2024 FINALISTS AND WINNERS SHOWCASE
2024 FINALISTS AND WINNERS SHOWCASE
Economic Development Australia ( EDA ) is honoured to present the remarkable organisations and individuals demonstrating leadership and excellence in economic development .
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC THINKING
WINNER : Wyndham City Council WYNnovation 2024 : The Festival of Human Connection and analysis undertaken as part of an Arts Hub Feasibility Study , which revealed strong community interest in culture and inspired confidence that the arts could be a dynamic catalyst for economic growth .
Using a multi-faceted campaign of print , digital media , business collaboration , enhancement of the physical realm , and a program of events , Subiaco is once again enjoying a reputation as a place for creativity , entrepreneurial opportunity and investment .
FINALIST : Geografia and Deputy The Big Shift : Navigating Australia ’ s Evolving Employment Landscape The Big Shift project was a unique collaboration between Geografia and Deputechnologies ( also known as Deputy ), combining expertise to investigate the challenges faced by Australia ' s growing shift work industry .
The annual WYNnovation Festival is a hallmark business event designed to amplify local innovation , entrepreneurship , and economic growth . As one of Australia ' s fastest-growing communities , projected to reach over 500,000 residents by 2041 , Wyndham boasts a diverse population with 48 % of residents born overseas , 182 languages spoken and a skilled resident workforce . This diversity is not just celebrated ; it ' s leveraged as a cornerstone for unique opportunities to harness collective local strengths , skills , expertise and human connections for competitive advantage and robust economic growth . WYNnovation specifically addresses the challenges of leveraging this diverse demographic and expanding local businesses .
With 450 attendees , WYNnovation 2024 positioned Wyndham as a hub for innovation , by supporting existing businesses and attracting vital investments and partnerships .
The shift work industry accounts for nearly 20 % of Australia ’ s workforce , however , there is a lack of comprehensive research about the size and contribution of the shift work industry to Australia ’ s cities and regions , creating the opportunity for The Big Shift project . This project delivered a new data set that will help local economic development specialists understand the impact of their policies , continuing Geografia ’ s 20-year commitment to providing novel data , new insights , and raising the standard of local economic development . This project also highlighted the value of shift workers in different economic settings and the present and emerging challenges they face .
FINALIST : Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills , Fleurieu & Kangaroo Island Ideation and Collaboration a Win for Housing and Industry at Parndana , Kangaroo Island A housing crisis was limiting the ability of industry and community on Kangaroo Island to expand the island ’ s economy and recover from the 2020 Black Summer bushfire which burnt almost 50 % of the island .
Three significant housing projects were stalled due to a range of issues . Regional Development Australia Adelaide Hills , Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island took the lead to advocate for and bring these stalled housing developments to fruition .
FINALIST : City of Subiaco StART Me Up in Subi Initiative Subiaco is riding a wave of investment in the arts . The StART me up in Subi initiative developed by the City of Subiaco , delivered a series of arts and culture projects in 2023 , with even more on the horizon . StART me up in Subi stemmed from consultation
Bringing together stakeholders and utilising an ideation model and encouraging the use of Place Based Capital , RDA Adelaide Hills , Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island , developed a win-win solution and received commitment from stakeholders to deliver these housing projects , providing accommodation for 147 people , total capital investment of $ 128.2 million and creating 115 direct jobs .
VOL 17 NO 3 2024 30 www . edaustralia . com . au