Innovation and technology are not going to take people's jobs, but rather create more jobs and more opportunities to keep, and attract, young skilled professionals in regional areas.
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That was one of the major focus points of Jobs for NSW CEO Nicole Cook as she opened the inaugural two day Tamworth Regional Business Summit with a keynote address on Wednesday morning.
Ms Cook then sat in a three person panel with new Director Regional Engagement for Jobs for NSW, and Tamworth local, Chris Celovic, as well as Small Business Commissioner Director of Advocacy Kylie Bryden-Smith.
"There is lots of opportunity in ag-tech, and lots of opportunity in food-tech, and in agriculture in general, specifically in Tamworth and Armidale," Ms Cook said.
"I have a very strong belief that agriculture and ag-tech is one of Australia's differentiating industries, and if this region can grab hold of that there is a really unique proposition there."
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Ms Cook told the audience of over 100 that keeping and attracting skilled youth in regional areas is the biggest challenge facing the employment sector, although believes we are on the right path.
"It is all about job creation and industry innovation, and that can be difficult for someone within the business so I have been recommending that they get some outside views," she said.
"Then when they need to access working capital to fund it they can look at bodies like Jobs for NSW.
"Innovation and technology is absolutely necessary for the future of jobs - it is an industry's responsibility to make sure that the jobs they are creating here are future focused where those skills are necessary, and that is a vibrant community."
Ms Brayden-Smith also addressed the room on other initiatives the NSW Government are offering to support small business, as well as incentives for people to employ the unemployed.
Unfortunately fellow keynote speaker and Glasshouse Fragrance co-founder Nicole Eckels was a late withdrawal due to a family emergency, however small business guru and author Andrew Griffiths was able to step in at late notice to entertain and inform the crowd.
Mr Griffiths will also be centre stage on Thursday, as will leadership expert Lucy Bloom.