Regional Australia Institute

Congratulations to RAI Board Member, Marnie Baker, who has been appointed to the Reserve Bank of Australia’s monetary policy board. With more than three decades’ experience in the financial sector, including as CEO Bendigo and Adelaide Bank and having lived and worked her whole life in regional Australia, Marnie will bring a unique skillset to our nation’s central bank. Treasurer Jim Chalmers says the appointment will provide “….an important regional perspective to considerations on monetary policy” – a sentiment we support strongly! Read more here: https://loom.ly/1HPTBxc

🌟 2024 in Review: A Year of Regional Impact 🌟   From shaping policy to empowering leaders, building partnerships, and connecting with communities, 2024 has been a year to remember at the Regional Australia Institute. 💪   Check out the highlights of everything we’ve achieved together this year, and get ready for an even bigger 2025 as we continue to champion the future of regional Australia!   🎥 Watch the video now!   #RegionalAustralia #2024Highlights #RegionsMatter #RAIImpact #LookingAheadTo2025 #RebalanceTheNation

🎉 A small Victorian town, a creative approach, and a life-changing opportunity! After nearly a year without a science teacher, Lake Bolac College turned to the power of social media, and it worked wonders! 🌟 Principal Shane Hoffman's video showcasing the school and the vibrant local community attracted 14 applicants in just days, helping secure a new teacher for their students. This heartwarming story highlights the potential of regional living: smaller class sizes, strong community connections, and a lifestyle that brings families closer to nature. 🌳🚜 👏 Congratulations to the Groenendyk family on their big move and to Lake Bolac College for this incredible success. Regional Australia is full of opportunities. Sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity to show it off! #RegionalAustralia #LakeBolac #TeachingInTheRegions #CommunityMatters #RegionalOpportunities #RAI

Understanding the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 pillars – Liveability: Addressing the Challenges Ahead Liveability is about ensuring regional Australia has the amenities, services, and lifestyle to sustain the current trend of regional population growth. Targets focus on wellbeing, digital connectivity, transport, housing, medical services, childcare, education and the arts. However, there are challenges ahead. Some key metrics have gone backwards over the past 12 months, highlighting the need for action to improve regional liveability. As our CEO Liz Ritchie explains: "Demand for regional living has never been higher, but as a nation, we are not keeping pace with delivering the fundamental building blocks that are needed as we rebalance the nation." Check out the slides to see how this pillar is progressing. It’s time to step up and deliver for our regions. #RegionalLiveability #RebalanceTheNation #FutureReady #BuildingOurRegions #RegionalChallenges

Regional Research Insights Forum - Perth, WA. We were thrilled to connect with such an engaged audience and share insights from our latest research during an inspiring afternoon filled with collaboration and thought-provoking discussions. With facilitation from Anna Stephenson, we explored: 💼 Simon Pryor – Regional Labour Markets: Understanding key challenges and opportunities shaping the future of work in regional Australia. ⚡ Luke Jeffress – Towards Net Zero: Empowering regional communities to lead the way in a low-carbon future. 📈 Liz Ritchie – Population Patterns: Navigating demographic changes to strengthen regional resilience and growth. A heartfelt thank you to Nils Hay (Mid West Development Commission), and Cr Jaysen de San Miguel (City of Bunbury), who shared their powerful lived experiences and grounding the discussion in real-world examples. The Regional Australia Institute gratefully acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, which made this event possible. #EmpoweringRegions #RegionalAus #GrowingRegions #EnrichingCommunities

