Innovation in the Regions
The Regional Growth Showcase highlighted the key digital and innovation projects underway across Victoria. Below is a collection of the various projects involved, showing their key focus, the stakeholders, their impact and how to get in touch.
All projects are being supported by the Regional Digital Fund (RDF). The RDF aims to address digital objectives, priorities and gaps identified in the Regional Digital Plans. The RDF acts as a flexible grant program to support a broad range of small-scale digital projects - all projects must be in, or for the benefit of, regional Victoria.
Currently, there are 29 different projects underway across Victoria - check out the videos below to see how you can get involved!
Connectivity Projects
The collection of Connectivity projects are all about the importance of digital connectivity to support regional and rural communities.
Connecting Bonegilla
Installing a stable internet connection for the large scale historical Bonegilla site will help the existing offices, as well as attract further exhibitions, visitors, and events to the area.
IoT Starter Kit
This project is a multi-council Smart Cities pilot program that focuses on capturing and providing data to 4x regional councils consistently in real-time.
For more information, reach out to vanessa.hall@mildura.vic.gov.au
100GBps
Preparing the Bendigo region for the fastest and cheapest internet in Australia using the existing assets and infrastructure in the region.
Bridging the Gap
Identifying the extent of fixed and mobile digital connectivity gaps across Moira Shire - looking at the the impact on businesses and their ability to grow, and how this can be addressed.
Digital Inclusion Projects
The collection of Digital Inclusion projects are all about programs to support communities build career pathways, capability and various other business support systems.
Building Digital Capability
Delivering the HR Index for the Greater Geelong region highlighted the lack of digital specialists. This project looks at the attraction and recruitment of digital specialists regionally.
For more information reach out to maree.herath@harvesthr.com.au
Broadening Horizons
A learning model delivered through high-quality industry school partnerships - students are able to build 21st-century enterprise skills that increase engagement and learning across Gippsland, Ballarat and Warrnambool regions.
Understanding Digital Literacy in the Ovens Murray Region
A regional study of the digital literacy of those working in the SME sector will tell us what the issues are for the North East Vic region and what the focus should be moving forward.
For more information reach out to ilena@startupshakeup.org
Virtual Industry Careers Experience
GMLLEN are working on a virtual reality project which is aimed at promoting skilled shortage occupations within the local region, focussing on six key industries, and four occupations within these industries.
For more information reach out to bec.costa-lowe@gmllen.com.au
Buy From North East Vic (BfNEV)
A collaboration between Benalla Rural City Council, Issimo, Startup Shakeup and Rural City of Wangaratta, building a whole-town online marketplace - “it matters where you shop”
Visitor Economy Destination Training
This project was created to address the digital skill shortages that are a persistent issue across the region, both in terms of basic digital literacy as well as specialist technical skills to support business growth and competitiveness.
For more information reach out to jhayes@destinatingippsland.com.au
360 Industry and VR Showcase
This project is aimed at raising the aspirations of young people, to improve their knowledge about available local pathways and enhance their engagement and connections with industry and technology.
For more information reach out to e.amelie@gellen.org.au
Digital Hubs Projects
The collection of Digital Hubs projects are all about physical buildings or spaces that support the business community - using high-speed internet, meeting rooms and other business community support services.
Ararat Community Digital Hub
The Ararat Community Digital Hub project will be co-located with the new Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct site. A cutting-edge research facility that will explore value-added opportunities to grow the local agriculture sector.
For more information reach out to tmcdougall@ararat.vic.gov.au
Smythesdale Well Digital Hub
The Digital Hub at Smythesdale provides business owners, residents and community groups with high-speed internet, scalable meeting rooms, coworking and hot desk facilities, theatre rooms and event spaces.
Digital Health Projects
The collection of Digital Health projects will be looking at connectivity and technology solutions, digital adoption and support in the provision of regional and remote health solutions. Stay tuned for more!
By Five Telehealth Project
This project establishes partnerships between pediatric specialists, local professionals and families, aiming to deliver high-quality local care and improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people.
For more information reach out to cmillare@wda.org.au
iManage My Health
The iManage My Health project will focus on increasing participation in community-based telehealth services and remote patient ‘self’ monitoring programs to address lower levels of digital inclusion and poorer health outcomes in Central Hume.
For more information reach out to amanda@wangarattadigitalhub.com.au
Aged Care IoMT
Bendigo Health is teaming up with La Trobe University and investigating using the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) for remote patient monitoring, to understand how to help older Australians manage chronic conditions in the comfort of their own homes.
For more information reach out to kovenden@bendigohealth.org.au
Digital Health Acceleration for Positive Health Outcomes
This project looks at how to accelerate positive health outcomes as well as economic growth in the regions, mitigated forecasted job loss, and deliberately grow the community area.
For more information reach out to Katherine@kteh.com.au
The Colac Otway Digital Support Program was designed to support small businesses in the region with their digital transformation. Delivered over six months, the program aimed to increase digital literacy, capability and confidence as well as the adoption of digital tools for business growth. Find out more below.
