Inaugural youth forum to showcase job opportunities in the region

High school students from a third of the region will come together on Wednesday 6 November for an inaugural youth forum and expo organised by Regional Development Australia Orana (RDA Orana), to showcase the opportunities available to young people across the Orana.

The EnergyCo and ACEREZ Orana Youth Forum has schools travelling from Binnaway, Bourke, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Mendooran, Walgett and Warren along with local Dubbo students participating in the event.

RDA Orana CEO, Justine Campbell said the aim of the forum was to provide an opportunity for young people in the region to hear from business, industry leaders, university and training providers about jobs for the future.

“The forum will include seminars and workshops as well as an exhibition space to showcase the variety of options available,” she said.

Ms Campbell said there was an exciting lineup of keynote speakers in the theatre to inspire our young people, including:

• Australian School of Entrepreneurship CEO, Jahin Tanvir
• Tie Dye Project President and 2024 Dubbo Citizen of the Year, Molly Croft
• ABC Heywire Winner, Kirra Hampson

This would be followed by an industry and opportunities session featuring:

• Squadron Energy First Nations Engagement Facilitator, Justin Toomey-White
• Precision Pastures Soils and Pasture Agronomist and General Manager Operations, Drew Walsh
• Tomingley Gold Operations Third Year Electrical Apprentice, Jack Finlayson
• Marathon Health Speech Pathologist, Paige Hughes and Occupational Therapist, Hannah Brooker
• Australian Government Regional Education Commissioner, The Hon. Fiona Nash
• MAAS Group Holdings Asset Management General Manager, Jason Finlay

Ms Campbell said the afternoon session would feature an interactive workshop with University of NSW Senior Lecturer, Sandeep Kirpalani, University of NSW SMart Centre MICROfactorie Engineer, William Abbey and NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub Business Manager, Dr James Christian and would focus on careers in new energy, circular economies and sustainability.

“Our exhibition hall also features more than 30 business, industry, university and education and training providers who will be on hand to help our young people look at what career path might suit them and the opportunities available in the future,” she said.

“We also have an interactive outdoor area in the carpark featuring a silent disco, a display of heavy machinery and Rugby NSW personalities."

Ms Campbell said the forum would highlight employment opportunities and showcase the unique pathways available to our young people in the region utilising new energy markets for traineeships and apprenticeships, as well as business in demand.

For more information about the Orana Youth Forum and to download a program, visit www.oranayouthforum.com.au

Members of the media are invited to attend the event.