RDAGE Events
Being a Mentor Training
Join us for an exciting opportunity to enhance your mentoring skills at our "Being a Mentor Training" event. This in-person training session will take place on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 171 Piccadilly Street, Kalgoorlie, WA 6430.
During this interactive training, you will learn valuable techniques and strategies to become an effective mentor. Whether you're new to mentoring or looking to refine your existing skills, this event is perfect for you.
Our experienced trainer, Kylie McLerie of Collective Culture Consultancy, will guide you through various mentoring models, communication techniques, and best practices. You'll gain insights on building trust, setting goals, and providing constructive feedback. Through engaging activities and discussions, you'll develop the confidence and tools needed to make a positive impact as a mentor.
To book, please visit Being a Mentor Tickets (Eventbrite)
Committee Meeting & Christmas Sundowner in Leonora
On Friday 2nd December the Committee and Staff travelled up to Leonora where we held our final Committee Meeting of the year with special guest Jim Epis, CEO of Shire of Leonora providing a brief update on the Shire's current regional issues. Thanks again Jim for your hospitality.
We then enjoyed a Christmas Sundowner at Hoover House overlooking the active Gwalia Gold Mine - an epic view at sunset! We hope the miners were kept entertained by our late-night karaoke. We highly recommend a visit and an overnight stay in this beautiful homestead and a look around the Gwalia Ghost Town & Museum.
What's Down the Track 2022
On 17th November 2022 a large contingent of RDA Goldfields Esperance attended the KBCCI What's Down the Track conference, a day full of interesting news, fantastic speakers and great conversations.
Our Director, Raz, presented a brief overview of the economic market conditions and geopolitical landscape that may have underpinned measures in the Australian Government's 2022-23 October Budget. He ran out of time but his slides are available on request.
ECCI Celebration Evening
Congratulations to all the nominees and award winners at the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry's ðŸðŸŽðŸðŸ ð‚ðžð¥ðžð›ð«ðšðð¢ð¨ð§ ð„ð¯ðžð§ð¢ð§ð held on Saturday 29th October 2022.
RDA Goldfields Esperance were proud to sponsor the event as well as the Innovation & Excellence category. Our Chairperson, Lee Jacobsen, and Director, Raz Ion, travelled down from Kalgoorlie to join our fellow committee members in presenting honours on the evening including Shaun Meares, ECCI President, and Priscilla Davies, ECCI Executive Committee Member and representing Horizon Power.
It was a fabulous evening enjoyed by everyone who braved the wild weather. For all the details on nominees, winners and sponsors please see https://www.esperancecci.com.au/post/celebration-evening-2022
Future Leaders Program Goldfields Wrap Up
The Future Leaders Program Goldfields held their wind up event on Friday 14th October 2022, enjoying the balmy sunset at Kalgoorlie Hotel while being entertained by the amazing local musician Meggan Carswell Music. Participants were recognised with a Certificate of Participation and a personalised engraved pen to hopefully help them be mindful of all the knowledge that has now been imparted to them. Central Regional TAFE will issue the Certificate IV's directly to participants who complete their coursework.
RDA Goldfields Esperance presented Leadership Awards to Alasdair Wilson, for Outstanding Achievement, and Kyra King, for High Achievement - congratulations to you both!
Kalgoorlie Race Round
Such a fun time of the year. While RDA Goldfields Esperance didn't have any official involvement in the events our staff and committee members were enjoying themselves at various events around town.
Goldfields Esperance Major Projects Conference
Raz Ion, Patrick Fraser and Peter Rampellini all represented RDA Goldfields Esperance at the Goldfields Esperance Major Projects Conference on 20th & 21st September in Perth. Another opportunity to talk about the very bright future ahead for our amazing region.
Regions Rising Summit (Canberra)
Our Director, Raz Ion, and Project Officer, Peta Griffiths, attended the Regional Australia Institute's (RAI) Regions Rising National Summit in Canberra. Raz also attended the State of the Nation Conference whilst in Canberra.
Raz took part in a panel on regional voices and promoted our involvement with the Regional Climate Alliance and Renewable Energy Strategy. We met with The Hon Kristy McBain MP (Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories) after her amazing keynote address and attended the RAI Press Conference where RAI's CEO Liz Ritchie officially launched the Regionalisation Ambition 2032: A Framework to Rebalance the Nation.
