and diversity by supporting participants from various backgrounds and abilities into the local workforce , as well as by educating staff and services around providing inclusive support .
The strategy provides the pathway to improve socio economic prosperity , grow population through attraction and innovation and create economic resilience . The strategy also delivers partnership opportunities for connection and collaboration .
The businesses range from high tech commercial to low tech and traditional production and include grain , pulses , fodder , and livestock producers .
The need for a robust and sustainable initiative to bring all these businesses , services , government , education and research groups together for a more resilient and profitable food production sector was identified . It was also noted that women and minority groups were under represented in industry and regional organisations .
The strategy provides the pathway to improve socio economic prosperity , grow population through attraction and innovation and create economic resilience . The strategy also delivers partnership opportunities for connection and collaboration .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT RISING STAR LEADERSHIP This award recognises outstanding achievement by a young , emerging leader in the economic development profession .
The judges were unanimous in their decision for this category and for that reason , named just one finalist and winner :
WINNER : Emma Grivell Emma Grivell recently moved from City of Prospect to City of Charles Sturt in South Australia . Emma began her career with City of Prospect after completing a Bachelor of Public Relations with University of South Australia and a successful internship with the City of Unley .
To encourage other organisations to run similar programs , Banyule Council and the Municipal Association of Victoria created a guide and toolkit with key learnings and evaluations .
In her role at Prospect , Emma quickly moved up the ranks to become an Economic Development Officer in 2019 . Emma played a critical role in some key economic development initiatives , including “ Network Prospect ”, the awardwinning “ Village Heart Marketing Fund ” high street trader ’ s association , and the award-winning “ Prospect Art Walk ”.
In April 2022 , Emma moved on to a new role with the City of Charles Sturt , as their new Business Engagement Advisor .
With many positive benefits for Council and the local community , the Program offers participants a much-needed stepping stone to grow and have the opportunity to participate in the local labour market .
FINALIST : RDA Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains Northern Adelaide Plains Food Clustering Initiative The Northern Adelaide Plains Food production area is characterised by ethnic , political and cultural diversity with more than 1500 vegetable growers from Vietnam , Cambodia , Sri Lanka , India , Africa and second and third generation Italian market gardeners .
As a result , a clustering initiative was developed and launched as a unifying and empowering model . This is a businessled cluster organisation with influence to collectively address the common agenda across food sectors and be a voice to government and consumers on behalf of the producer community . This initiative has brought the cultural and ethnic diversity of the region and the industry to the fore .
Nominated by Daniel Adams , Deputy Chair SA SPN Committee and the Former Manager Economic Development , City of Prospect , Emma is described as a respected and emerging leader in South Australian Economic Development .
THE PETER CHAFFEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP AWARD Peter Chaffey was the recipient of the economic development agent of change award in 2017 and sadly passed away shortly after . Peter was a true economic development leader and EDA is pleased to have received his family ’ s permission to name this important award in his honour .
This award recognises an individual who has demonstrated exemplary performance in the economic development profession .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT JOURNAL VOL 15 NO 3 2022 33