RDAMR 2025 Regional Alliance Insight Summit
This year’s RDAMR Regional Alliance Insight Summit, held on Thursday, 22nd May 2025 and themed ‘From Sustainability to Strength: Leadership Insights on Business and Community’, was a resounding success — a morning of connection, collaboration and leadership.
A way for the region to unite
Held in partnership with the Australia Day Council of South Australia and the Rural City of Murray Bridge, the Summit brought together around 50 regional community and business leaders to explore what’s possible when we align around a shared purpose.
The event featured two inspiring keynote speakers:
-
Grant Stevens APM LEM: South Australia’s Police Commissioner and 2025 SA Australian of the Year Nominee.
-
Barry Irvin AM: Executive Chair of Bega Group.
Commissioner Stevens reflected on the strength of cohesive communities, as demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and spoke about the importance of courage, authenticity and transparency in leadership.
Mr Irvin shared his experience transforming Bega Cheese from a small dairy cooperative into a global food manufacturing leader, with a focus on sustainability, the circular economy and community development. He emphasised the power of respect, shared purpose and being open about challenges — because, as he noted, most people want to help.
Following the keynote presentations, participants engaged in a facilitated discussion exploring how regional leaders can work together through the Regional Alliance Strategic Program Partnership to deliver long-term, region-wide benefits.
It was energising to see so many regional changemakers listening, learning and reflecting on new frameworks for collective action.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this important conversation — and to our partners for making this event possible. We look forward to building on the momentum from this incredible event.
