News

The Norfolk Island Food System Strategy 2025–2030 sets out an evidence-based plan for strengthening food security on Norfolk Island through to 2030. Developed by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC), it draws together findings from the May 2025 Community Food Supply Survey, the RDAMNC/QUT food system mapping project, the Pinion Advisory agricultural audit, and the 2023–2028 food security strategy which has remained unimplemented. The Food System Strategy lays out RDAMNC’s proposed approach to improving the food system of Norfolk Island. Not all actions are deliverable by RDAMNC. In those cases, the agencies to collaborate with are listed and they are advocacy items for RDAMNC.

The Food System Strategy responds to a food system under real pressure — a growing population, an agricultural sector in long-term decline, costly and fragile supply chains, and low community trust in past initiatives. While 48 per cent of food consumed by survey respondents on the island is sourced locally and most respondents grow some food at home, 74 per cent rate food prices as a weakness.

The strategy is built around three active program areas — livestock genetics improvement (cattle, sheep and goats), a structured bare-rooted fruit tree importation program, and system stabilisation across water, freight, governance, food literacy and land protection. Its first priority is trust repair, beginning with a public accountability register of all food security investment since 2015. From there it advocates to the Australian Government for freight equalisation on agricultural inputs, a funded water security scheme, and reform of biosecurity processes for plant material.

We welcome your input on the strategy — please share your feedback via our short survey.

RDA Mid North Coast and Norfolk Island (RDAMNC&NI) has secured funding to support an edible plants and fruit tree import program for Norfolk Island.

RDAMNC&NI CEO Dr. Madeleine Lawler and COO Dianne Wall will travel to Norfolk Island from 22nd to 26th June 2026 to meet with the local community and discuss the program in more detail.

An information session will be held at Governor’s Lodge on Wednesday 24th June 2026 at 4.00pm.  The session will involve identifying which plants are in demand, how the program will work and the costs covered.

Dr Lawler said: “We care deeply about making a positive difference to Norfolk Island’s food system. We’re grateful to our funders for making this project possible.”

RDAMNC&NI supports communities across the Mid North Coast, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island.

Click the link to read the official media release HERE.

Media Release

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast is pleased to announce four appointments to its Board of Directors, including two reappointments and two new members whose combined expertise strengthens our capacity to deliver for the Mid North Coast and Norfolk Island.

Returning to the Board are Tracy Singleton, a proud Gumbaynggirr woman and Principal Consultant at Girrwaawa Barrwayay with over 30 years of experience in health, housing, education, and community development; and David Harvey, Principal of D.R. Harvey Consulting and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, with decades of senior leadership across defence, aviation, and infrastructure.

Joining the Board for the first time are Nikki Greenwood, Principal of NRG Project Group, with a career spanning economic development, major events, and transport across local and state government; and Dan Heather, Director, Programs and Partnerships with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, bringing experience in regional policy, governance, and stakeholder engagement.

Read the full media release HERE.

CUC Norfolk Island Ltd is seeking proposals from Australian certified auditors for financial audit services spanning a three-year period, beginning with the 2025-2026 financial year.

As a small not-for-profit organisation with an annual turnover of $300,000-$350,000, we deliver the Regional University Study Hub program on Norfolk Island, funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations. We require an annual financial audit in accordance with legislative requirements, along with access to funding contract advice for our Centre Manager and Public Officer.

Interested auditors should submit their proposals, including fees, inclusions and process details, to Public Officer Dianne Wall at operations@rdamnc.org.au by 5.00pm Friday 14th November 2025.

Click the link to review CUC Norfolk Island’s detailed Invitation to Tender – Financial Audit Services.

We’re proud to welcome two new leaders to the Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast board of directors, each bringing their own unique expertise and genuine passion for our region’s future.

Lauren Douglass joins us from her role as Chief Executive Officer of Australian Regional Tourism, where she’s been championing a refreshing approach to tourism success – one that values community wellbeing alongside economic growth. Her work with agritourism initiatives has helped farming families diversify and thrive, making her a perfect fit for our region’s values.

