This year’s Northern & Yorke Regional Forum focused on the crucial theme of ‘Regional Resilience: The Need for Diversity’. Business, community and government leaders came together for discussions that fostered strategies for sustainable development and economic growth. The event was supported by Northern and Yorke Alliance members RDA Yorke and Mid North, RDA Barossa Light Gawler Adelaide Plains, Northern and Yorke Landscape Board and the Legatus Group.
Among the highlights was a breakout session conducted by RDABGLAP’s CEO Leonie Boothby, which spotlighted Andrew Morphett’s transformative work with Anlaby Station. Morphett detailed how integrating the farm’s rich history with new ventures in tourism, through luxury Merino products and engaging farm experiences, created a successful business model that remains true to its roots while innovating for the future. His advice is a blueprint for businesses looking to evolve while maintaining their core identity:
- Base your offer on your existing business, skills, and passion.
- Find your authentic proposition and stay true to it.
- Build in phases so as not to over-invest – money or time.
- Deliver consistently.
The forum also saw the valuable participation of RDABGLAP Chair Rolf Binder, Deputy Chair Andrew Morphett, and Board Member David Bailey, who, along with other delegates, absorbed a wealth of knowledge from diverse fields. Government perspectives were shared by Hon. Tanya Plibersek MP and the Hon. Clare Scriven MLC, adding depth to the conversation on regional resilience.
The shared goal was clear: to equip our region with the tools and insights necessary to embrace change and diversity for a more resilient future.
