Regional Development Australia Murraylands and Riverland (RDAMR) will host the first official gathering of the newly formed Regional Alliance this month, bringing together key leaders to drive transformational projects for the region’s future.
The exclusive breakfast event, From Sustainability to Strength: Leadership Insights on Business and Community, will take place on Thursday, 22 May 2025. Around 30 to 50 stakeholders, identified through RDAMR’s 2024 Regional Alliance Summit, are expected to attend the event.
Presented in partnership with the Australia Day Council of South Australia, the event will feature keynote addresses from two of Australia’s most respected leaders: South Australia’s Police Commissioner and 2025 SA Australian of the Year Nominee Grant Stevens APM LEM, and Barry Irvin AM, Executive Chair of Bega Group.
Commissioner Stevens will reflect on the importance of strong, resilient communities built through leadership and collective action. Mr Irvin will share 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.
Following the keynote presentations, attendees will take part in a facilitated discussion on how regional leaders can collaborate through the Regional Alliance Strategic Program Partnership to deliver long-term, region-wide benefits.
RDAMR Chief Executive Ben Fee said the event marks a major milestone in the Regional Alliance journey.
“At the November 2024 Summit, we introduced the concept of a Regional Alliance — a way for the region to unite around large-scale, transformative initiatives,” Mr Fee said.
“This first gathering is about inspiring action, strengthening collaboration, and seeking feedback and ideas on how we can best drive shared outcomes for our region’s prosperity and resilience.”
The focus of the Regional Alliance has been on four initial Strategic Programs developed through extensive consultation and endorsed by around 60 regional leaders at the 2024 Summit. Momentum is already building across these programs, including:
- A proposal for business case funding has been submitted by the Southern Food, Energy and Water (SoFEW) Precinct partnership.
- PIRSA has worked with regional stakeholders to draft a SA River Murray Communities Water Transition business case.
- The Dark Sky and Space program is building support and clarity on investment opportunities through the Mid Murray Council, Murray River Lakes and Coorong Tourism Alliance and partners.
- A Regional Resilience and Wellbeing program is progressing with assistance from a diverse array of community initiatives and the region’s health and wellbeing sector.
The Regional Alliance is open to leaders committed to progressing long-term, transformational projects, with opportunities for expansion as new Strategic Programs are developed over time. For further information on the Regional Alliance and to get involved, please visit: rdamr.com.au/2024-regional-summit.
From Sustainability to Strength: Leadership Insights on Business and Community, will be held from 7am to 9am on Thursday, 22 May 2025. Attendance is by invitation only.
This exclusive breakfast event is part of a two-day regional program in Murray Bridge with three bespoke events presented by the Australia Day Council of SA in partnership with RDAMR, the Rural City of Murray Bridge and Murray Bridge High School.
The program also includes a free Community Forum on Wednesday 21 May from 6pm to 7.30pm at the Bridgeport Hotel, open to all community members, sporting groups and businesses. Featuring Barry Irvin AM and Tim Jarvis AM alongside local leaders, the forum will explore sustainability, circular economies and regional resilience, aiming to inspire collaboration and community growth. Register here.
On Thursday 22 May, the Inspiring Australian Student Summit at Murray Bridge High School will bring together students from across the region to explore wellbeing, leadership and community connection. Guest speakers include Cathy Freeman OAM, Taryn Brumfitt and Kylan Beech.
Media contacts:
Claire Garner – Strategic Business & Communications Manager
M: 0423 533 354 | E: cgarner@rdamr.com.au
