Join your RDA

Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a national network of 55 committees made up of local leaders who work with all levels of government, business and community groups to support the development of their regions.

RDA committees are a vital link between the regions and the Australian Government, and the Department of Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport is leading this agenda for the Australian Government.

Appointments to committees are made by the Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government and in most jurisdictions, the state or territory government minister responsible for regional development. In some jurisdictions the local government association is also a signatory to appointments so the appointment process can be lengthy and may take in excess of six months from the time an expression of interest is submitted.

Terms of appointments vary but can be up to four years.  

Current committee members whose terms are expiring are welcome to submit a new EOI if wanting to be considered for another term as a member of the RDA committee. This will enable you to update your skills and experience and include information that may be relevant to the current skills needs on the committee.

More information on RDA committees can be found on the Who we are and What we do pages.

Why join your RDA committee?

By joining your RDA committee you can make a difference in your region.

Committee members are able to use their skills and experience to improve the economy of the region by working with others to bring together a variety of views, interests and expertise. Members have a shared sense of purpose and can be part of a high performing team which takes collective responsibility for regional issues through action and team decision-making.

Your investment of time and energy in sharing knowledge and skills will make a difference and give you a shared sense of pride in your community. Visit our news section to find out more about the good work RDA committees are doing in their regions.

Further information for applicants 

When considering whether to submit an Expression of Interest to join an RDA committee: 

  • Find out the name of the RDA committee in your area by performing a postcode search.
  • Talk to your RDA’s Chair or Executive Officer and find out about the priorities for the region, how they are working to find solutions, the commitment required of committee members and how you could contribute your skills and experience.
  • Look at the RDA’s Regional Plan/Roadmap to see where your skills and experience match the priorities of the region.
  • Talk to other RDA committee members about what to expect should you be appointed to the committee.

Further information is available in the:

When to apply

Interested community members can apply and be considered for vacant positions on their local RDA committee at any time.

As membership terms expire, publicly advertised EOI rounds are conducted to encourage a wide range of applicants. Bulk membership rounds will be advertised on this website as they open. Please continue to check the rda.gov.au website for information on future RDA EOI rounds. 

How to apply

For additional information or to have an Information Handbook and EOI form mailed to you, please contact 1800 505 938 (9am-5pm AEDST) or email rdaeoi@regional.gov.au.

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