• Expression of Interest - Regional Development Advisory Council
• Agency: Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development

The NSW Government has committed an initial investment of $400 million under the Regional Development Trust to deliver sustainable and strategic investment with a focus on priorities that make a real difference to regional communities.

The Trust is established under the Regional Development Act 2004, which also facilitates the establishment of a Regional Development Advisory Council to provide expert advice to the Minister for Regional NSW on Regional Development Trust investments.

Advisory Council members are appointed by the Minister for Regional NSW in accordance with the Regional Development Act 2004, and the Regional Development Regulation 2018.

About you

Up to seven members can be appointed for a term of up to three years by the Minister for Regional NSW, with relevant skills and experience in the following areas:

• climate adaptation and resilience
• community service activities
• the development of new regional industries,
• the education sector
• finance
• local government
• natural resource management
• primary industries
• public administration
• regional and rural economics
• regional housing development
• regional planning and infrastructure
• small business.

The Advisory Council will also include at least one Aboriginal representative with knowledge and experience in economic development for Aboriginal communities and one representative of Regional Development Australia, or another body which, in the Minister’s opinion, deals with regional matters.

The following factors are taken into account in determining the appointment of a person as a member of the Advisory Council:

• whether the person has lived and worked in a regional area,
• whether the person’s appointment would contribute to the Advisory Council having a range of skills, experiences and backgrounds.

For further information about the Advisory Council roles, please contact at publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or 02 9223 1855. Alternatively, view the role description:  RD_Regional Development Advisory Council_2026.pdf

To apply, please submit a copy of your CV and a cover letter that tells us about your relevant skills and experience and how these make you an ideal candidate for this role.

Application closing date: Monday 2 March 2026 at 11.55pm

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to publicsector@derwentsearch.com.au or 02 9223 1855 and a member of the Derwent Search team will contact you for a confidential discussion.

Additional information

The Regional Development Regulation 2018 outlines the Advisory Council constitution and procedures including persons that may not be eligible for appointment to the Advisory Council.

The successful applicants will be required to undergo probity checks in accordance with the NSW Government Boards and Committee Guidelines.

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We encourage applications from people with a range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. This includes differences in culture, gender, sexual orientation, language and disability status or other attributes.