Regional Development Australia (RDA) Sydney is part of a Federal Government initiative that seeks to create strong, confident and vibrant regions. RDA Sydney provides support, promotion and advocacy for regional NSW through the NSW RDA Network.
We are proud to support, promote and be part of a network of 13 RDA Organisations across NSW.
Visit RDA Far West
Visit RDA Murray
Visit RDA Orana
Visit RDA Riverina
Visit RDA Northern Inland
Visit RDA Northern Rivers
Visit RDA Mid North Coast
Visit RDA Hunter
Visit RDA Central Coast
Visit RDA Sydney
Visit RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven
Visit RDA Central West
Visit RDA Southern NSW & ACT
Latest News
Read the latest news from government, the NSW Regions and RDA Sydney
ManufactHER Showcase
Discover how the Central Coast manufacturing sector is creating stronger pathways for women and building more inclusive, future-ready workplaces at the ManufactHER Showcase. Led by Central Coast Group Training (CCGT)…
Three global rail giants shortlisted to build Australia’s first high speed trains
The High Speed Rail Authority has shortlisted three global proponents to design and develop the trains and systems for the Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project, moving Australia\'s first…
$200 million to rebuild – and future-proof – the Great Western Highway
The federal and NSW governments have jointly committed $200 million to rebuild the section of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass, closed since March 2026 after serious cracking and…
Far West Careers Expo connects 500 Broken Hill students with their future
Around 500 students from Broken Hill and surrounding areas walked away from this month\'s Far West Careers Expo with a clearer picture of what comes next, and a business card…
Regional priorities take centre stage at NSW Parliament House
Regional leaders from across New South Wales and the ACT joined Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Members of Parliament and key stakeholders at NSW Parliament House on Tuesday 4 August for Friends…
New $17.14 million food hub opens doors for Central Coast manufacturers
A purpose-built manufacturing hub at Ourimbah is giving smaller food and beverage producers access to the equipment, expertise and commercial space they need to increase production without leaving the Central…
NSW backs regional agriculture projects with $105.5m productivity and emissions investment
Image: Courtesy AgConnex Fourteen agriculture projects across regional NSW will share in a $105.5 million investment designed to lift productivity, strengthen supply chains and help producers lower emissions. The NSW…
Regional road investments target safer, more connected NSW communities
Two regional road announcements will support safer journeys, better freight movement and long-term planning across key NSW corridors, with new funding confirmed for the North Coast and major safety works…
Regional Action. Shared Impact
Across NSW and the ACT, RDAs are helping turn regional priorities into practical outcomes, from critical infrastructure and workforce development to housing, transport, STEM pathways and women’s leadership.
This video showcases a selection of projects and initiatives from the past 12 months, highlighting how the RDA network connects communities with government, investment and delivery partners.
Partnering with RDA NSW & ACT means gaining access to a network that is agile, highly connected and deeply invested in the future of regional Australia.
RDA Charter
NSW & ACT RDAs are part of a national network of organisations funded by the Federal government to build strong, confident, and vibrant regions. They do this by influencing and facilitating economic development in their regions.
The deliverables and role of the RDAs is outlined in the RDA Charter, announced by the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, in July 2023.
Supporting NSW Regions
RDA Sydney supports the NSW RDA network to grow strong and confident regional economies that harness competitive advantages, seize economic opportunities, and attract investment.
We do this by working with city-based stakeholders and the NSW RDA network to identify and support economic development opportunities for the regions through partnerships and connections.
NSW & ACT Economic Snapshot
New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is home to 8.628 million people and has the largest number of active businesses with more than 900,000 registered in 2023. NSW & ACT as a region contribute nearly $744 billion to the national economy, accounting for around a third of the nation’s economic output, with the largest contributing sectors being financial and insurance services; professional, scientific and technical services; health care and social assistance; construction; and education. NSW has the largest and most diverse regional economy of all Australian states, and ranks around 37th in the world’s largest economies, above countries such as Denmark, South Africa, and New Zealand.
The NSW and ACT regions bring a diverse range of economic strengths to the State and Territory, with growth driven by leading industries including agribusiness, resources and mining, defence, tourism and hospitality, freight and logistics, healthcare and social assistance, and education and training.
NSW & ACT’s greatest economic asset is its people. The region has a culturally diverse and knowledge intensive economy, with approximately 28% of its residents born overseas and speaking a language other than English at home, and more than 80% holding a non-school qualification. At the tertiary qualification level, there is a strong dominance in accounting, business management, general nursing, programming and teaching.
Grants
On this page you will find a selection of both NSW and Federal Governments grants aimed at helping Australian businesses succeed. There are a number of grants available across a range of industries and applications. Visit business.gov.au to view all grants and connect with a range of experts who can advise and assist with submissions.
Image credit: Destination NSW
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