REGIONAL Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) has locked in Russell Stewart as their chair until June 30 2025.
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The Narrabri local first took the role in 2015, and has since helped the group advocate for more than $50 million in funds for local government, not-for-profits and businesses.
The Australian Government's Assistant Minister for Regional Development, the Hon. Nola Marino, awarded Mr Stewart the continuality of his chair on Tuesday - it is the second time he has be reappointed.
Guiding the region through the drought, bushfires and COVID-19, which he described as a "triple whammy" has been one of his toughest tasks, but he is confident there is significant potential for recovery.
"To recover... our region's employers need skilled staff," he said.
"Helping to address skill shortages through skilled migration is a vital role of RDA Northern Inland.
"We have brought hundreds of skilled visa recipients to our region in recent years, our expertise and follow-up support is nationally recognised."
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He also stated the region's track record is so impressive they often lend advice to other areas, who reach out for help.
Mr Stewart also has the backing of RDANI executive director Nathan Axelsson, who threw his full support behind the Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce president.
"Russell leads a volunteer committee that is representative of our region," said Mr Axelsson.
"They come together from the Liverpool Plains to Tenterfield and across to Mungindi to serve as champions of the region and its economic development.
"Through the holistic, big-picture vision of our Chair, his team and the Federal Government, our six-member workforce kept working hard throughout the COVID-19 pandemic."