RDASI proudly sponsored the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce business awards which were held on Friday 5 August. A massive congratulations goes to the Goulburn Chamber for holding such a wonderful event. Congratulations must also go to the various winners of the awards. Small businesses are the economic backbone of our communities and supporting them is paramount to maintaining the strong regional communities we hold so dear.

Suzanne Gearing, RDASI's Deputy Chair and myself were lucky enough to attend the latest Jindabyne Connect at the end of last month with some of the Jindabyne Connect Business Owners, Kristy McBain, the local Federal Member and Olivier Kapetanakos, the Jindabyne Chamber President.

Welcome Phil Gibson to the RDA Southern Inland team. Phil started with us as our Grants and Projects Officer. Phil has extensive experience in grant writing and funding acquisition and is available to assist businesses and community groups with the application process on a fee-for-service basis.

We have collaborated with Goulburn Mulwaree Council and the Goulburn Chamber of Commerce to deliver a new initiative designed to boost the local economy and encourage local shopping via an innovative new Goulburn gift card.