Reflecting on the Regions Leading Their Own Development – Executive Program in Mandurah, WA 🌟   Last week, 20 incredible senior executives from across regional Australia journeyed together over 4 days to shape and make real progress on their visionary cases for change.   Regions Leading their Own Development is much more than an executive program. It offers regional decision makers a high impact platform that inspires and shapes new thinking, systems wide collaboration and strategic action.   Over four transformative days, participants explored the challenges and opportunities unique to their regions and communities, gaining invaluable insights from industry experts and peers.   Through challenging workshops, case study presentations, provocative debates and conversations, participants shaped collaborative cases for change - bold strategies to tackle the complex challenges across their regions.    Founded on leading contemporary systems thinking, these plans translate cutting edge theory into high impact planning and collaborative implementation.   Special thanks to Program collaborators including Ken Wyatt AM, Ralph Addis, Professor Fiona Haslam McKenzie, Dr Stefan Hajkowicz, Katie Stubley, Liz Ritchie, Anna Stephenson, Simon Pryor, Libby Heard, Nils Hay, Alison M., James McKee, Martin Ringer, Marilyn Hopkins, and Chris Sounness who walked alongside participants over the Program's initial 4 days and now into the future through the Program's Alumni Community in the RAIs Regional Australia Hub.   This program is a testament to the incredible power of regional decision makers to drive systemic change. By providing leading methodologies , thinking , tools, connections, and insights, the RAI is empowering regional decision makers to shape the future of regional Australia.   Stay tuned as the Program's alumni share their outcomes and direct impacts of this groundbreaking initiative.    Together, we’re shaping a brighter future for Australi’s regions!   This Executive Series is partially funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.   #EmpoweringRegions #RegionalAus #GrowingRegions #EnrichingCommunities #ExecutiveEducationProgram

The 2024 Regional Wellbeing Survey is now open!   This survey offers a unique opportunity to share insights about what matters most to you and your community.   Since 2013, this vital survey has helped inform policy, programs, and investments that support the wellbeing, resilience, and liveability of regional communities across the nation. The results are also key to the progress of the Regionalisation Ambition 2032.   From addressing the cost of living to understanding the impacts of extreme weather events, your voice contributes to a deeper understanding of life in regional Australia.   Please share this survey with your networks to ensure every voice is heard! The survey closes 31 January 2025. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gdfCDTG   #RegionalDevelopment #RegionalAustralia #CommunityWellbeing

🏡 Australians are rediscovering the charm of regional living! The latest Regional Movers Index (powered by CommBank Business and Institutional) reveals a powerful story: city dwellers are continuing to embrace the space, opportunity, and community of regional Australia. Key highlights from the September quarter: 📈 35.6% more Australians are moving to the regions from capital cities than the other way around. 📈 City to regional relocations are now sitting at 19.8% above the pre-COVID average, while regional to regional relocations dropped 5.1%, suggesting people are content where they are. 📈 Net migration to the regions is at a two-year high, tracking 80% above pre-COVID averages. Hotspots to watch: 📍 The Sunshine Coast leads the pack, followed by Greater Geelong and Lake Macquarie, as the most popular destinations. 📍 New growth areas like Wangaratta (VIC) and Bega Valley (NSW) are emerging as regional lifestyle powerhouses. 🔎 What’s driving this shift? Affordable housing, thriving job markets, and a lifestyle that values connection and balance are calling Australians out of the cities and into the heart of our regions. 📊 Dive into the full story: Discover which LGAs are booming, how migration trends are evolving, and why regional Australia is more attractive than ever. 📥 Read the full Regional Movers Index report now!

Understanding the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 pillars - Productivity & Innovation: Regional Australia Leading the Charge. The Productivity & Innovation pillar is about positioning regional Australia as a leader in economic contribution and innovation. This includes supporting new business development, boosting productivity, and embracing emerging industries. Our target is to increase economic contribution, workforce participation, and the rate of business innovation in regional Australia by 2032. The future of Australia’s economy is being shaped in the regions - Check out how we're progressing! #InnovationInTheRegions #ProductivityGrowth #RegionalEconomy #FutureReady #RebalanceTheNation

Disability inclusion is not just a goal, it's an opportunity to unlock untapped potential in regional Australia. 💡 As we mark International Day of People with Disabilities, we reflect on the 4.4 million Australians living with disability and the persistent employment barriers they face. Our Against the Odds report reveals systemic challenges like geographic isolation, limited transport, and discrimination that disproportionately impact regional Australians with disabilities. Yet, it also highlights opportunities: ✅ Regional areas like Ashburton and Karratha lead in workforce participation, showing what's possible when inclusivity thrives. ✅ Nearly 1 in 10 employed people with disability are underemployed, an untapped resource to grow the workforce. ✅ By supporting businesses to embrace inclusive hiring and providing person-centred support, we can foster meaningful change. It's time to address these barriers, implement inclusive practices, and celebrate the contribution of people with disabilities in the workforce. Together, we can build a more inclusive future for all Australians. 📖 Dive deeper into the findings: https://lnkd.in/gvUxUfQR #InternationalDisabilityDay #InclusionMatters #RegionalAustralia #AgainstTheOdds