FROM THE CEO
Jacqueline Brinkman , Chief Executive Officer
I am delighted to present the latest edition of Economic Development Australia ’ s Journal .
Since the last publication , we have seen the election of a new Government and on behalf of the EDA Board , I have written to congratulate Prime Minister , the Hon . Anthony Albanese on his Government ’ s election success .
It is encouraging to witness the new government make Indigenous empowerment a priority , as represented by Prime Minister Albanese ’ s first address as PM and again at the recent Garma Festival . It appears that the Australian public will soon be asked to consider the question of enshrining an Indigenous Voice to Parliament via a referendum . I urge all EDA members to familiarise themselves with the
Uluru Statement from the Heart in order to be ready to contribute to this important discussion .
EDA ’ s commitment to inclusiveness and equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and to facilitating engagement in Australia ’ s market economy is evident in the development of a new core module within the National Economic Development Education and Training Program . The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneurship , partnerships and inclusive economic development module will provide insights and tools to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples ’ engagement in the market economy , and deliver the knowledge and tools to support economic development professionals facilitate this engagement . Developed with valuable input from a diverse and expert panel of advisors , Module 1.4 will be delivered for the first time in the next EDA Training Program commencing on November 2 .
I commend all the authors who have contributed to the latest edition of the EDA Journal . You will see that many of the articles are thought-provoking precursers to a deeper discussion to be held at the
National Economic Development Conference ( NEDC ), which will be held in Sydney from October 12-14 . In particular , the challenging issues of Housing and Workforce Development will be a live discussion across the two days .
EDA is proud to represent economic development professionals , working at a grass roots level , facilitating job and wealth creation to improve quality of life outcomes for communities across Australia . NEDC is an opportunity to share intelligence about successful economic development initiatives that add to both social wellbeing and economic prosperity in local communities , and to understand how local people are creating communities that are better places to live , work and play .
Australian economic development professionals have been at the forefront of driving economic recovery in their cities and regions , following a series of crises including drought , bushfires , Covid and floods . NEDC is a well-earned chance to regroup , share knowledge and celebrate everything that has been achieved over the last two years .
The National Economic Development Conference will deliver a dynamic and inspiring program with the overarching themes of :
1 . Navigate : Supporting cities and regions to recover and adapt
2 . Energise : Creative and innovative revitalisation strategies
3 . Develop : Strategic economic development with community and place at the centre
4 . Collaborate : Diverse voices , experiences and economic development knowledge
Thank you again to everyone who has contributed to this EDA Journal . I hope to see you in October at NEDC . Until then , stay well .
Kind regards ,
Jacqueline Brinkman GAICD Chief Executive Officer Economic Development Australia
VOL 15 NO 2 2022 04 www . edaustralia . com . au