Regional Profile – Riverina region, ROO: David Lane
Regional Outreach Officer, David Lane, enjoys working with the Riverina business community, raising awareness and understanding of the skilled regional migration programs. David works in the ACT and Regions Office of the Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA), promoting the benefits of regional migration to potential employers.
“Regional Outreach Officers (ROOs) understand local industry and provide a unique service to employers in smaller capital cities and regional and rural areas,” he said. “Bringing skilled migrant workers to Australia allows businesses to maximise their potential. DIMIA is also working hard to establish an ongoing partnership with regional industry.”
A big part of being a ROO is liaising with regional businesses, which involves spending time in regional Australia and talking to employers.
The Riverina region covers an area of 63,521 square kilometres and comprises mostly rural communities, the largest being the cities of Wagga Wagga and Griffith. Its major industry sectors include agriculture, manufacturing and food processing, viticulture, winemaking and tourism.
“This job has given me an insight into the passion that people in regional areas have for their community.”
Regional Certifying Bodies (RCBs) help businesses sponsor skilled migrant workers. The Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, Senator Amanda Vanstone, said Australian Government initiatives such as the RCBs help local businesses bring skills to regional areas around Australia.
“RCBs are a vital resource when local businesses cannot find skilled workers locally,” Senator Vanstone said.
The Riverina Regional Development Board is the RCB for the Riverina.
Riverina Regional Development Board CEO and Councillor on Wagga Wagga City Council, Peter Dale said, “The ROO network is our link to DIMIA. Many businesses in the region know David, which shows that DIMIA is committed to having a presence in the region.”
As the ROO for Southern NSW including the Riverina, David Lane works closely with RCBs to jointly run business information seminars and assist employers to understand the visa options available to them.
For more information about Regional Outreach Officers go to www.immi.gov.au/migration/regional
