17 June 2019
Opportunities and knowledge sharing were the themes of the first Orana Mining Energy and Transport Industry Forum held on the 13th of June.
“Without a doubt in this region, this is our time, now is the time to be thinking globally but acting locally” RDA Orana Chairman John Walkom said.
“The day was filled with 16 outstanding speakers covering over $3 billion worth of project updates including the Moolarben Coal Project, Alkane Resources Dubbo Project, RMS Building a Better Dubbo, Transport for NSW Regional Rail Fleet, and the Parkes Activation Precinct, just to name a few,”
Mr Walkom said, “The event came about in response to business feedback as a resource region, despite the 12 mines that sit around the region (and the six in development), we found businesses weren’t aware of all the projects coming their way,”
We had a fantastic turnout from businesses across the region and surrounds, with common themes including attracting a skilled working and training the next generation,”
Speaker and sponsor Professor Alan Broadfoot of the University of Newcastle’s Energy and Resources Knowledge Hub said “one of the biggest competitive advantages you can have is knowledge, knowing what to access including access to government funding and different organisations,”
Looking to the future Processor Broadfoot said “Energy and Resources is the key of wealth in NSW,”
The Forum was followed by The State of the Region Dinner in the evening
“The evening was to celebrate the spectacular Orana region, we had attendance from government representatives, industry leaders and local businesses,”
“We are proud to have hosted an event that celebrates the growth and success of our region as a result of unprecedented public and private sector investment and outstanding dedication of business owners who have committed to our wonderful region,”
“I would like to formally thank our distinguished guests, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton, Member for Calare Andrew Gee, Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders and Member for Barwon Roy Butler for taking the time out of their busy schedules to attend our evening of celebration,”
“Jonathan Pain of the Pain Report was our exceptional keynote speaker, providing insights into the world economy and taking attendees on a journey around the world from the UK to the Middle East, Vietnam, China and Australia,”
“The day wouldn’t have been possible without our sponsors the NSW Energy & Resources Knowledge Hub, Apricity, Quest, Resettlement Solutions and Shivas Migration Services,”
Presentations and a complete wrap up of the day will be available by the 18th of June.