RDACC Newsletter November 2011
News, November 23, 2011
RDACC's partnership with Central Coast Tourism to bring the SEGRA Conference to the region
Fresh on the heels of the announcement that the Central Coast is amongst the first regions to receive rollout of the National Broadband Network, a similar partnership has secured the Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia (SEGRA) 2012 conference for the Central Coast.
RDACC in partnership with Central Coast Tourism, won the bid to host the 2012 conference, which focuses on exploring issues affecting regional Australia.
“RDACC and Central Coast Tourism are excited to announce that the Central Coast will host the 2012 SEGRA Conference,” said Anthony Dow, Executive Officer of RDACC.
“The event is estimated to inject $400,000 into the region and we would like to acknowledge the support from all our partners in supporting the bid, including Wyong and Gosford Councils, the University of Newcastle and TAFE NSW, Central Coast Regional Development Corporation and NSW Trade and Investment,” he added.
Held annually since 1997, the conference attracts an average of 300 delegates from around Australia.
SEGRA has long been recognised as a leading national conference and hosting the event offers economic benefit to businesses within the host region, along with the opportunity to promote the wider Central Coast.
As official host for the 2012 conference, the Central Coast will have the opportunity to promote its regional strengths and achievements, increasing future potential for business, investment, tourism and events.
A dynamic local organising committee will influence the delivery of a world class programme, before, during and after the SEGRA event, which we are confident, will leave an enduring legacy for our region.
The conference was held in Geelong this year, where the Central Coast was announced and congratulated on being awarded the 2012 hosting rights. Next year’s conference is likely to be held in November with a date and Central Coast venue to be set shortly.
RDACC's achievements for 2011
2011 marks a significant year of success for Regional Development Australia Central Coast and we are proud to celebrate a number of achievements that have been led, supported, assisted, hosted and earned by RDACC this year.
Our monthly Focus on the Coast forums have become an invaluable asset to Central Coast residents, business owners and industry experts alike, with up to 400 people attending the forums. With topics ranging from ‘Small Business on the Central Coast’ and ‘Innovation in the Online Digital Environment’ to ‘A Vision for Sport on the Central Coast’, these forums continue to offer a useful platform from which interested parties can provide feedback, advice and input about the region’s key activities and issues.
September saw Gosford’s Coast Shelter secure $700,000 through successful RDAF Round One funding. RDACC endorsed the Coast Shelter funding application, with the successful grant used to refurbish their Community Care Centre. RDACC has supported other Central Coast organisations with RDAF Round Two applications, which close on December 1.
RDACC has also lobbied heavily to bring important new initiatives and opportunities to the Coast. Partnering with key bodies and individuals, RDACC coordinated the regional effort which saw the Central Coast receive early rollout of the National Broadband Network and a similar partnership secured the Central Coast to host the 2012 SEGRA conference, which is predicted to inject $400,000 into the local economy.
As part of an effort to bring business and investment to the Central Coast, RDACC launched a regional attraction website – www.investcentralcoast.com. This innovative marketing tool highlights the key features and opportunities that the Central Coast has to offer business owners, investors and families alike.
Further to this, RDACC secured $460,000 from Arts NSW to build Central Coast’s Arts capacity and foster cultural development. In addition, we have introduced new innovative platforms to the region with the inaugural Innovation Summit and the I-Factor competition for school students.
We recognise that these various accomplishments could not have been realised without the assistance and support of key Central Coast organisations, individuals and government bodies. The RDACC looks forward to continuing to work alongside the entire Central Coast community to bring about real and positive regional change.
Central Coast's Regional Community Creative Producer commences role
RDACC are pleased to announce the appointment of Liz Carter to the role of ‘Regional Community Creative Producer’ for the Central Coast.
This two-year position is funded through Arts NSW with the aim of delivering the key community partnership projects envisaged in the 2010 Central Coast Art and Community Report, which was created by Lois Randall Creative Consulting.
As the Regional Community Creative Producer, Liz will report to a Steering Committee with representatives from RDACC, Arts NSW, Wyong Shire Council and Gosford City Council. Throughout 2012, she will work to produce the Community Partnerships Programs 1 & 2 outlined in the Lois Randall report, which are deliverable under the funding agreement.
Program 1, Place and Identity Local Stories, will see the implementation of a Community Artist in Residence project for the Central Coast region, while Program 2, Youth Futures Digital Arts, will see artists in residence mentor young Central Coast artists to create new digital artworks.
These programs have been created to build the region’s professional arts capacity by providing more opportunities for emerging Central Coast artists through developing regional networks and providing exposure to contemporary arts practice.
Forming a local reference group to provide ideas on ways to support local creative networks and the Community Partnership residences will fall under Liz’s guidance. The reference group is on track to be established by December 2011 and interaction with the reference group will commence in late January 2012.
Speaking of her new role, Liz says she is very excited to be part of a new vision for the Central Coast arts and culture.
“There is such a vibrant arts community living and working on the Central Coast and this investment in arts development will assist the region in its goal to become a premier arts destination,” she said.
Liz has previously worked on public arts installations, festivals and the management of a multi-facet Youth Performing Arts Centre on the Central Coast. Most recently, she was the facility Coordinator of CarriageWorks, Sydney’s newest contemporary arts centre.