Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to frequently asked questions here. Please click on a heading to discover your answer.

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What is Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sydney?

Established in 2009, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sydney is a boutique, not-for-profit organisation that specialises in government and stakeholder engagement, service and program delivery, project management and events.

Supported by the Australian Government, we are part of a national network and are funded to supply services and support the NSW & ACT RDAs – a state-wide network of 13 regional bodies dedicated to advancing the prosperity of regional communities, businesses, industries and governments.

RDA Sydney acts as a bridge between metropolitan Sydney and the regions, helping connect regional knowledge and expertise with decision-makers and potential partners.
With more than 15+ years of service delivery and facilitating connections between government decision makers and industry leaders, our reach and influence extends across metropolitan stakeholders as well as those in rural and regional NSW.

Find out more about RDA Sydney here.

What does RDA Sydney do?

RDA Sydney provides a two-way concierge service connecting metropolitan government, business, industry and investment stakeholders with the 12 regionally based RDAs across NSW and the ACT.
Our well-resourced regional network provides access to the most reliable and current insights on regional conditions, business needs and community priorities. We leverage this intelligence to shape informed solutions that drive sustainable growth and development across diverse sectors, from skilled migration to vital services and infrastructure. With more than 160 people across NSW and the ACT, we are the go-to source for knowledge and know-how.

We are a trusted conduit, facilitating seamless collaboration and policy alignment to support regional development initiatives. Our well-established relationships with all levels of government in each region, and a history of coordinating successful government, industry and community collaboration, ensures swift progress. No matter the challenge, we cross the necessary lines to bring projects to fruition.

RDA Sydney’s services include facilitating regional investment enquiries, business relocation and expansion, introductions to regional experts and connections between regional organisations and metropolitan decision-makers.

RDA Sydney also coordinates events, the NSW & ACT RDA Prospectus, Infrastructure Priority Listing, policy submissions and collective advocacy on behalf of the network.

Find out more about how we support NSW Regions.

Who can RDA Sydney help?

RDA Sydney works with businesses, investors, government agencies, industry organisations, local councils, researchers and other stakeholders interested in regional economic development.
We can help metropolitan organisations connect with regional expertise, explore business and investment opportunities and identify relevant local contacts.

Professional Services

We operate a secretariat service that is managed by a team of professionals who administer our programs and oversee governance and external program delivery on behalf of our clients.

Our core competencies include:

  • Government Engagement: Design and organise unique meetings, roundtable discussions and industry forums with the aim of connecting relevant government officials with business, community and thought leaders.
  • Service & Program Delivery: Coordinate the delivery of multiple services, administer and manage complex projects to meet set objectives and milestones, report progress, manage risks and deliver within the required timeframe and budget.
  • Project Management: Plan activities, scheduling, resource allocation, execution, monitoring, progress reporting, governance and evaluation in accordance with government and industry standards.
  • Event Management: Lead planning, program design & curation, talent identification & recruitment, facilitation, venue, sound, IT and equipment hire, Media & PR, wrap-up and evaluation.
  • Communications: We collate a suite of regional intelligence, information sources and metrics to inform government decision makers and industry analysts.
    RDA Sydney also works closely with the 12 regional RDAs, helping connect them with Sydney-based government, business and industry stakeholders, potential partners and opportunities.

Find out more about how we support NSW Regions.

What is the difference between RDA Sydney and other NSW & ACT RDAs?

The 13 Regional Development Australia organisations across NSW and the ACT work to strengthen regional economies, but their roles reflect the different communities and areas they serve.
The 12 regionally based RDAs work directly with local businesses, councils, industries and communities to identify opportunities and address regional priorities.

RDA Sydney plays a connecting and coordinating role, providing a two-way link between metropolitan Sydney and the regions. It connects government, business, industry and investment stakeholders with regional expertise, while working closely with the 12 regional RDAs to connect them with metropolitan decision-makers, potential partners and opportunities.

RDA Sydney also coordinates collective initiatives and advocacy on behalf of the network.

Find out more about how we support NSW Regions.

Where is RDA Sydney located?

RDA Sydney serves the greater Sydney metropolitan area and works with regional development organisations across NSW and the ACT.

The postal address is PO Box K11, Haymarket NSW 1240.

For enquiries about RDA Sydney’s services, regional connections or meetings, contact the team by phone or email.

Contact RDA Sydney here.

Can I meet with someone from RDA Sydney in person?

RDA Sydney works with government, business, industry and regional stakeholders to facilitate connections and explore economic development opportunities.

To enquire about arranging a meeting with the RDA Sydney team, contact info@rdasydney.org.au or call 0413 834 098.

Meeting arrangements can be discussed directly with the team.

Contact RDA Sydney here.

How can I contact RDA Sydney or connect with my local RDA?

You can contact RDA Sydney by emailing info@rdasydney.org.au, calling 0413 834 098 or submitting an enquiry through the website’s contact form.

If your enquiry relates to a particular NSW region, RDA Sydney can help connect you with the appropriate regional RDA.

The 12 regionally based RDAs have local knowledge of their communities, industries, economic opportunities and development priorities.

Contact RDA Sydney here.

Are there government grants available for regional NSW businesses?

Australian and NSW Government grants and funding programs may be available to eligible regional businesses for activities including innovation, business development, workforce training and industry projects.

RDA Sydney publishes selected grant and funding opportunities on its website, with links to relevant government programs and application information.

Eligibility, funding amounts and closing dates vary. Grant applications and funding decisions are managed by the relevant administering organisations.

Find out more about Grants and Funding Opportunities here.

Where can I find information about the different regions of NSW?

RDA Sydney’s website provides information about the 12 regions covered by the NSW & ACT RDA Network, including regional maps, economic characteristics, industries and development opportunities.

Visitors can explore individual regional profiles to understand each area’s strengths and priorities.
RDA Sydney can also help connect businesses, investors, government agencies and other stakeholders with the appropriate regional RDA for local knowledge and assistance.

Explore NSW Regions

How can I stay informed about regional development news and opportunities?

RDA Sydney publishes news, regional development updates, investment and industry information, events and stories from across the NSW & ACT RDA Network.

Its newsletter features regional economic developments, grants, projects and network activities. Sign up via the form on our home page.

RDA Sydney also shares updates through LinkedIn and its Regional Champions video and podcast series.