RDA Illawarra Staff
CEO: John Grace
Project Officer: (business growth specialist): Dick Bradley
Project Officer (economic and
community development): Natalie Burroughs
Administration Officer: Lee Cooper
An organisation based in the community. RDA Illawarra is a community-based organisation; an incorporated association governed by a Board comprised of leading community, business and local government representatives
An organisation with strong political support. The RDA network has been implemented jointly by the Australian and NSW State Governments as a key vehicle for regional development strategy. RDA has support at the highest political level.
Relationships with Government, community and business. RDA Illawarra has direct, formal relationships with three levels of government as well as major regional organisations and associations. This places RDA in a strong position to initiate and coordinate significant projects on behalf of the region.
The peak consultative organisation. RDA Illawarra will be the peak consultative organisation for regional development issues in the local government areas of Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama.
Coordinating regional development strategy.
- State of the Illawarra - Regional Leadership Initiative (see State of the Illawarra Initiative in 2009.
- Specialised economic development and project management services. The RDA Illawarra team has a range of professional capabilities including economic development, project management and business development. In some situations RDA will be the organisation with the best skills to manage and deliver regional development projects. RDA Illawarra will actively seek opportunities to initiate projects, and to seek funding to directly manage and delver these projects under the RDA banner.
- Transport Infrastructure Priorities. RDA Illawarra played the leading project management role in developing the Illawarra region's submission to Infrastructure Australia. RDA Illawarra will continue the work it began in August 2008 to help coordinate the region's approach to major infrastructure funding opportunities.
- High-growth business strategy. RDA Illawarra (and its predecessor Illawarra Area Consultative Committee) has been instrumental in introducing the Economic Gardening High-growth Business Strategy to the Illawarra region. RDA Illawarra is a national leader in developing and implementing this type of economic development strategy www.economicgardening.com.au
In partnership with Illawarra ITeC, RDA Illawarra also operates the Wollongong Small Business Club, one of the region's most successful business networks.
A regional information hub. RDA Illawarra will act as a regional information hub, providing advice to government about needs and opportunities in the Illawarra region, and ensuring the effective dissemination of information about government policies and programs that relate to regional development.
Facilitating research. RDA Illawarra, in consultation with community and business stakeholders, will identify research that is required to help develop a better understanding of the economic needs and opportunities of the region. Wherever possible, RDA will work in partnership with the Illawarra Regional Information Service (IRIS) and the University of Wollongong.
