John Walkom reappointed as RDA Orana Chair

A dedicated businessman of 41 years has been re-appointed as Chairperson of RDA Orana.

Techni-Clean Australia managing director and Dubbo local John Walkom has confirmed his commitment to the region once again after already serving nine
years in the role.

Mr Walkom’s existing ties to the region include being on the board at the Taronga Conservation Society, active involvement in sporting administration,
along with community and business mentoring. He is also a former Dubbo councillor and DREAM Festival Chair.

This level of involvement has given him a passion for the Orana region which in turn has driven his professional and personal endeavours.

Through long-term commitment to regional development, Mr Walkom is also chair of the NSW Regional Development Australia group of NSW RDAs. This group
acts in an advisory capacity to Federal Government Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh, and to Local
and State Government on regional plans, economic opportunities and job creation.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories John McVeigh was pleased to reappoint Mr John Walkom as Chair of RDA Orana.

“Mr Walkom has a strong commitment to both the Orana region and regional development across Australia, as can be seen by his current and past positions
on advisory councils and committees,” Dr McVeigh said.

“He brings demonstrated leadership skills, subject matter expertise and strong background which make him the perfect candidate to continue to lead
RDA Orana.”

Dr McVeigh also thanked the 500-plus volunteer board members who serve on the 52 RDA committees across Australia for their ongoing support.

Mr Walkom is looking forward to continue working with Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton as Assistant Minister for Tourism, Investment and Trade,
along with Troy Grant (Member for Dubbo, NSW Police Minister) and Local Government Mayors and General Managers in the Orana region.

“Being able to participate in this process is what originally drove me to join RDA Orana as I saw it as an opportunity to be directly involved in assisting
the Government’s creation of regional economic development policies.”

This year, RDA Orana commenced operation under a new charter and Mr Walkom hopes to continue in that vein of confidence and clarity.

“The new charter outlines how RDAs, including the Orana, will continue to drive economic growth and jobs in regional areas to create strong, confident
and vibrant communities,” he said.

“While we are always faced with challenges, the current economic climate in the Orana region is very strong, with high levels of business confidence,
Federal, State and Government expenditure on regional shaping and community infrastructure throughout the region.

“This investment filters right throughout our region and this has been shown by the latest statistics showing such a low level of unemployment at 3.8
per cent in our region.”

RDA Committees, composed of local business and community leaders, will continue to play an important role in collaboration, connection, promotion and
engagement.

“RDA Committees have an active and facilitative role in their communities and a clear focus on growing strong and confident regional economies that
harness their competitive advantages, seize on economic opportunity and attract investment.”/ENDS