We have hit a very exciting milestone in our project! As we now have three established Innovation Working Groups (IWGs) The three groups that have been established are:

• Value Add Primary Industry
• Nature based Recreation and Tourism
• Education and skills

Purpose of Innovation Working Groups

The primary purpose of an Innovation Working Group (IWG) is to develop innovation opportunities that will support sustainable economic development, job creation and social and economic prosperity in Swifts Creek and District (Tongio, Cassilis, Swifts Creek, Bindi, Ensay, Ensay North, Doctors Flat, Reedy Flat, Tambo Crossing and Brookeville) with the long-term aim of fostering a thriving, collaborative innovation system for the community.
The IWG’s core role is to develop, test, refine and define the relevant proposal(s) for the innovation.
The IWG’s initial term will be twelve (12) months, or until the conclusion of its primary project, whichever is shorter. After this period, a review of membership and purpose will be undertaken.
Facilitation support is provided by the Swifts Creek District Local Development Strategy (LDS) Project Manager.
The IWG is supported by the Leadership Group, who will endorse applications to Forestry Transition funding and assist in decision making when outside the IWG scope.

Role of IWG Members

In undertaking this work, members of the IWG are asked to:
• Contribute and connect relevant expertise to strengthen the Innovation Opportunity (IO),
• Bring a collaborative mindset to the work,
• Share knowledge of existing and relevant innovation locally or elsewhere, and to connect, learn from, and strengthen the IO,
• Draw on local and global research and expertise that can enhance the project.

Innovation Working Groups are currently meeting monthly. The IWG meetings run for approximately 1.5 hours. Meetings are in person and online (via Teams)

If you would like further information about any of the groups, please conatct Project Manager, Alyce Richards.