Natalie Burroughs. Picture: ADAM McLEAN
RDA Illawarra and Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama councils are working together to develop better economic and social outcomes for the region as it prepares to take full advantage of faster broadband with the NBN roll-out.
As part of that work, the four organisations are developing a regional and a sub-regional digital strategy.
And to help develop each strategy they are seeking input from business and industry sectors, community groups and government in the region.
RDA Illawarra chief executive Natalie Burroughs said community workshops had been held in each local government area last month and industry roundtables were being run this week.
"These industry roundtables are designed to help us understand the key industry sectors in the region, their level of technology take-up and the issues and opportunities that are in front of them," she said.
Mrs Burroughs said it was free to participate but it was important to register by emailing lee@rdaillawarra.com.au or calling 4227 4500.
The first roundtable, covering health, social services and aged care, will be held at 1.30pm on Thursday at The Links, Shellharbour. Another session, on tourism, arts, culture and media, will be held at The Pavilion in Kiama from 5pm the same day.
On Friday, further roundtables will be held on Level 9 at Wollongong City Council starting with government and administration at 9.30am, education at 11.15am, ICT, business services, retail and telecommuting at 1.30pm and construction, manufacturing, mining and engineering at 3.15pm.
Mrs Burroughs said David Bartlett, of Explor Consulting, had been engaged to help develop the strategies.