General News
5 April, 2025
WSMD column
As CEO, one of my key responsibilities is ensuring the Wimmera Southern Mallee region remains at the forefront of critical discussions shaping our future.
In recent weeks I have attended several key events addressing both the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Migration and settlement were at the heart of discussions at the Regional Australia Institute’s
Migration and Settlement Summit.
As a panellist, I joined other regional leaders in exploring the role migration plays in regional success.
There was a strong consensus that settlement policies must be integrated with workforce needs for the best outcomes.
We also agreed that the Department of Home Affairs needs to update policies so that visa settings and settlement service delivery are better connected.
With ongoing workforce shortages across our region, this is an area we must continue to advocate for.
At the ORANA Regional Growth Summit in Dubbo, I presented on the challenges facing the WSM
region as our communities grow their understanding of the risks and benefits of the shift to renewable
energy occurring in our backyard.
We also discussed the common themes of workforce pressures, housing investment strategies, agricultural innovation, and tourism growth.
We all agreed that regional areas across Australia must work together to achieve meaningful outcomes.
At the recent Grampians State of the Region Gathering in Ararat hosted by Regional Development Australia (Grampians), I had the opportunity to be amongst discussions around the region’s strengths and how we can leverage them for sustainable growth.
Our region has incredible potential, but realising it requires strategic coordination across all levels of government and industry and this collaborative way of working is something we are passionate about at WSMD.
The shift to renewable energy is a big conversation in the WSM and the Grampians New Energy
Taskforce meeting in Ballarat reinforced that workforce development remains a key focus, with an
emphasis on building apprenticeship pathways that lead to long-term career opportunities.
These discussions align closely with efforts already underway in our region to ensure we are positioned to benefit from this surge in construction.
Finally, at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) Regional Briefing in Ballarat, I
presented on climate risk and the responsibilities of directors in managing climate challenges.
Talking with my peers about governance considerations around climate resilience and transition was a timely reminder that strong leadership will be crucial in navigating the uncertainties ahead.
Across all these discussions, one thing remains clear: our region is facing change, but with
collaboration, innovation, and strong leadership, we are well-positioned to turn challenges into
opportunities.
I look forward to continuing these important conversations on behalf of WSM communities in the months ahead.