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.