KBCCI Goldfields Business Awards
Our Chairperson, Lee Jacobsen, and our Deputy Chairperson, Patrick Fraser, along with our committee member Marta Perona and Project Officer Peta Griffiths attended the 2022 Goldfields Business Awards, which were held on Saturday 10 September 2022.
Peta was nominated for Administration Person but was unfortunately unsuccessful. Nonetheless we applaud her for her ongoing hard work and effort in her role here at RDAGE!
We also had a number of nominees from our Future Leaders Program Goldfields who were nominated. Lee Jacobsen presented Elise Wheadon with the Business Person of the Year award.
Outback Way - Australia's Longest Shortcut
Congratulations to the Outback Way- Australia's Longest Shortcut - 25 years in the making.
We are very proud of the efforts of our committee member Pat Hill who's vision initiated the project 25 years ago in August 1997. Pat raised the idea and garnered support from all the Local Councils along the route. This led to a motion from the floor of the Australian Local Government Association Conference to seal the existing roads and create the Outback Way. The Outback Highway Development Council Inc (OHDC) was formed in 1998 and the group of councils has continuously supported the development through both financial and in-kind support. OHDC continuously lobby's for the upgrade and promotes the tourism of the Outback Way.
OHDC will continue to ensure the funding seals the Outback Way by 2027/28. This will add significant infrastructure to Australia and benefit many Australians.
2022 Coolgardie Rodeo & Ute Muster
The second Coolgardie Rodeo & Ute Muster was held as a 3 day event on the weekend of 19 - 21 August 2022. The beautiful weather and stunning sunsets were enjoyed by all the attendees including our Project Officer, Peta Griffiths, who attended on behalf of RDA Goldfields Esperance. We are proud to not only sponsor but to also offer our support to the organisers, Outback Rodeos Inc, for such a fantastic event.
Wonderful Indonesia Festival
RDA Goldfields Esperance was thrilled to be one of the many great sponsors of the Wondeful Indonesia Festival was held Saturday 13 August 2022 at Centennial Park from 11am to 3pm offering food and entertainment as a free community event.
Book Launch: Cundeelee Wangka Dictionary
It was great to get down to the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre on Tuesday 2 August 2022 for the launch of the "Cundeelee Wangka Dictionary" representing a 16+ year body of work by linguists Dawn and Brian Hadfield alongside Sue Hanson. Cundeelee Wangka is a language of WA's eastern Goldfields region comprising a dialect of œsouthern Pitjantjantjarra. The dictionary features definitions, verbs and alphabet with English to Cundeelee Wangka translations.
Member for Mining and Pastoral Region Wilson Tucker officiated the launch, with the first 100 prints of the dictionary sponsored by BHP. It was a truly touching occasion and RDA Goldfields Esperance was more than happy to pick up our own copy of the Cundeelee Wangka Dictionary. Get down to the Goldfields Aboriginal Language Centre today and purchase yourself a copy for $80 and support this tremendous cause in retaining local aborginal culture and identity!
Business After Hours with Rick Wilson
RDA Goldfields Esperance had the pleasure of co-hosting the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc's July Business After Hours, held on Thursday 21 July 2022, along with Apprenticeship Support Australia and Evolution Mining.
We took the opportunity to invite as our special guest Rick Wilson MP, Federal Member for O'Connor and Shadow Assistant Minister for Trade. Rick spoke to an audience of local businesses and organisations about the work his team will continue while in opposition. We look forward to working with the Australian Government and MP's to encourage bi-partisan support for regional development outcomes that will benefit the Goldfields-Esperance region.
Congratulations to Jessica Warren on winning our door prize of 2 tickets to the upcoming Coolgardie Rodeo & Ute Muster.
Women's Leadership Forum
RDA Goldfields Esperance are proud to continue supporting the incredible annual Women's Leadership Forum held on 15 July 2022. We have received wonderful feedback from the event with some going so far as to say it was the best one yet. Our attending committee members and invited guests, including our Future Leaders Program Goldfields lecturer Chelsea Hunter, enjoyed all of the inspirational speakers from the day - especially our ex-committee member Rowena Olsen!
Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber's Forum & Trade Show
RDA Goldfields Esperance enjoyed a fabulous day at the Goldfields Aboriginal Business Chamber's inaugural Forum & Trade Show on 7 July 2022. The speakers were all interesting and knowledgeable, and the positivity was contagious. Some of the delicious delicacies which were available included honey ants, lemon myrtle shortbread and bush potato. We look forward to seeing our indigenous colleagues prosper well into the future.
