Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sydney is part of a Federal Government initiative that seeks to create strong, confident and vibrant regions. RDA Sydney provides support, promotion and advocacy for regional NSW through the NSW RDA Network.
We are proud to support, promote and be part of a network of 13 RDA Organisations across NSW.
Visit RDA Far West
Visit RDA Murray
Visit RDA Orana
Visit RDA Riverina
Visit RDA Northern Inland
Visit RDA Northern Rivers
Visit RDA Mid North Coast
Visit RDA Hunter
Visit RDA Central Coast
Visit RDA Sydney
Visit RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven
Visit RDA Central West
Visit RDA Southern NSW & ACT
Latest News
Read the latest news from government, the NSW Regions and RDA Sydney
$1.74 billion road investment to strengthen the arteries of regional NSW
Three major road corridors linking the Hunter, Central West, New England, Riverina and Murray are set for more than $1.74 billion in upgrades, targeting the roads that carry regional NSW’s…
Orana Outlook Forum
The Orana Outlook Forum is back! Each year RDA Orana brings together the people shaping its region to take a hard look at the challenges and a bold look at…
From disused railways to world-class trails: how NSW’s Northern Inland is building a new regional economy
Two ambitious cycling projects, millions of dollars in investment and a program bringing hundreds of essential workers to the region. RDA Northern Inland is helping turn local ideas into opportunities…
Data centre boom could deliver a regional dividend, if NSW plans it as one system
Image: NSW Industry and Trade Minister Anoulack Chanthivong. Courtesy CEDA As demand for the infrastructure underpinning artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates, regional NSW could become part of the solution. The…
Central West Is Best Photo Competition 2026
What makes a place feel like home? Entries are now open for Regional Development Australia Central West’s 2026 Central West Is Best Photo Competition, inviting photographers to capture the people,…
Australian National Field Days Ladies Lunch 2026 – Central West NSW
The annual ANFD Ladies Lunch returns this October, bringing together women from across business, industry and local government for an afternoon of connection, conversation and regional leadership. Presented by the…
Riverina Economic Development Officer Forum
Regional leaders, economic development professionals, government and industry will come together in Wagga Wagga this October to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping the Riverina economy. Hosted by Regional Development…
M1 extension opens 11 September, closing Hunter’s freight ‘missing link’
“Newcastle’s future runs through this motorway.” NSW Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp’s assessment captures the economic significance of the Hunter’s newest piece of infrastructure: a 15-kilometre motorway connection that closes…
Regional Action. Shared Impact
Across NSW and the ACT, RDAs are helping turn regional priorities into practical outcomes, from critical infrastructure and workforce development to housing, transport, STEM pathways and women’s leadership.
This video showcases a selection of projects and initiatives from the past 12 months, highlighting how the RDA network connects communities with government, investment and delivery partners.
Partnering with RDA NSW & ACT means gaining access to a network that is agile, highly connected and deeply invested in the future of regional Australia.
RDA Charter
NSW & ACT RDAs are part of a national network of organisations funded by the Federal government to build strong, confident, and vibrant regions. They do this by influencing and facilitating economic development in their regions.
The deliverables and role of the RDAs is outlined in the RDA Charter, announced by the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, in July 2023.
Supporting NSW Regions
RDA Sydney supports the NSW RDA network to grow strong and confident regional economies that harness competitive advantages, seize economic opportunities, and attract investment.
We do this by working with city-based stakeholders and the NSW RDA network to identify and support economic development opportunities for the regions through partnerships and connections.
NSW & ACT Economic Snapshot
New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is home to 8.628 million people and has the largest number of active businesses with more than 900,000 registered in 2023. NSW & ACT as a region contribute nearly $744 billion to the national economy, accounting for around a third of the nation’s economic output, with the largest contributing sectors being financial and insurance services; professional, scientific and technical services; health care and social assistance; construction; and education. NSW has the largest and most diverse regional economy of all Australian states, and ranks around 37th in the world’s largest economies, above countries such as Denmark, South Africa, and New Zealand.
The NSW and ACT regions bring a diverse range of economic strengths to the State and Territory, with growth driven by leading industries including agribusiness, resources and mining, defence, tourism and hospitality, freight and logistics, healthcare and social assistance, and education and training.
NSW & ACT’s greatest economic asset is its people. The region has a culturally diverse and knowledge intensive economy, with approximately 28% of its residents born overseas and speaking a language other than English at home, and more than 80% holding a non-school qualification. At the tertiary qualification level, there is a strong dominance in accounting, business management, general nursing, programming and teaching.
Grants
On this page you will find a selection of both NSW and Federal Governments grants aimed at helping Australian businesses succeed. There are a number of grants available across a range of industries and applications. Visit business.gov.au to view all grants and connect with a range of experts who can advise and assist with submissions.
Image credit: Destination NSW
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