The 2024 RDA Awards acknowledge the significant contributions that RDAs make in support of their communities.
These inaugural Awards recognise activities, projects, programs and/or initiatives that commenced and/or were completed between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024, or were in progress across the whole year.
There are four award categories, aligned to the priority focus areas of the Australia Government’s Regional Investment Framework (RIF):
Category 1: Investing in People - putting people at the forefront of growth, with local voices influencing decision making.
Category 2: Investing in Places - targeted and place-based investment that enables communities to thrive.
Category 3: Investing in Services - investment in regional services with a focus on improving quality and accessibility.
Category 4: Investing in Industries and Local Economies - ensuring regional industries and economies are positioned for sustainable growth.
Nominations for the 2024 RDA Awards opened on Monday 1 July 2024 and closed on Friday 2 August 2024.
There were 27 nominations received from 20 RDAs, and each nomination received was reviewed against the following evaluation criteria:
- The level of positive impact that an initiative has had on their region or a local community
- The level of positive impact that an initiative has had on supporting gender equality and diverse communities, particularly First Nations people
- Innovative approaches implemented
- Efforts to support decarbonisation and transitioning to a net zero economy
- Instances where collaboration has lead to enhanced and broad regional outcomes
- The relative resourcing and funding opportunities that are available to an RDA.
The 2024 RDA Awards were announced at the RDA National Forum Dinner in Busselton, Western Australia, on the evening of 28 October 2024.
The Hon Don Punch WA Minister for Regional Development; Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering presented the awards assisted by Mayor of Busselton, Phill Cronin.
Learn more: 2024 RDA Awards
Watch the highlights from the RDA Forum and Awards