Innovation Working Groups
Innovation Working Groups
Purpose
The primary purpose of the Innovation Working Groups (IWGs) is to develop innovative opportunities that will support sustainable economic development and job creation, diversification and prosperity for Yarram and district.
The core task of the IWG is to develop, test and refine the proposition for an innovation opportunity. Its outputs will be feasibility studies, business cases, or other appropriate documents to build and support a case for investment and funding for the initiative.
Membership
Membership will include people with specific interest and expertise in innovating for regional growth and will come from:
Yarram and District community
Local businesses and industry partners
Education and research organisations
Local community organisations and representatives
Local, regional, and state government representatives
Traditional Owners and First Peoples from Yarram and district
IWG Terms of Reference
IWG Expression of Interest
Innovation Working Groups
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Strzelecki Koala
The Strzelecki Koala IWG is working to increase visitors and bring jobs to Yarram and region with an exciting new eco-tourism experience – a koala conservation and hospital, education and research facility and visitor centre.
If we build a Strzelecki Koala conservation centre to protect the koala and its genomic integrity and habitat while educating and conducting research, we will generate employment, community pride, and international recognition.
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Yarram Jobs & Industry
Yarram Jobs and Industry began as the Working Holiday Makers IWG. In late 2024, a review of this group revealed a need to broaden the scope and objectives of this IWG to include all Yarram and district jobseekers, businesses, and service stakeholders in conversations and strategies to improve employment and training opportunities in the region.
The Yarram Jobs and Industry working group will support the establishment of a dedicated Yarram employment and training network, it will host a Yarram jobs and industry expo, and deliver employment and training related activities.
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Outdoor Recreation
The Outdoor Recreation IWG is exploring Yarram’s significant tourism assets and the potential for Yarram to be a cycling destination.
By positioning Yarram as the ‘start’ of the Great Southern Rail Trail we have a great opportunity to build a community-owned asset, create local jobs, repair and repurpose bikes, upskill community, upgrade cycling infrastructure, and offer curated cycling experiences. -
Creative Yarram
The Creative Yarram IWG works to produce and leverage existing creative assets to draw visitors to the region. Yarram and district is home to a highly active creative arts community.
Yarram attractions include a multi-award-winning street art trail, the Tarra Festival, the spectacular Regent Theatre, Courthouse Gallery, Chalk Art Festival, Rotary Art Festival, Writers’ Festival, and other curated art experiences.
Entrepreneurial Discovery Process
How were the IWGs Established?
Throughout July 2023 Entrepreneurial Discovery Workshops were held in Yarram to explore four of the Innovation Opportunities identified in the Yarram and District Context Analysis Report:
Strzelecki Koala
Working Holiday Makers (now Yarram Jobs & Industry)
Outdoor Recreation
Creative Yarram
At the conclusion of these workshops, support was received to progress all four opportunities to the next stage: Innovation Working Groups (IWGs).
The Working Groups began in November 2023 and will continue through to October 2026, or until the projects are complete.