Riverina Skills Study Launch

Image: Launch of the Riverina Skills Study Tuesday 12th October 2021. L-R: The Hon Michael McCormack MP, Dianna Somerville (Chair of RDA Riverina), Dallas Tout (RDA Riverina Board), David Bardos (RDA Riverina Board), Ray Willis (RDA Riverina Board), Rachel Whiting (CEO & Director of Regional Development, RDA Riverina)

The results of the Riverina Skills Study were released on Tuesday the 12th of October 2021 and show the extent of the skills shortage in the region.

The study was conducted by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina and was partially funded by Charles Sturt University’s AgriPark Seed Fund.

More than 164 survey respondents, eight focus group participants and seven interview participants provided feedback through surveys, focus groups and one-on-one interviews. The skills study aimed to understand what skills are in short supply, what future skills will be needed and collaborations necessary to deliver solutions to meet the projected growth of the region.

Charles Sturt Director of External Engagement in Wagga Wagga and Albury-Wodonga Samantha Beresford said the University was proud to be involved in an initiative that delivers an important assessment for the region. “The RDA has shown tremendous leadership in highlighting key issues and engaging industry and community in this important conversation,” she said. “As an anchor institute in the Riverina, it is important that the University has a deep understanding of how we can help address skills shortages and workforce development to ensure the prosperity and growth of this wonderful region.”

CEO and Director of Regional Development for RDA Riverina Rachel Whiting said the collaboration with the University provided a model to use with other regional universities. “We are very excited to be able to deliver the work that was conducted over the last two years,” she said. “This support (by Charles Sturt University) demonstrates the importance of the research presented in the Riverina Skills Study.”

This project is funded by the AgriPark Seed Fund.

For more information or to access a printed copy of the report please contact Rachel Whiting (ceo@rdariverina.org.au) or Melanie Renkin (research@rdariverina.org.au)

Image Description: Launch of the Riverina Skills Study. Pictured on the left is Samantha Beresford (Director, External Engagement, Wagga Wagga & Albury-Wodonga, Charles Sturt University) and on the right is Rachel Whiting (CEO and Director of Regional Development, RDA Riverina).