We also took the opportunity for a snap with our not yet formally appointed new committee members Patrick Fraser and Marta Perona.
Women on Country Exhibition
On 4 July 2022 our Project Officer Peta attended the opening of the Mara Pirni Healing Place and Ngunytju Tjitji Pirni's "Women on Country" Art Exhibition at the Goldfields Arts Centre. The opening was a fabulous and moving event which recognised the hard work and dedication of so many involved - well done to the organisers.
The week before Peta attended joined a women's Honeyants bush day. This was the final outing in a series of 10 'Back to Country' bush days which were was organised through a partnership between Mara Pirni Healing Place and Ngunytju Tjitji Pirni, with thanks to a Connecting to Country grant from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries. The opportunity to spend a perfect Kalgoorlie winter day connecting with women and Country was an experience Peta enjoyed immensley.
Future Leaders Program Goldfields - Team Building
On 20 June 2022 RDA Goldfields Esperance organised a Future Leaders Program Goldfields team building event which was hosted by Em Anders Artist at the Maker's Tribe in Kalgoorlie. What an amazing venue and creative outlet for our community!
The session was extremely well run with clear easy to follow step by step instructions by the lovely talented Em. Everyone had a fabulous time commenting on how relaxing and enjoyable it was. And just look at all of our finished masterpieces...
We highly recommend a Wine and Art session for anyone looking for a team building activity, creative outlet or time out with friends.
Committee Meeting - Norseman
On Friday 17 June 2022 our committee travelled to Norseman for our regular committee meetings. If you haven't been to Norseman yet, make sure you take some time to look around the Woodlands Centre.
We welcomed our special guest, Shari Campion from You & I - Nyunu Ngayu, who coached us through some cultural awareness training. We also acknowledged a major committee milestone - Patrick Hill joined our committee back in December 2011 and thus has served over 10 years to date. What dedication! Thank you Patrick.
Kalgoorlie-Boulder Commodities Forum
RDA Goldfields Esperance were proud to sponsor and support the 2022 Kalgoorlie-Boulder Commodities Forum which took place on Thursday 9 June 2022 at the Goldfields Arts Centre. The Forum was insightful, providing multiple opportunities to both create and expand on networks within the region, commencing with a sundowner at TopDrill the evening prior to the main event.
The forum provided a platform specific to mining related suppliers and industry to be informed, to connect and to participate in discussions. The featured discussion panels on the future of commodities and transport in the region, mining procurement, aboriginal engagement as well as community and environmental, social governance were particular highlights. We look forward to the event running again in 2023.
Professional Development Masterclass with Paula Silbert Arts
RDA Goldfields Esperance was extremely pleased to support Paula Silbert Arts Consultancy in her return to Kalgoorlie-Boulder, over a weekend in May 2022, where she mentored local Goldfields artists and creative content makers through delivery of her highly-sought artistic Professional Development masterclass. Thank you to Golden Mile Art and Donna Malec for organising these sessions!
Participants were taken through a 3 day/5 workshop intensive masterclass where they learnt and discussed a range of professional attributes associated with developing a successful artist or creative business. Participants were also provided with access to 1-2 hours of back-to-back visual arts management advice; workbooks containing real solutions and tips authored and practiced by Paula Silbert; and interaction and networking with a group of like-minded creatives!
KBCCI Luncheon - Federal Budget 2022-2023
On 7 April 2022 Lee Jacobsen, RDA Goldfields Esperance Chairperson, attended the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc Budget Luncheon where Rick Wilson MP, Federal Member for O'Connor, presented on a summary of the Federal Budget 2022-2023, which was delivered in Parliament by Treasurer Josh Frydenberg last week, and its impact for the Goldfields Esperance region.
GE Business Register Mining Procurement Expo (Leonora)
RDA Goldfields Esperance Director Raz Ion attended the G.E. Business Register's Leonora Mining Procurement Expo on 7 April 2022, a wonderful forum that brought together mining companies from all around the Northern Goldfields. Attendees took the opportunity to meet and network with small businesses and explore procurement opportunities.
The town of Leonora was well and truly bustling this day, great to see so much activity and engagement occurring in the Northern Goldfields. Well done to all involved and in particular Peter Rampellini the Goldfields-Esperance Local Content Advisor and RDA Goldfields Esperance Committee Member for organising the successful event.
