Inspiring Orana Youth Forum Unites 250 Students with Industry, Innovation and Opportunity

The second annual Orana Youth Forum has wrapped up after an energising and action-packed day at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre yesterday, connecting more than 250 students from across the Orana region with industry leaders, educators, and changemakers.

Hosted by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana, the forum featured a buzzing careers expo, interactive exhibitions, hands-on workshops and a powerhouse lineup of speakers, all designed to inspire the next generation about the opportunities ahead in industries of the future.

Students were able to explore interactive exhibitions, including engaging displays outside from the NSW Police and Inland Petroleum, alongside more than 20 exhibitors representing industries such as renewable energy, mining, agriculture, health, trades, business and the arts. The day also brought plenty of energy and fun, with a taiko drumming workshop and silent disco giving students a chance to take part in creative and interactive activities between sessions.

RDA Orana CEO Justine Campbell said the event exceeded expectations, proving the power of collaboration in showcasing career pathways that can inspire young people to build their futures here in the region.

“The Orana Youth Forum is about opening doors, giving students the chance to see the real pathways that exist across our region,” Ms Campbell said.

“From inspiring speakers to hands-on experiences with industry, the day was about sparking curiosity and confidence in our young people, and helping them imagine what’s possible for their future.”

The day opened with an inspiring keynote address from Paralympic gold medallist Scott Reardon, who spoke about the power of mindfulness in overcoming challenges and shifting perspectives. His motivational words set the tone for a program filled with energy and insight, followed by an outstanding lineup of industry leaders sharing real-world career pathways across the region’s key sectors.

RDA Orana extends a heartfelt thank you to all exhibitors for their time, enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the region’s young people: ACEREZ, EnergyCo, One Key & Mining Skills Australia, MAAS Group, Aquawest Pumping & Irrigation, Fletcher International Exports, Custom Steel Frames, Youth Law Australia, Dubbo Regional Council, Teach NSW, Charles Sturt University, TAFE NSW, School of Rural Health, Headspace, Marathon Health, Three Rivers Machinery, Hutcheon & Pearce, Indigenous Energy Australia, NIAA, The Welcome Experience, Brewarrina Shire Council, NSW Police and Inland Petroleum.

The Orana Youth Forum is made possible thanks to the generous support of the NSW Department of Education through the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) Program, along with event sponsors ACEREZ, The Orana Welcome Experience, EnergyCo, Dubbo Regional Council and Fletcher International Exports.