Business and community leaders gathered for the official launch of the State of the Workforce report, an initiative led by RDAIS. The event brought together representatives from industry, government, and education to discuss the region’s critical workforce challenges and the opportunities that come with coordinated action.
Held in Wollongong, the launch highlighted the scale of local workforce shortages, with more than 1,500 jobs currently unfilled representing over $212 million in lost income and $53 million in foregone tax revenue. The report provides detailed evidence on the pressures facing employers, including skills mismatches, staff turnover, training access, and infrastructure barriers.
The event was more than a presentation of research. It was a call to action, designed to spark collaboration across sectors and set the agenda for how the Illawarra Shoalhaven can address workforce needs. Attendees heard about practical steps required to better attract and retain skilled workers, align training with industry demand, and support the infrastructure that underpins workforce participation, such as housing, childcare and transport.
By launching the report with a broad cross-section of stakeholders in the room, RDAIS reinforced its role in driving regional solutions. The conversations that began at the event now lay the foundation for ongoing partnerships that will help ensure the region can meet future demand and secure long-term economic resilience.
