 1991, he worked in the mineral exploration industry and at theAustralian National University. In the 2006 Australia Day Honours Neilreceived the Australian Public Service Medal for his outstanding work in theprovision of geoscientific advice to government, geoscience services, industryand the public. He was President of the highly successful 34th InternationalGeological Congress held in Brisbane in August 2012, the largest geoscienceconference ever held in Australia. Neil received his undergraduate training atthe Australian National University and his PhD from Yale University. Sinceretiring from Geoscience Australia in 2010 Neil has been mentoring youngergeoscientists as an Honorary Professorial Fellow at the University ofWollongong.

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