As an outcome of the Future Leaders Program in Esperance a new network group has been established, "Esperance Young Professionals".
They held their first event in March 2022, a very successful quiz night. RDA Goldfields Esperance are proud to sponsor such a wonderful initiative and look forward to seeing the network grow.
Grant and Tender Writing Workshops
In February 2022 we worked together with Goldfields Esperance Development Commission to bring a series of workshops on Grant and Tender Writing to the region. For further information click here.
Goldfields Girl 2021
RDAGE were proud to sponsor the beautiful bouquets presented to some of the participants at the Goldfields Girl Showcase Event in December 2021. We are so proud to hear of their achievements and wish all the participants the best for their future.
Future Leaders Program Esperance Windup
We are so proud of our Future Leaders graduates in Esperance who celebrated their completion of the program at an event night where they were presented with memorabilia of the participation including an engraved pen and pen holders made by Cindy Poole Glass Gallery. We would like to thank our amazing Coordinator, Priscilla Davies, without whom the program would never have gotten underway. We would also like to thank the lecturer and staff at South Regional TAFE and the Esperance Chamber of Commerce and Industry for all of their hard work in making the program such a success. We are excited that the Esperance Young Professionals network has now been established as an outcome of the program and look forward to supporting the professionals in the region through the future.
SEGRA 2021 - Kalgoorlie-Boulder, 16 - 18 November 2021
SEGRA (Sustainable Economic Growth for Regional Australia) is Australia's most credible, independent voice on issues affecting regional, rural and remote Australia. RDAGE are proud to be Gold Sponsors for this important national conference. View the Program here.
Australia's premier conference on regional issues, is about assisting regional, rural and remote Australia to source and identify the techniques, skills and issues they need to address to achieve successful economic growth and development. The SEGRA conference, established in 1997, provides a unique opportunity for all sections of the Australian community (rural and urban) to explore the key issues affecting regional, rural and remote Australia and be part of providing positive sustainable outcomes to ensure future prosperity.
See our media release for further info.
ECCI Celebration Evening 2021
Regional Development Australia Goldfields Esperance were proud to sponsor the Innovation & Excellence Award at the 2021 Esperance Chamber of Commerce & Industry's Celebration Evening held on Saturday 30 October 2021. Raz Ion, Director of Regional Development, presented the Award to Cindy Poole of Cindy Poole Glass Gallery for her recycling work. Cindy has a vision around creating value through repurposing and recycling glass waste through a circular economy process.
Congratulations to Cindy, her fellow nominees Kim Maslin - Digital Technologies Educator, Lucky Bay Brewing, Cloud Eleven Coffee + Tea, South East Petroleum and indeed all of the nominees and winners of the evening.
It was a wonderful evening, we look forward to the next Celebration Evening in 2022.
KBCCI Goldfields Business Awards 2021
The KBCCI Goldfields Business Awards are a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate our local business community and its contribution to our region's econmy. We would like to again offer our congratulations to all of the Nominees and Winners, as well as to KBCCI for putting on a spectacular evening.
RDA Goldfields Esperance was particularly thrilled to sponsor the Business Person of the Year category again this year, in recognition of the importance of strong local leaders within our community. Congratulations to Tim Topham, who was awarded not only Business Person of the Year but also Business of the Year for Topdrill.
We were also delighted to see so many representatives from the Future Leaders Program Goldfields cohort involved in the evening. If you'd like to know more please take a look at our summary here.
Welcome to the Region Wilson Tucker, MLC
Raz and Peta organised some tours and meetings for our newly elected Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region, the Honourable Wilson Tucker, MLC during his first official visit to the region in August 2021 including meeting with Our GEMS, the Shire of Menzies, a Superpit Tour, lunch at Beaten Track, a visit to the BMG Gaming Lounge and ending the day with a beautiful (but chilly) Golf Course Sunset.
We look forward to seeing you again soon!
Future Leaders Program Goldfields - Welcome Night
Regional Development Australia Goldfields Esperance, in partnership with KBCCI and Central Regional TAFE, welcomed the 20 successful participants along with their sponsors and potential mentors in an evening hosted at KBCCI.
Coolgardie Rodeo & Ute Muster
The Coolgardie Rodeo and Ute Muster was held on Saturday 21 August 2021 in Coolgardie. The event, run by Outback Rodeos Inc, was a great success and a fun family day out. We can't wait for the next Rodeo Yee-haw!
