2009 Australian Regional Economies Conference

Attracting delegates from all around Australia, the 2009 Australian Regional Economies Conference was held in Parkes earlier this week. The conference addressed a number of economic development issues and highlighted ideas and strategies that could be adapted by and introduced to other regions.

Hosted by Parkes Shire Council, the conference attracted over 100 delegates from around Australia and incorporated a Welcome Reception on Sunday evening in the Coventry Room followed by two days of conference sessions at the Parkes Leagues Club. Delegates also enjoyed a highly entertaining evening at the Parkes Services Club with entertainment from well known Elvis impersonator Scott Crawford and local talent Risky Business.

Supported by the Department of State and Regional Development, The Coulston Group. TAFE NSW Western Institute and REX airlines, AREC 2009 presented a great line up of presenters and discussions on regional economic development. Keynote speaker Bernard Salt wowed delegates with hard facts and figures that impact strategic decisions and direction. One interesting point that he raised was how regional populations need to nurture their own talent, and how parents are guilty of 'catapulting' their kids out of regional areas - sending them off to boarding schools and universities, and then bragging about how well they're doing - living and working abroad. In his opinion, he said that parents and the media should be focusing on the local success stories of young people doing well in their local studies, apprenticeships and jobs, and promoting those that have successfully started or taken on businesses in the local area. This is what he feels will keep regional Australia alive and position the regions well in to the future.

Former Parkes woman Christine Weston also engaged the audience with her presentation of the 'rentafarmhouse' concept that she has implemented in conjunction with the Advancement Association in neighbouring Cumnock. The project where people could relocate to Cumnock and rent a house for $1 per week was rolled out in October last year, and has been highly successful, growing the small population by a whopping 15%, keeping the school bus run afloat and growing the school and attracting a new teaching position - not to mention many new skilled workers and families.

Speaker Robbie Sefton spoke of her communications business and how technology has bridged the gap, allowing her to manage her company and 15 associates right around Australia from her regional farmhouse near Tamworth.

Other speakers including Walt Coulston of the Coulston Group, and Jock Murray of GHD Consulting spoke on fostering the strengths of regional centres, referring to Parkes and the development of the towns industrial estate and emerging transport hub.

RTA Road Safety and Traffic Manager Tony Hendry outlined processes for Councils and Developers working with the RTA on major developments, and how the outcomes of these projects can impact on communities and their facilities.

Whilst Sydney University Professor John Connell and Wollongong University Associate Professor Chris Gibson focused on how festivals have led growth throughout rural and regional Australia, with special reference to Parkes' own Elvis Festival.

We have uploaded presentations from the conference to:

ftp://ftp.parkes.nsw.gov.au/Tourism/AREC%20Presenters%20Slides.pdf - a password is required to access these presentations.

Hosted By
Supported By

Download document
2009 AREC Program