January Newsletter

Message from the CEO

Heading into 2018 with optimism
It is hard to believe that the first month of the New Year is almost gone. Happy New Year to all - this is shaping up to be an exciting year on all project fronts.

The fast rail announcement will be a huge catalytic project for the Sunshine Coast. RDA Sunshine Coast has long been advocating for accelerated transport infrastructure - fast rail will provide a viable alternative to Bruce Highway congestion, and improve safety on the roads. The $10 billion National Rail Fund submission presents a great opportunity to build connectivity across regions, and link a federally-funded rail project with the state-funded cross river rail. Collaborating on an integrated solution is required.

Upcoming projects

In February, TAFE QLD East Coast and RDA Sunshine Coast will be launching the next Coding & Programming course. This will provide students with the opportunity to learn skills for the jobs of the future. If you are unsure of a career path, are tech-savvy, or have an interest in computer programming this is a great course to learn basic language and programming skills. Employers who are interested in recruiting graduates should contact RDA Sunshine Coast.

RDA Sunshine Coast hosted a Smart Transport forum for employers last November - feedback from the inaugural forum was fantastic. In March, we will be holding two more Smart Transport forums for employers (Noosa and Maroochydore). Keep an eye on our newsletter and social media for the dates.

As the region develops and catalytic projects commence, opportunities will be presented for SME’s to participate and capitalise. Watch out for the Ripple Effect workshops in coming months.

Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous New Year - we look forward to working with you in 2018.

Darrell Edwards
CEO
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sunshine Coast

Headlines

MYRIAD 2018

Myriad is a three-day technology and innovation conference being held in Brisbane. From global thought leaders, international brands to Australia’s best entrepreneurs, Myriad’s program in 2018 will showcase emerging technology, inspire with personal stories & educate through immersive experiences.

In the Media

Opinion: RDAs focus is on a better future
Our committee has worked hard to deliver results for the region - reflected in key achievements across 16 separate projects - and has partnered in more than 22 events.

(Sunshine Coast Daily, 7th Jan 2018)

WishlistConnect

Wishlist is the local Hospital Foundation who has dedicated more than $16 million to the local health system and Sunshine Coast community.

Advertising with Wishlist can not only help the Sunshine Coast community - but put your business in front of thousands of new healthcare workers and specialists, as well as the broader community. Read more to investigate some of the ongoing business opportunities linked to the new Sunshine Coast Health Precinct.

SMART Transport Forum

RDA Sunshine Coast held a forum in November 2017 in the hope it would lead to more commuters abandoning their cars and embracing a more efficient, cost effective and sustainable transport system.

About 85% of trips made by employees are by private motor vehicle. As the population grows, this will become unsustainable and impact the Coast's lifestyle and environment. Alternate, SMART transport solutions are available now.

The purpose of the Smart Transport Forum (for employers) is to educate employers about available options. Employers are critical to influencing employee behaviour change. Watch the video here.

LEARN MORE

Sunshine Coast Investor Network (SCIN)

The Sunshine Coast Investor Network (SCIN) exists to educate investors and business owners about what is happening in our own backyard, connect you with these opportunities as well as the investor groups across the region.

Business Development Fund

The Business Development Fund helps to turn ideas into reality with co-investment in Queensland businesses at the forefront of commercialising ground-breaking research or innovations.

#SCRIPT Advance Regional Innovation Program (ARIP)
The Advance Regional Innovation Program (ARIP) will provide $1 million over 3 years to develop innovation and entrepreneurial activities across the Sunshine Coast region.

Visit our Grants & Funding page for a complete list of available grants.

Demystifying Business Management Systems

If you want to win work on large or major projects but don’t have a recognised Management System to show how you manage quality, and risk with environment and safety, this workshop is for you. Find out more about the needs and benefits for having formalising your practices to be more successful in 2018 and beyond.

Wednesday 31 January 2018, 9-11am

Lake Kawana Community Centre | 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina

Suppliers Briefing
Find out about upcoming contracts and procurement opportunities with Sunshine Coast Council and meet some of the teams representatives.

Wednesday 6 February 2018, 8-10am

Lake Kawana Community Centre | 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina

Business Marketing Workshop
Increase your customers through marketing and partnering with complementary businesses with this interactive workshop.
Monday 12 February 2018, 8-11am
Lake Kawana Community Centre | 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina

Grants Information Sessions

FREE Grants Information Sessions featuring grant writing tips for not-for-profit organisations are now open for registration.

Visit Sunshine Coast Council website for details.

Visit Sunshine Coast Training and Workshops

With a large tourism industry and the predominance of small enterprises on the Sunshine Coast, Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) understands the need to assist the industry in the development of their individual business.

See the Visit Sunshine Coast website for details.

Have your say!

We welcome your feedback about any of the projects or news items featured in our monthly newsletter.

If you have regional news stories, events, or images of this great place we call home, please contact us at media@rdasunshinecoast.org.au.

Editorial deadline is by the 28th of each month.

Contact us

RDA Sunshine Coast
17 Ocean Street
Maroochydore Q 4558

Regional Development Australia Sunshine Coast is an Australian Government initiative that works in collaboration with the Queensland Government, Sunshine Coast and Noosa Councils to support economic development within the region.

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