We are currently trying to lock down the dates for our second RCCIWA Members Forum of 2021 – to be held some time in November. As soon as we have them, we will let you know. Thank you to everyone to complete the delegate’s survey from our June Forum – we have tones of fantastic suggestions and comments which will help us plan a brilliant November Forum.

RCCIWA Stakeholder Engagement & Representation
It continues to be a busy time, with RCCIWA representing our members in many different ways with a range of stakeholders over the past six weeks:

• Invited to participate in the WA Skills Summit on July 30^th
• Attended the preview launch of  Infrastructure WA’s draft strategy launch
• Foodservice & Hospitality Working Group – continued to contribute to this State Government formed Working Group (one of about 22) which is a part of the Government recovery program. A particularly important way to ensure the issues and challenges of our members are being voiced and heard. This is a very responsive working group. That we contribute to monthly.
• Participated as a member of the WA Advocacy for Consumers of Energy Forum (WA ACE Forum) which is a broad based representation of household and small business consumer views in a central forum, allowing issues to be raised and for consumers to share in the development of products and solutions for the energy sector.  
• Met with Arc Infrastructure to discuss our fantastic ongoing partnership
• Met with Sandy from Accor Hotels WA to discuss our brilliant ongoing partnership and our upcoming November Forum
• Attended CCIWA’s General Council meeting as a member
• Continued to regularly meet with Stephen, Dan and Fiona from JTSI to discuss local procurement, their local procurement workshops and the WA Industry Link Regional Communication Forums. We have a very engaged and strong relationship with JTSI.
• Met with Peter from DTWD to discuss the progress of Working Together.
• Met with other representatives from DTWD to discuss their Regional Skills Summits and their Career Tasters Program
• Attended the monthly Local Content Advisors Network online meeting to continue our engagement and discuss ways our members can work in collaboration with their local LCA.
• At the invitation of CCIWA, attend the Australian Apprenticeships Australia Regional team meeting on line to discuss ways our members can continue to work in collaboration with their team.

WA’s Draft State Infrastructure Strategy is Now Open for Comment
Western Australia’s draft State Infrastructure Strategy – Foundations for a Stronger Tomorrow – was released to a bumper crowd of more than 900 in Perth and online on 21 July. Another 100-plus people have since attended workshops organised by Infrastructure WA, and IWA have already received numerous comments in response to the 88 recommendations in the Strategy. You are encouraged to learn more about the draft recommendations and provide feedback by 15^th September 2021, and we would encourage you to do so. You can find out more here

Regional Telecommunications Review is underway
The Regional Telecommunications Review is an opportunity for people living and working in regional, rural and remote areas of Australia to share their views and experiences using telecommunications services in their area.

Every three years the Regional Telecommunications Independent Review Committee is appointed to conduct the review. Committee reports are important in setting the regional communications policy agenda in the following years. The Review will examine the adequacy of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote Australia. It will also consider particular issues identified in the Terms of Reference, including the impact of Government policies and programs, insights from COVID-19, emerging technologies, service reliability, regional development, and improving coordination between tiers of government.

The Committee has been asked to deliver its report to the Australian Government by 31 December 2021 or earlier. The Committee may make recommendations to the Government, on which it must respond.

To find out more and when the review team is coming to your town visit their website

Local Capability Fund Now Open
The purpose of the Local Capability Fund (LCF) is to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Western Australia to increase their capability and competitiveness as suppliers of products, services and works to the Western Australian State Government, major projects and other important markets.

The LCF typically provides funding assistance for activities such as planning, improvements to internal infrastructure, plant and equipment and training. Details and information on the rounds available for the 2021/22 financial year can be found here.

RCCIWA Administrative Items

• Emmi Taylor is constantly updating our membership contact list. If you have any changes to your contacts or would like to add any people, please email Emmi at admin@regionalchamberswa.com.au
• Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and share our page with your members.
• Please also let us know about any activities, initiatives or events you would like us to include in our weekly newsletter. We love showcasing a great idea, program or event that one of our members is delivering. If you have something you would like us to share – please send through the details to Emmi.
• Our member portal is live – so please send through any operational documents you are happy to share with your fellow members to Emmi at admin@regionalchamberswa.com.au