On Friday, 28th January, Gunilla Burrowes represented the Hunter Angels at the first-ever Hunter Regional Leaders’ Network Forum organised by RDA Hunter.
RDA Hunter established the forum to be a platform for open information exchange to gain Hunter-wide support to realise regional goals and, importantly, avoid duplicating our efforts.
The following organisations sent representatives: Hunter iF Limited, University of Newcastle, Committee for the Hunter, Business Hunter, HMRI, HCC Development Corporation, John Hunter Health Innovation Precinct, Port of Newcastle, RDA Hunter, Tocal College, Hunter Water, HunterNet, Hunter Joint Organisation, Dantia, Newcastle Airport, Wonnarua Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Ramsay Health, Property Council Hunter Chapter, Eighteen04, Hunter Defence, Ai Group, Hunter Jobs Alliance and University of Newcastle.
The initial session outlined regionally-significant projects and initiatives, who’s leading them, where duplication is occurring and understanding where and how key stakeholders can add value to one another’s projects/activities.
The final session focussed on developing a list of priority projects/initiatives by the benefits they will deliver the Hunter and whether it’s feasible to create new or improve existing projects/initiatives to address priorities that require attention.
Gunilla Burrowes said that it was very encouraging to experience the region working together. “Angels especially understand that they are just one part of an ecosystem that supports innovation,” said Gunilla, “Angels can provide early-stage funding to support business growth, and it is important that businesses have a supportive regional network to grow into. The Hunter Regional Leaders’ Network Forum can only be a positive for start-up businesses to contribute to regional goals.”
RDA Hunter announced they aim to hold more forums to continue the conversation and collaboration.