Past Programs and Activities

An overview of some past projects RDA Wheatbelt Inc (RDAW) continues to develop programs and source funding to address identified needs within the Wheatbelt region. Below is a summary of some past programs which RDA Wheatbelt has delivered, all of which have made valuable contributions to the region.
	Movies on the Move This exciting project operated for over two years and provided support to young people to plan and coordinate entertainment activities in their local communities. The aim of the project was to target the issue of boredom for young people by building their capacity to plan, implement and market events and activities with minimal adult supervision. Young people from a number of Wheatbelt communities participated in this project and have used the skills they developed to host successful events. The project has enabled RDAW to assist young people with the delivery of activities and entertainment to their communities. The program was completed in 2009 culminating in the printing of a Youth Event Guide which is available for interested groups or individuals who would like guidance in hosting an event.
	Eastern Wheatbelt Early Years Network (EWEYN) Initial funding sourced by Wheatbelt ACC (now RDA Wheatbelt) for this program was provided through Lotterywest via the state government’s Early Years Strategy.  The strategy is based on influential research which demonstrates how strongly a child’s early experiences (i.e. in the first 4 years of life), predicts their later health and wellbeing as an adult. EWEYN formed in late 2005 to provide a spearhead to address early years needs in the Eastern Wheatbelt, in response to input collated from a series of community forums and meetings.  Individuals aligned with a range of organisations including State and Local Government, Primary Health and local schools then volunteered their professional time to act as EWEYN Reference Group members to drive the concept. A Project Coordinator was employed by the Wheatbelt ACC (now RDA Wheatbelt) to work with the EWEYN Reference Group.  The goal was to address the issues and needs of children aged 0 – 8 years and their carers and families in Eastern Wheatbelt communities.   Funding also covered the provision of forums, workshops and training. Employment of a Project Coordinator ceased in December 2009 due to lack of ongoing funding.  The EWEYN Reference Group continues to work towards addressing the region’s early years needs in a much reduced capacity.
Women Leading Change - Regional Conference The Women Leading Change Regional Conference in Northam brought together 14 guest speakers and facilitators, over 2 days and 1 evening, to deliver a range of presentations and workshops aimed at: Developing strategies to encourage and support community resilience; providing direct primary industry links and benefits to rural women; leadership and management skill development to encourage women to have a presence and voice on Boards and at the decision making table; to provide upskilling and capacity building opportunities to further grow the region’s human capital; continue to develop and expand new and existing networks (and partnerships); and give participants the opportunity to identify and brainstorm strategies tackle the changing climate. This extremely successful event was funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and supported by a number of community programs.
	Roadworx road safety and awareness program Roadworx was a series of hands-on, interactive workshops aimed at 15 to 24 years olds interested in becoming confident, safe, independent drivers.  Workshops were tailored to suit the individual needs of each Wheatbelt community with content that was age appropriate, accommodated different learning styles, and was attractive to young people. Local experts shared knowledge and practical sessions on safe driving practices, recent changes to the road rules effecting young drivers, basic car maintenance, driver responsibility, crash prevention strategies, basic first aid and accident response, and responsible car ownership. Would-be-young-drivers were encouraged to develop into responsible, confident, capable young drivers who respected themselves and recognised that driving on West Australian roads is a privilege and not a right; a privilege that carries with it many responsibilities including responsibilities to other road users. This program was completed in June 2009.  An information kit for communities wishing to host a similar program is available by contacting RDA Wheatbelt.
Regional Partnerships Funding The Regional Partnerships program was an Australian Government initiative supporting the development of self-reliant communities. The WACC would identify and facilitate projects for funding under the Regional Partnerships and other government programs to support and underpin the Strategic Regional Plan. The Regional Partnerships program funded projects that assisted communities to provide opportunities for economic and social participation, Improve access to services, plan their futures and make structural adjustments. This program was withdrawn in 2007 and the RDA Wheatbelt is currently not a funding provider. Small Business Field Officer Through the Small Business Field Officer Program, the Wheatbelt ACC received funding from AusIndustry to help Wheatbelt businesses find solutions. The officer in the Wheatbelt assisted local businesses find the right business information, point out where to go for business help and encouraged local businesses to network and be involved in industry and business associations. Youth Pathways This program has been replaced with the Youth Connections Program, currently delivered by the RDA Wheatbelt in the Midlands and Narrogin Education regions. Youth Pathways assisted young people aged between 13 and 19 to make a successful transition through school and from school to further education, training or employment and active participation in the community. Under Youth Pathways, eligible young people received: Personal one-to-one assistance to help identify strengths, goals and the barriers they face; individual assistance and guidance to help overcome barriers; support to achieve their goals; and other services aimed at better equipping them to successfully make the transition.

Young Women Leadership and Mentoring Pilot Young Women aged 18-35+ living in the Wheatbelt region, were invited to participate in an innovative pilot program designed to encourage Young Women to realize their potential in Leadership roles within their communities. Young women who took part in the program were mentored by many inspirational "Women of the Wheatbelt" who have made valuable contributions within their communities and to the region. This program was completed in October 2007.