Lorraine Gordon is departing Regional Development Australia’s Mid North Coast branch.
MY time as CEO of RDA Mid North Coast will soon finish as I take on a new role as director of the National Farm Collaboration and Cooperatives Program, based out of Southern Cross University.
I wanted to take a moment to recognise some of the great things that are happening in our region and the invaluable organisations that are contributing to our success.
The concept of cruise shipping and the Jetty Foreshores precinct in Coffs Harbour has been an exciting opportunity to pursue over the past two years and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time as chair of the Coffs Harbour Shipping Port Steering Group.
I’d like to particularly recognise the NSW Business Chamber and Department of Premier and Cabinet for their invaluable assistance in getting this project off the ground and I look forward to a continuing role on the reference group.
Another area of focus for RDA has been attracting business investment.
Since we launched our investment prospectus, “Mid North Coast [Connected]”, back in February, we’ve seen a flurry of activity from investors, including many international companies. I’m proud to say this prospectus has now gone out to over 20 countries.
The chambers of commerce and our industry partners have been absolutely fantastic in promoting this document, which showcases an array of investment opportunities in our region.
Finally, I’ve been delighted to see the renewed focus on agriculture at all levels of government and I have been proud to wave the banner for our farmers and food producers through our Agricultural Pathways project and the Affordable Farming Portal.
I’ve also been working with NorthCoast TAFE, Charles Sturt University and the University of New England to set up a Centre for Agricultural Excellence in Education and Research and I’d like to thank each of these organisations for their strong support.
Lastly I’d like to thank the RDAMNC Committee and my wonderful staff for the hard work and expertise they put into making this region a better place to live and work.
I’d encourage all our stakeholders to get behind RDA and these fantastic organisations that are all working together to make our region the best we can be.