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 the NSW Regions through the NSW RDA Network.
We are proud to work with the 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
Visit RDA Central West
Visit RDA Southern Inland
Visit RDA Far South Coast
Visit RDA Far South Coast

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 outline in the new RDA Charter, announced by the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories the Hon Kristy McBain MP in July 2023.

Our Services
491 Visa
The 491 Skilled Work Regional Visa is a provisional visa for skilled workers who wish to live and work in Regional Australia.
Please be advised that RDA Sydney is not receiving any new 491 Visa applications as it has reached its assigned allocation. Please refer to the NSW Government website to identify alternate NSW regional options.
Supporting NSW Regions
RDA Sydney supports the NSW statewide 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.
Consultancy
RDA Sydney provides a range of services to support economic development either focusing on specific industries or geographical areas. Specifically:
- Mapping of ecosystems
- Establishing Communities of Practice
- Providing Secretariat Support
- Submission Writing
- Facilitating consultative processes
- Hosting the Sydney Aerospace and Defence Interest Group

NSW State Economy
Workforce – 4.0 million
Population – 8.0 million
Infrastructure – A$93 billion to be invested in projects 2019-2022
Economy – A$593.3 billion Australia’s largest state economy in 2017-18
Source: Regional NSW
Latest News
Read the latest news from government, the NSW Regions and RDA Sydney
Grants to improve safety and accessibility of remote airstrips
Owners and operators of aerodromes in remote or very remote areas of Australia can now apply for funding to improve aerodromes. The Department of...
Landmark National Skills Agreement to Unlock Billions
Australia’s National Cabinet has finalised the five-year National Skills Agreement (NSA), which will take effect from January next year, was...
Top jobs in demand have VET pathways
Nursing has topped the list of workers in demand as the Albanese Government’s Fee-Free TAFE program continues to give hundreds of thousands of...
Mid North Coast Childcare in Crisis
Parents and Providers Survey Responses indicate Urgent need for Reform and Investment Childcare providers and parents from across the Mid North...
UTS Innovation Masterclass: ESG Strategies for Success
October is NSW Small Business month and the University of Technology Sydney is pleased to invite you to attend this complimentary online Masterclass...
NSW Small Business Month
NSW Small Business Month is a month-long program created for small businesses across New South Wales to attend events aligned to their individual...
Grants
For those businesses that have been impacted by the current Lockdown please visit our grants page to find links to available assistance.
Also 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

Recent Projects
RDA Sydney has been involved in a number of projects focusing on building local economies and accessing opportunities. Click on the links below for more details.
RDA Sydney has been involved in a number of projects focusing on building local economies and accessing opportunities. Click on the links below for more details.
Stay up to date
Subscribe to RDA Sydney’s Newsletter for all the latest news about the NSW Regions and RDA Sydney’s activities