James McTavish brings a wealth of experience from his service with the Australian Regular Army, NSW State Emergency Service, and NSW Government. These days, he’s channelling that expertise into helping regional businesses grow and succeed. His dedication to service – recognised through some of Australia’s highest honours – speaks to James’s ability and drive to make a difference.

Lauren and James join us at a great time for our region. Lauren’s tourism expertise will help us build on our natural assets while supporting local character, and James’s strategic experience will strengthen our work with businesses and communities across the Mid North Coast.

Explore Lauren and James’ thoughts on their new appointments per RDAMNC’s official media release.

Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) is pleased to announce the successful completion of Norfolk Island’s first Assisted Reproductive Program (ARP) for the cattle industry. After years of dedicated effort and collaboration, the program has achieved its key objectives and laid a strong foundation for the long-term sustainability of the island’s cattle herd.

With 21 new calves born, this landmark initiative has revitalised local breeding capacity and demonstrated the strength of collective action. RDAMNC acknowledges the significant contributions of Breeder Genetics, Holbrook Breeders Australia, the Norfolk Island Cattle Association, the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, and the Norfolk Island Regional Council.

Dr Madeleine Lawler shared:
“I first started visiting Norfolk Island in 2023. By then, the Islanders had faced every roadblock imaginable and the consequences for cattle health were visible around the Island… The cattle association took a big leap of faith and put enormous amounts of effort into the project.”

This program marks a turning point for agriculture on Norfolk Island. RDAMNC looks forward to building on this momentum, particularly through future work with the island’s sheep industry, and continuing the cycle of sustainability, resilience and genetic diversity.

Please refer to the official media release HERE.

The recent Ignite Mini events hosted by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast, highlighted the growing importance of the Circular Economy in waste management and sustainable practices. Hosted by Ash Sambrooks from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the session focused on the increasing opportunities for businesses and communities across New South Wales to integrate circular economy principles into their operations.

A standout presentation came from Lilli King of The Norfolk Wave initiative, which has been driving real-world circular economy success on Norfolk Island. The initiative’s focus on waste reduction, recycling, and community empowerment is setting an example for others to follow. Norfolk Wave aims to achieve an 80% recycling rate by 2025, and significant strides have already been made. The initiative has made remarkable progress in recycling glass, composting organic waste, and repurposing plastic materials for concrete production, contributing to a more sustainable future for the community.

The session demonstrated that by adopting circular economy principles, businesses can not only reduce their environmental footprint but also create new opportunities for growth and community engagement. As the conversation around sustainable practices continues to gain momentum, initiatives like The Norfolk Wave are proving that real, impactful change is within reach, paving the way for a more sustainable future in waste management.

The Australian Government has announced the creation of a Regional University Study Hub on Norfolk Island, led by Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC). This new initiative, the Country University Centre Norfolk Island (CUCNI), marks the first time island residents will have access to university-level education locally. Part of a $66.9 million national investment, the new hub is one of 10 Regional University Study Hubs designed to bring tertiary education closer to regional, rural, and remote communities. The hub offers new opportunities for young people and mature-aged students, enabling them to study without leaving home and pursue career or educational advancement in their own community. The CUCNI Board, including David Buffett, Sharon Nicol, Mary Christian-Bailey, Margaret Christian, Gaye Evans, Susan Prior, Chris Ronan (CUC), and Madeleine Lawler (RDAMNC), is dedicated to supporting Norfolk Island’s educational growth and ensuring residents have the same access to higher education as those on the mainland.

For additional information, read RDAMNC’s Media Release of the CUCNI.

Norfolk Island, known for its free-ranging cattle, faces serious agricultural challenges due to a 2015 legislation change that restricts the import of live cattle, sheep, and goats. This has led to declining livestock production, increased reliance on imported meat, and rising local beef and lamb prices, alongside concerns about inbreeding. In response, Regional Development Australia Mid North Coast (RDAMNC) partnered with stakeholders to implement an Assisted Reproductive Program (ARP). Launched in June 2024, the ARP successfully transferred embryos to over 40 cows and inseminated 30, achieving a 65% success rate for embryo transfers and 40% for artificial insemination, revitalising the island’s cattle industry.

A full copy of RDAMNC’s media release is available here.