ORANA DESIGNATED AREA MIGRATION AGREEMENT (DAMA) SIGNED

5 April 2019

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana chairman John Walkom & committee are pleased to welcome the Orana DAMA agreement between RDA Orana and the Federal Government signed this week.

"This is a great win for the Orana region, increasing our semi-skilled and skilled migration to tackle our workforce shortage has been a key priority for RDA Orana over the past year, and this agreement puts the region in a promising position for future growth and development, Mr Walkom said.

"Orana RDA always put local jobs first, but we only have a small labour pool to draw from to service over 25% of the state, including the local government areas of Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western Regional, Narromine, Gilgandra, Coonabarabran, Bogan, Cobar, Bourke, Walgett, Coonamble, Warren and Brewarrina,

"Special thanks to our local member, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton for his support during the application process,

"This DAMA will provide a new pathway for employers to access both skilled and semi-skilled migrants alongside existing channels and we are absolutely thrilled that RDA Orana is able to bring this first to NSW," Mr Walkom said.

RDA Orana Director Megan Dixon said, "After extensive community consultation last year and our inaugural Inland Growth Summit in January this year, it was clear employers in the region are facing an uphill battle with workforce shortages in the region, but this agreement is a step in the right direction ensuring regional migration can assist to boost population and fulfil our skills shortages,

"The DAMA will also include semi-skilled occupations, cutting retraining costs associated for employers using working holiday visas, and provide a new pathway to permanency for migrants seeking to settle in the region long term,

"RDA Orana are now focused on implementing a plan for the agreement with the Commonwealth Government,

"In partnership with Home Affairs, RDA Orana will be hosting a number of information workshops in the coming months, Mrs Dixon said.

Applications are currently closed, until the beginning of the new financial year.

To learn more about the Orana DAMA and be notified when applications open sign up to our DAMA mailing list HERE