What we do
Foundation for Regional Development
The Foundation for Regional Development is a dynamic and innovative
organisation that has been established to:
Promote country and regional Australia particularly to people and
businesses who may want to move there
Partner with communities, government, development organisations and
industry to achieve the Foundation’s and other organisations’ objectives
Assist with investment and expansion of business in country and regional
Australia
Provide a platform and voice for the development of country and regional
Australia
The Foundation has evolved from Country Week, which, for six years,
has facilitated the Country & Regional Living Expos in Sydney and
Brisbane, providing a vehicle for regional communities to interface
with and promote to a metropolitan marketplace.
Background…Why, the Foundation for Regional Development?
The growth of the Expos, the continued population decline in many
parts of country and regional Australia and recognition that country
and regional areas need continued development and marketing, has resulted
in the formation of a not for profit organisation, the Foundation for
Regional Development Ltd.
By restructuring as a Foundation, the organisation is able to encourage
and invite broader participation in decision-making and strategic development
as well as engaging influential individuals and businesses to work
towards its goals. The Foundation will be managed by an independent
Board of people who are passionate about country and regional Australia.
The Foundation will seek funding for particular projects including
the Expos.
During the last five years research has been carried out in conjunction
with the University of Sydney. That research has provided an improved
understanding of what drives people to move out of Sydney; where they
move, in what timeframes they move and what ensures they stay.
This information is of considerable use in determining the best approach
to service delivery to communities, supporting population growth, attraction
and retention of individuals, families and businesses and developing
a collaborative and strategic marketing campaign to start to alter
the negative perceptions of country and regional Australia. More research
however is necessary and is planned by the Foundation
The Foundation will also work with communities to assist them to
better understand community dynamics, partnership models and marketing
as well as undertaking regular analysis of the communities to develop
and implement strategies and programs to assist with growth and prosperity.
The Foundation for Regional Development will become an independent
voice to continue to lobby government for improved resourcing in country
and regional Australia.
Services
Consulting Services
The Foundation for Regional Development will have a substantial depth
of skills within its staff, as the Country Week Team transitions. They
will take with them contacts and partnerships with a number of highly
respected and skilled consultants in order to offer a more substantial
range of services.
The services available are as follows:
Research
The Foundation for Regional Development is able to offer research
services across a broad range of areas including:
- Skills shortages
- Population shift
- Business sector needs analysis
- Training needs analysis
- Community analysis
- Attraction strategies for businesses
Planning and Growth
The Foundation is able to provide services and support in planning
and growth, particularly in the areas below:
- Develop and implement skills shortage strategies
- Population growth: individual/families attraction, relocation
and retention
- Marketing for business attraction, relocation and retention
- Community growth and development
- Follow up systems for expos and events
Marketing
Marketing is a key component in community development in all areas
including population growth, tourism and economic development. The
Foundation is able to offer the following marketing services:
- Planning and cost analysis
- Community marketing strategy
- Implementation
- Assessment
Training
Training provides crucial support to ensure program implementation
is effective. The Foundation can provide training in a wide range of
areas including:
- Promoting and marketing communities
- Networking and developing community partnerships
- Maximising results at events and expos
- Sponsorship attraction and management
Events and Expos
Events provide an opportunity to interface with potential new customers,
residents and business owners and the Foundation can support with these
events:
- Country & Regional Living Expo
- Conferences
- Targeted events for individual communities or clusters
Support
The Foundation for Regional Development is able to provide the following
support, as a one off, or on an ongoing basis:
- Mentoring
- Provide interview panellists
- Job description development
- Staff recruitment
The Board
The Foundation for Regional Development has substantial
skills within its founding Board, additional high profile individuals
have been approached to join the Board.
