Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Personal Achievements
Board Representation
Professional Development
Timeline
Patricia Wilkinson

Patricia Wilkinson

Wagga Wagga,NSW

Summary

I have extensive experience in regional economic development working in State and Commonwealth roles, developing business opportunities, grant preparation and management, commercialisation, marketing and preparation/implementation of strategic plans. I have held a number of Board positions and have expertise in partnership management, communications, consultation, project management, training and service delivery. I understand the importance of regional coordination having worked closely with business and industry sectors and liaised with a range of stakeholders to achieve the best results. Accomplished Director with a background inspiring, motivating and leading teams to make effective decisions. Skilled at analyzing complex problems and implementing practical solutions. Strategic and committed to fostering culture of responsibility and accountability.

Overview

27
27
years of professional experience

Work History

Principal

RivBiz
10.2020 - Current
  • RivBiz provides intelligence to industry through research, networking and partnership management to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of an existing business or develop new innovative business ideas
  • Project management to facilitate specific endeavours, commercialising new products and bring initiatives to completion
  • Government grant preparation, facilitation and monitoring
  • Grant assessment and preparation of recommendations for delegate approval
  • Training and assessing in tourism and regional development
  • Achievements: I have assisted companies in preparing grant applications that have successfully attracted over $3.7m in funding and facilitated access to a range on non-financial programs including entrepreneurship support and advice, R&D partnerships and tax incentives
  • I have delivered economic development training to over 100 participants through Economic Development Australia (EDA).

Business Development Manager

Department of Regional NSW Riverina/Murray
01.2022 - 08.2022
  • Identify and deliver services to businesses to enable them to expand their contribution to sustainable, high quality economic growth in NSW, by providing a 'one-stop-shop' client service to business and industry including advice, referrals, relocation, concierge, and issue resolution; and facilitating pathways to accessing government funding and support.
  • Kept meticulous client notes and updated account information in company databases.
  • Developed new proposals, contracts and procedures to draw in more clients and streamline work operations.

Senior Advisor (EL2)

Regional Support Unit
01.2019 - 09.2020
  • Managed two teams – Regional Coordination and Grants Management Team
  • Lead the region in setting the strategic direction for Western NSW, working responsively and alongside communities in partnership with other government agencies and service providers to leverage opportunities to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians
  • Achievements: Managed the Western NSW Grants Management Team – Contract management ensuring timely payment delivery to providers, compliance, contract variations, efficient processing and resourcing
  • Championed the Western NSW Indigenous Economic Prosperity Strategy
  • Lead and developed a regional resource and methodology of data, research and information that underpins strategic planning and identifies pipeline infrastructure opportunities with procurement and direct employment opportunities
  • Lead the preparation of the Western NSW Business Plan 2019-20 and commenced planning for 2020-21
  • Managed the Baaka Cultural Centre (Wilcannia) contract and the State Government partnership, and facilitated potential business development opportunities with First Nations people
  • Managed Ministerial correspondence and National Office policy response coordination.

Principal

RivBiz
04.2018 - 01.2019
  • Achievements: Researched and analyzed tourism content across 15 hubs throughout country and outback NSW
  • Linked findings to industry trends to gain a better understanding of the product and experiences and established a new method of benchmarking key performance indicators, identifying growth and development opportunities.

Tourism Strategy - Senior Project Officer (Grade 9/10)

Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH)
11.2013 - 03.2018
  • Review, analyse and develop planning and implementation of visitation and tourism strategies across NSW; Strategic development of nature, cultural and heritage-based tourism related market opportunities
  • Applied quality visitor and customer research services to support infrastructure development
  • Managed state and national strategic stakeholder/partnership relationships and state-wide strategic programs that support quality standards
  • Achievements: Lead, plan, collaborate and participate in NPWS’ first Australian Tourism Exchange (ATE) in 2017 showcasing NSW National Parks to the world
  • Prepared the preliminary tourism feasibility study for funding of the iconic walks and Thredbo Valley Track in Kosciuszko National Parks under the Regional Growth Environment & Tourism Fund
  • Prepared NSW NPWS Inbound Strategy 2016-2021
  • Prepared NSW NPWS Tourism Masterplan 2016-2021
  • Gained Ecotourism Destination Certification for Blue Mountains & Kosciuszko National Parks
  • Coordinated NSW State tourism awards program in 2016 and 2017 with success across a range of categories
  • Undertook precinct signage project across Kosciuszko National Park.
  • Identified and resolved project issues and mitigated risks, reducing challenges and improving project results.

Tourism Coordinator Western NSW (Grade 9/10)

Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH)
11.2010 - 11.2013
  • Lead, coordinate and provide expert advice and support for the strategic development and promotion of tourism and recreation opportunities in protected areas in Western NSW; Established and implemented projects, marketing campaigns and initiatives managing budget effectiveness, performance, evaluation and reporting
  • Developed and maintained relationships and partnerships with State and Commonwealth agencies, key stakeholder groups, including communities, Aboriginal groups, industry groups, local government, researchers and consultants.

Tourism Business Development Manager (Grade 9/10)

Industry and Investment NSW
06.2009 - 11.2010
  • Facilitated access to NSW State funding and business development programs
  • Provide support to business to encourage new investment and job creation in the tourism industry; Support product development and tourism marketing in Western NSW; Work with regional communities and industry to maximize regional tourism opportunities; Provide capacity building for operators, communities and event managers; Promoted, implemented and monitored the Department’s programs at local level and provided feedback for evaluation and planning.

