GEDC's Regional Development staff have spent time this month meeting with our new Minister for Regional Development, Hon Don Punch MLA, and joining over 70 other regional development practitioners from across the nine Regional Development Commissions to workshop collaborative ways to drive positive change for our local communities. Minister Punch delivered a keynote address at the workshop, reinforcing that while how we build economic diversity and resilience is important, equally significant is liveability; access to schools, health, and services, as is how people feel about living in their region – their sense of pride in community, volunteerism and commitment to engage and participate.
WA’s Regional Development Commissions play a vital role in supporting the State government's commitment to regional jobs, local content and diversifying the economy. The commissions came together to share knowledge, capitalise on regional opportunities and work through regional challenges.
We workshopped a number of key topics including building labour market resilience, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy, digital connectivity, activating land for regional housing, and Aboriginal economic development. GEDC staff helped with planning for the event and facilitated sessions on regional migration, creative industries and ways of working, along with other staff from Commissions across the regions and DPIRD.
Thank you to everyone involved in the event and workshops – we're looking forward to being back in the region to putting our shared learnings into practice!
Image: Hon Don Punch MLA, Minister for Regional Development, with Mandurah Mayor Rhys Williams, local Elder George Walley and over 70 other regional development workshop attendees from across the nine Regional Development Commissions, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre.