The Berrigan Shire Council recently announced the location for the three day event — August 20 to August 22 — saying it is a must for people interested in issues affecting regional Australia.
This year’s conference theme is ‘Rivers of Opportunity’ which recognises the local area’s unique location on the Murray River.
Topics will include dynamic and vibrant healthy rural communities, integrated lifelong learning and employment in the regions, place-based regional development, regional tourism and geo-tourism.
Berrigan Shire Council strategic and social planning coordinator Jo Ruffin said they are looking forward to working with local community members and welcoming conference delegates to Barooga and surrounding towns.
‘‘On offer this year is a diverse program of keynote speakers, interactive workshops, an industry forum, a Murray Darling Basin forum and a study tour of our region and its attractions,’’ she said.
‘‘It is what we believe is an exciting program that promises to deliver and which will showcase projects from across regional, rural and remote Australia.
‘‘It will include case studies and projects undertaken by community groups, business, government and community organisations that have transformed their regional and rural communities.’’
Barooga will benefit economically from an injection of up to 200 delegates who will visit the region for the three day conference.
‘‘While local community groups, business and community organisations will have the opportunity to hear first-hand how towns and communities in rural and regional Australia are responding to global challenges, they will have the opportunity to benefit from the influx of people and in doing so, will be able to continue growing and thriving,’’ Mrs Roe said.
Berrigan Shire Council Mayor Matt Hannan said, in a welcome to SEGRA delegates, Barooga couldn’t be a better location for the conference.
‘‘You are coming to one of the most productive and innovative agricultural regions in Australia,’’ Cr Hannan said.
‘‘Like most regional areas we can face challenges in providing career paths for those seeking a country lifestyle, but these larger industries can open opportunities.
‘‘Council looks forward to welcoming guests to the region, and we hope they will take the opportunity to stay a little longer and explore the local area.’’