Future Leaders Program Goldfields - Info Session
Regional Development Australia Goldfields Esperance worked in partnership with KBCCI and Central Regional TAFE to offer the Future Leaders Program to the Goldfields region, following the success of the Esperance program which launched earlier in the year. An Information Session was held on 27 July 2021 at TAFE with a great turnout.
Committee Meeting in Menzies
Our committee were hosted by the Shire of Menzies in July 2021.
Women's Leadership Forum
Presented by Evolution Mining, the 2021 Women's Leadership Forum was held on 16 July 2021. The annual forum celebrates women, provides strategies for career development and is a conduit for increased representation of female leadership in the Goldfields. The theme for 2021 was œEmpower, Inspire, Nurture, Succeed!
Curtin University Students - Commerce Study Tour - Kalgoorlie
A cohort of Curtin University students from a variety of disciplines travelled to Kalgoorlie-Boulder for a week where they were able to meet and engage with a number of community stakeholders, building their networks in the Kalgoorlie-Goldfields region.
The students were set a project brief by RDA Goldfields Esperance to research, prepare and present a Tourism Report at an Industry Evening. The evening also provided an opportunity for industry to showcase their business to the students. We were very impressed with some of the ideas generated by the students and look forward to seeing them back in our region soon!
2021 Goldfields Cyclassic & Community Fondo
Regional Development Australia Goldfields Esperance were proud to sponsor the 2021 Goldfields Cyclassic event as part of our mission to develop the economy for the benefit of those living, visiting and investing in the Goldfields Esperance Region.
Congratulations to the organisers, to everyone who took part in the event and a huge thank you to all the volunteers who help make the event happen. Deb Miles, the Event Coordinator, said "the atmosphere was amzaing with a tremendous community spirit and sportsmanship".
Raz Ion, our Director of Regional Development, attended the presentation ceremony on behalf of RDA Goldfields Esperance.
RDA National Forum
The Regional Development Australia (RDA) National Forum was held in Canberra in June 2021.
Lee Jacobsen, our Chairperson, and Raz Ion, our Director of Regional Development, were able to sort out their G2G passes and attend the conference where they caught up with, amongst others, Rick Wilson MP (pictured). Lee presented to the Forum on the challenges of attracting population and business to remote Australia, where she gave examples such as the lack of housing, cost of land and cost of wages in competing with the mining sector.
The Outback Way
Raz Ion, our new Director of Regional Development, spent his first weeks in the role touring the Outback Way visiting Menzies, Leonora and Laverton where he met with a variety of local stakeholders.
Esperance Jetty Grand Opening
On Sunday 28 March 2021 the new Esperance Jetty was officially opened. RDAGE were proud to support the building of the new jetty and enjoy fishing off it whenever we get the opportunity!
Future Leaders Program Esperance - Launch Night
In February 2021 Lee Jacobsen, Chairperson, attended the launch of the Future Leaders Program in Esperance. The launch was a mix of Mentors and Mentees for a workshop hosted by Happiness Co.
Goldfields Girl 2020
Lee Jacobsen, Chairperson, and Travis Tucker, Committee Member, attended the Goldfields Girl Showcase Event in December 2020. RDAGE were proud to sponsor the beautiful bouquets presented to some of the participants on the evening.
Asset Based Community Development Workshops Tour
Throughout November, RDA Goldfields Esperance an Our Gems WA partnered to bring Peter Kenyon, a "community enthusiast" from Bank of I.D.E.A.S., to the region where he presented his Asset Based Community Development and Engaging Community workshops in Esperance, Norseman and Kalgoorlie-Boulder. The workshops are designed to improve community development and engagement through the power of focusing on a town's assets, capacity and opportunities rather than focusing on needs, deficiencies and limitations. We think everyone who attended one of Peter's workshops took away some great ideas and a sense of positivity to strengthen our amazing regional community.
For anyone who attended, or missed out, there is a wealth of resources available on his website: www.bankofideas.com.au/resources.
What's Down the Track 2020
Almost the whole 2020 RDAGE Committee attended the 2020 What's Down the Track conference in November 2020. RDAGE partnered with KBCCI and Our Gems to sponsor Peter Kenyon from Bank of I.D.E.A.S. as the keynote speaker. We also prepared a hamper of regional produce as a prize to a very lucky winner.
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