One Week Until Orana Youth Forum Returns to Dubbo

The second annual Orana Youth Forum is just one week away, with over 300 high school students from across the region set to descend on the Dubbo Regional Theatre and Convention Centre on Tuesday August 26 for an inspiring day of opportunity.

The brainchild of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana, the forum and careers expo gives young people the chance to connect with businesses, industry leaders, universities and training providers about jobs for the future alongside a dynamic lineup of speakers, engaging workshops, and hands-on activities.

RDA Orana CEO Justine Campbell said this year’s event features over 20 exceptional exhibitors across a wide section of industries and educational institutions.

“Students from across the Orana region will have the opportunity to engage directly with some of the biggest employers and training providers from our district and across the country,” said Ms Campbell.

“We’ve already got registrations from schools and students in not just Dubbo, but right across the Orana region, including Coolah, Gilgandra, Gulargambone, Narromine and Wellington, just to name a few.

“This year I’m also proud to announce we’ll be offering one school the chance to win a $1,000 JB HiFi voucher, and one lucky student the chance to win a $500 JB HiFi voucher. All you have to do is register for your free ticket to the Forum at Eventbrite.com.au, with the winner announced on the day.”

Exhibitors this year include Indigenous Energy Australia, ACEREZ and EnergyCo, who’ll be working with local industry and enterprise to fill a potential new workforce of almost 30,000 in renewable energy; mining, construction and manufacturing organisations such as One Key, Mining Skills Australia, the MAAS Group and Custom Steel Frames; local trade and enterprise businesses including Fletchers International Exports, Three Rivers Machinery, Aquawest Pumping and Irrigation, Inland Petroleum and Hutcheon and Pearce; education and health institutions such as Charles Sturt University, TAFE NSW, School of Rural Health, YouthLaw Australia, Headspace and Marathon Health; as well as the NSW Police, NIAA, RDA Orana, Dubbo Regional Council and The Welcome Experience.

“We’ll also have an interactive outdoor area and activity spaces inside including a taiko drumming workshop and silent disco, as well as an engaging and inspiring lineup of speakers from regional changemakers, trailblazing entrepreneurs, social advocates and creative leaders who are passionate about making a difference, including Paralympic gold medallist Scott Reardon.”

Students and high schools from across the Orana region in years nine, 10, 11 and 12, are invited to register for the 2025 Youth Forum by visiting Eventbrite.com.au.

The event is completely free to attend, thanks to the generous support of local partners including NSW Department of Education through the Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) Program, and sponsors ACEREZ, EnergyCo, Dubbo Regional Council and Fletchers International who are committed to investing in the future of the region.

For updates, registration details and the latest news on speakers, visit the Orana Youth Forum website, www.oranayouthforum.com.au, or follow RDA Orana on social media.