Regional leaders from across New South Wales and the ACT joined Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Members of Parliament and key stakeholders at NSW Parliament House on Tuesday 4 August for Friends of Regional NSW 2026.
Hosted by the Regional Development Australia NSW & ACT Network, the annual event brought together the Chairs, Deputy Chairs and CEOs representing the network’s 13 regions.
The evening provided an opportunity for regional leaders to speak directly with parliamentarians and government representatives about the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping their communities, and the practical role RDAs play in translating those priorities into action.
NSW Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales and Minister for Western New South Wales, the Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC.
Ministers recognise the value of regional partnerships
NSW Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales and Minister for Western New South Wales, the Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, addressed guests during the evening.
Minister Moriarty spoke warmly about the strength and potential of regional NSW, as well as the value of RDA’s presence across the state.
“Regional NSW is the best place to live, visit, invest in, raise a family in, not just in NSW but all of Australia, and frankly, if I can, all of the world,” Minister Moriarty said.
“I’m so pleased to be celebrating RDA and the fantastic work and networks you have all around the state, and am really pleased to be working directly with you. I look forward to continuing that strong relationship.”
The Australian Government Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon. Kristy McBain MP, also addressed the gathering through a recorded video message.
Minister McBain acknowledged the contribution RDAs make by identifying emerging opportunities, bringing the right people together and helping communities attract investment and pursue sustainable growth.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the RDAs and all you do for your communities,” Minister McBain said.
“Through your commitment and expertise, you are the ones identifying early opportunities in your area, bringing people to the table, and helping to drive more investment and sustainable growth.
“This kind of work can never be done from Canberra alone. It needs on-the-ground engagement and follow through.”
RDA NSW & ACT Committee Chair Anna Guillan.
One network, grounded in local intelligence
Opening the evening, RDA NSW & ACT Committee Chair Anna Guillan said the strength of the network came from combining deep local knowledge with the ability to work collectively across regions.
“RDA NSW & ACT is not 13 separate committees pursuing 13 separate agendas. We are one connected network, with local intelligence in every region and a shared commitment to regional development that is practical, evidence-based and built to last,” Ms Guillan said.
“RDA is present in every corner of NSW and the ACT. We know the communities. We understand the opportunities. We see the barriers early. And when there is a priority to deliver, we are ready to help carry it forward.”
Ms Guillan also acknowledged the contribution of RDA committee members, many of whom volunteer their time, and the small, highly capable teams working within communities across NSW and the ACT.
Together, those committees and teams provide governments, industry and communities with place-based insight into the issues affecting regional economies – from workforce and housing pressures to infrastructure, investment and emerging industry opportunities.
Regional projects showcased on the night
A new RDA NSW & ACT Network video premiered during the evening, highlighting a selection of projects and initiatives supported across the regions over the past 12 months.
The film demonstrated the breadth of the network’s work, including helping unlock critical infrastructure, strengthening the collective voice of rural communities and developing the workforce, housing and transport intelligence needed to support informed decisions.
It also featured initiatives supporting women’s leadership in manufacturing, construction, higher education and entrepreneurship, as well as projects creating STEM pathways for regional students.
Indigenous-led initiatives grounded in culture, language, employment and long-term community benefit were also among the projects showcased.
The examples reflected the varied needs and strengths of regional communities, while highlighting the common role RDAs play in connecting local priorities with government, investment and delivery partners.
Building relationships beyond the event
Friends of Regional NSW is designed not only to bring attention to regional priorities, but to strengthen the relationships that help those priorities progress.
The event created space for conversations between regional representatives and decision-makers from across the political spectrum, while reinforcing the importance of sustained, practical collaboration.
“What we hope grows out of this evening is not just a conversation, but a stronger partnership that continues long after we have all left this room,” Ms Guillan said.
Regional Development Australia is a national, government-backed network of independent committees embedded within their regions. Each RDA works across local communities, industry and all levels of government to support economic and social development.
