We have also assisted 744 small businesses in the last 18 months!
BIEDO & partners have established the very first community owned and operated Rural Transport System - Door to Door Service!
Over the last seven years, BIEDO has developed extensive experience in regional development, project management, and rural innovation.
We specialise in customisation of programmes and services to ensure that people in remote circumstances, or those constrained by alternative commitments, lack of resources, transport, childcare, confidence, culture, language, physical ability or other barriers are readily able to access opportunities that enable them to be more skilled, self sufficient and effective. We also specialise in engagement of diverse and often under-serviced community sectors, and in the creation of partnerships that overcome entrenched barriers.
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In the last six years BIEDO has won -
We have also been shortlisted for the Regional Communities Award 2005, Minister's Initiative Award 2005, Indigenous Trainee 2005, and Regional Trainee 2005.
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Funds brought into the region by BIEDO over the last 7 years - $14 000 000 |
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Ms Tracy Sutton receiving the National Trainee of the Year 2006 award in Adelaide. |
To view a copy of BIEDO's 2006-2007 AGM Brochure, please click on the link below.
Download
BIEDO AGM 06-07 Brochure.pdf (189Kb)
Building on Success
We have extensive experience in responding to socio-economic and physical development issues in the Inland.
As a result, our services are relevant and successful - as demonstrated by our current business programme which assisted 744 businesses in the last 18 month. Our workplace re-entry programmes enabled over 2000 people (who could not otherwise participate in training due to isolated circumstances), gained qualifications in key labour shortage areas, such as steel fabrication, automotive, electrical, aged care, child care, etc. 300 people participated in the Drought Business programme between June 2007 and January 2008.
Since June 2007, approximately 300 people travelled on the North Burnett Community Transport System, which BIEDO initiated, in partnership with Jena Boran, Eidsvold Council and Department of Transport and Health. This is the first sustainable, community operated public transport system in rural Queensland and the second in Australia. We lobbied government for 4 years to make it happen. The buses run a capacity for most of the year.
BIEDO is the only organisation to consistently offer on-ground, practical business and community services in every community and district in the Inland - no matter how small or how remote. We drive to business clients in towns and on properties; we hold community and business workshops in district halls at night, on weekends and on weekdays. We make sure that our services are accessible (good locations and times) and affordable - most being free or heavily subsidised.
We aim to make every client more functional, more self reliant and more successful in whatever they do.
A proven track record
Since 2000, BIEDO attracted $14 million directly into Inland businesses, communities and socio-economic programmes. We sourced $6.1 million in seed funding for Inland business expansion, value adding and start-up. We've grown Inland funding at approximately 40% pa since 2003. In 2006-07, we attracted $1.2M. 92% of the funds we bring into the Inland go straight to business or communities or into business services, infrastructure projects (such as the North Burnett Community Transport) etc. 8% retained for operating costs. Our track record in project management, governance and outcomes is such that we attract repeat funding. Government providers approach us; offering us funds!
BIEDO is an award winning organisation: eg - the Australian Financial Review Commercial Bravery Award, the Inaugural Queensland Community Development Award, the Minister's Initiative Award 2005 & 2006, Australian, Qld & Regional Trainee of the Year 2006, and short listing for the Qld Regional Development Award 2006, and the Telstra Business Woman's Award 2007.
We believe in excellence, integrity, action and results.
Why Reinvent the Wheel?
We have 7 years accumulated business service intelligence - pertaining to what businesses in over 22 industry sectors need and want. We are networked with 650 community organisations and 22 chambers/enterprise associations. We are members and/or participants on 4 state/regional decision making bodies, including the Qld Regional Managers Network and the Regional Planning Advisory Committee. We have a close working relationship with WBBACC, AgForce, the Burnett Mary Regional Group and the Regional Skills Formation Strategy. We are networked with state and national bodies and 5 universities who specialise in rural sustainability and development.
We have experience business and community officers, fund writes and project manages who work with a wide spectrum of businesses and groups - from the most successful to the battlers. Officers are recruited locally; we focus on people with a successful track record in managing businesses, or community or fund writing activities. Experienced personnel and established service systems mean that BIEDO can 'hit the ground running'. Their quality is demonstrated in our outcomes and awards. Most importantly, our staff live here; they have families and farms and businesses here. They are committed to the Inland - as a result they always 'go that extra mile'.