Regional Manager Western NSW (Grade 9/10)

Tourism NSW (currently Destination NSW)
11.2005 - 06.2009
  • Provided regional leadership on behalf of TNSW and managed local facilitation with TNSW business units and represent TNSW on regional projects including marketing and product development; As TNSW representative in region, worked with regional communities and industry to maximise regional tourism opportunities; Supported and facilitated three tiers of government interaction and cooperation; Supported Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs) in project implementation and building Board capacity.
  • Supervised 4 RTO locations to enforce high-quality standards of operation.

Agribusiness Development Manager (Grade 7/8)

NSW Department of State and Regional Development
02.2005 - 10.2005
  • Coordinated state drought relief funding and managed funding applications for tourism agri tourism infrastructure
  • Provided business enhancement services to enterprises and communities related to the agricultural sector to ensure profitability and sustainability; Focus on food and wine, product development, agri tourism cluster facilitation and delivery of the agency’s business drought program.
  • Managed multiple individual projects simultaneously for product lifecycle development.

Regional Manager South West NSW (EL1)

AusIndustry
01.2001 - 01.2004
  • Established the role servicing a portfolio of business and R&D clients by applying a ‘results driven’ approach
  • Promoted AusIndustry’s funding programs and incentives to businesses and organisations' including research and development, innovation grants and venture capital programs across the Riverina and Murray regions of NSW.
  • Elevated market penetration to generate business and built customer base from 37 to over 120 bringing over $6 million in Commonwealth research funding into the region.

Principal

RivBiz
01.1997 - 01.2001
  • Coordinated successful funding applications, business and marketing planning for the Riverina region
  • In 1999 RRT won the NSW State Award for Excellence in Marketing
  • Coordinated Agri-tourism development in the Riverina
  • Produced a new food and wine tourism program
  • Delivered a highly successful TV campaign into the ACT market during 2000 Olympic Games.
  • Cultivated positive relationships between community members, school students, and teachers.

Senior Project Manager

Riverina Regional Economic Development Organization (RivREDO)
1996 - 1996
  • Riverina Industry Development resource researched, developed and distributed
  • Established the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme in the Riverina
  • Infrastructure Audit completed & applied to attract additional utilities service delivery
  • Coordinated a successful business delegation to Malaysia and hosting a return visit.
  • Maintained schedules to meet key milestones at every project phase.
  • Communicated project plans and progress to key stakeholders and project contributors.
  • Developed and maintained relationships with key stakeholders to meet objectives and boost rapport.

Education

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment -

Fortress Learning
01.2020

Master in Economic and Regional Development -

University of New England
01.2016

Graduate Diploma in Economic Development (with distinction) -

RMIT University
01.2011

Certificate IV in Small Business Enterprise (with distinction) -

Riverina Institute of TAFE, Wagga Wagga Campus
01.1997

Bachelor of Social Science (Social Welfare) -

Charles Sturt University – Riverina
01.1994

Skills

  • Client Relationship Management
  • Project Planning
  • Requirements Gathering
  • Critical Thinking
  • Teamwork and Collaboration
  • Organisation and Time Management

Personal Achievements

  • 2001, Outstanding contribution to the establishment and development of the Riverina Economic Development Officer’s Network
  • 2007, Chairman’s award for outstanding contribution to the Inland NSW Tourism Awards - Inland NSW Tourism
  • 2009 - 2015, Regional and NSW State Tourism Award judge
  • 2012, Nominated in Spokeswomen's Recognition Awards for inspiring others - Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH)
  • 2016, Presented MECRD Thesis at the Global Ecotourism Conference and Australian Regional Tourism Convention

Board Representation

  • 2015-2018, Board Member, Regional Development Australia (Riverina)
  • 2015-2018, NSW NPWS representative, Tourism & Protected Areas Forum
  • 2017-2018, Director, Australian Regional Tourism Ltd
  • 2015, Director, Coolamon Investments Pty Ltd

Professional Development

  • 2000, Executive Tourism Leadership Program – Southern Cross University
  • 2002, Contract Management
  • 2015, Governance Review and Development Workshop
  • 2017, Code of Ethics and Conduct program
  • 2017, Accounting for non-accountants
  • 2019, NIAA Leadership program
  • 2019, Work Health and Safety
  • 2020, Resilience in the Workforce
  • 2020, Leadership in Crisis Situations
  • 2023, Member Australian Institute of Company Directors (MAICD)

Timeline

Business Development Manager - Department of Regional NSW Riverina/Murray
01.2022 - 08.2022
Principal - RivBiz
10.2020 - Current
Senior Advisor (EL2) - Regional Support Unit
01.2019 - 09.2020
Principal - RivBiz
04.2018 - 01.2019
Tourism Strategy - Senior Project Officer (Grade 9/10) - Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH)
11.2013 - 03.2018
Tourism Coordinator Western NSW (Grade 9/10) - Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH)
11.2010 - 11.2013
Tourism Business Development Manager (Grade 9/10) - Industry and Investment NSW
06.2009 - 11.2010
Regional Manager Western NSW (Grade 9/10) - Tourism NSW (currently Destination NSW)
11.2005 - 06.2009
Agribusiness Development Manager (Grade 7/8) - NSW Department of State and Regional Development
02.2005 - 10.2005
Regional Manager South West NSW (EL1) - AusIndustry
01.2001 - 01.2004
Principal - RivBiz
01.1997 - 01.2001
Senior Project Manager - Riverina Regional Economic Development Organization (RivREDO)
1996 - 1996
Fortress Learning - Certificate IV in Training and Assessment,
University of New England - Master in Economic and Regional Development,
RMIT University - Graduate Diploma in Economic Development (with distinction),
Riverina Institute of TAFE - Certificate IV in Small Business Enterprise (with distinction),
Charles Sturt University – Riverina - Bachelor of Social Science (Social Welfare),

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