BIEDO is the peak regional development body for the 13 shires of the Burnett Inland. Incorporated in 1997, BIEDO is a non-profit partnership comprised of councils, industry and community.
Capability of BIEDO:
BIEDO has been engaged in economic and community development in the 13 shires of the Inland for the last 10 years.
To the best of our knowledge, we are one of the largest and most long-lived non-profit, non-government, incorporated bodies in Australia. Yet we are still very much a grassroots development agency working for the betterment of communities and businesses in our region.
Financial Resource & Management Capacity:
In 2004-2005, we managed approximately $947,000 of small - to - medium projects across the region.
BIEDO has a Treasurer auspiced by Mundubbera Shire Council. BIEDO has a Financial Director. We undertake both project and organisational audits every year.
Programme Management Capability:
BIEDO manages an average of 12 programmes per annum, and 7 business and community services. BIEDO works with regional partners and networks to identify, fund and implement new programmes for the region each year. Some programmes are delivered regionally such as Industry Innovation. Some programmes are delivered for a sub-region, eg - The North Burnett Transport System. Some programmes are purely local for a particular community or community and business sector.
Over the last 5 years, BIEDO has successfully managed community and economic projects to a collective value of $3 million, and has attracted over $14 million dollars to the region for business development, industry innovation, community renewal and new infrastructure and services.
Recognition:
Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated by our award winning status:
Australian Trainee of the Year 2006; Qld Trainee of the Year 2006; Regional Trainee of the Year 2006; shortlist Trainee of the Year 2005; shortlist Indigenous Trainee of the Year 2005,
Minister's Initiative Award 2006; shortlist Minister's Initiative Award 2005,
Qld Regional Communities Award (shortlist) 2005,
National Commercial Bravery Award - Australian Financial Review 2000 National Sponsorship Award,
Inaugural Rural Communities Award Queensland - Department of Primary Industries & Forestry 2001.
It is also demonstrated by the growing amount of project funding we pull into the region - (from $100,00 to $1.2M in project funding in 5 years within the organisation; PLUS approximately $14M in funding for business and community clients, industry innovation, community renewal and new infrastructure services over the last 7 years.
BIEDO projects are currently managed by 12 employees and/or contractors located across the region, and a network of contractors and volunteers who provide specific skills for specific projects. Each employee and contractor demonstrates commitment to the region and each has been fully trained in rural development practice, has achieved formal qualifications and/or specialises in a chosen field. Employees include:
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CEO Ms Linda Silburn -
(07) 4169 7851 biedo@burnett.net.au
With 14 years experience in rural economic development and project management, including six years as CEO of BIEDO, and 7 years experience in the private sector and 7 years in the public sector. Ms Silburn is currently finalising a doctorate focused on sustainable rural management. She has a degree in Educations & Psychology, a degree in International Relations and is an experienced trainer/facilitator, having worked with the well known Building Rural Leaders programme. |
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Administration Manager Mrs Christine Smith -
(07) 4169 7851 biedoproject@burnett.net.au
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Financial Director Ms Lisa Wain -
(07) 4165 3311 bcb@burnett.net.au
Ms Wain operates under the auspices of the BIEDO Financial Management Team, comprised of the CEO, the Treasurer and the Administrative Manager. Ms Wain has extensive training experience in MYOB and bookkeeping and is an accredited TAFE trainer with training experience in MYOB. |
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Regional Business Coordinator Ms Barb Madden -
(07) 4168 9163 biedobusiness@burnett.net.au
Ms Madden is a qualified accountant, and business operator. Ms Madden coordinates the Business Startup (Getting Going) and Succession Planning (Going Fishing) programmes across the region. |
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Regional Coordinator for Rural Workplace Reentry - position currently vacant. |
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Community Renewal Officer - Ms Grace Gibson. |
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Project Support Officer Ms Belinda Morrison -
(07) 4169 7851 biedoadmin@burnett.net.au
Ms Morrison provides Administrative Services and Project Support and Event Co-ordination to BIEDO and clients across the region.
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Drought Business Officer (North)- Ms Kathy Rosenberger -
0400 723 070 biedodb2@burnett.net.au
Ms Rosenberger is providing drought mitigation and adjustment support for town based enterprises and primary producers between June 2007 and June 2008 in the North Burnett region. She is available by clicking here. Ms Rosenberger provides one-on-one support for people in small business to assist them to find solutions to drought related problems and to talk through some of the stress impacts of drought. She also co-ordinates SafeTalk and ASIST workshops in the region to help people develop skills and confidence around depression management and suicide intervention. Ms Rosenberger can provide detailed information and referral on additional services in Finance, Legal, Stress Management, Health, etc... that may be of use to enterprises who are experiencing difficulties due to drought and industry adjustment. |
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Drought Business Officer (South) - Ms Karen Seiler -
0400 723 020 biedodb1@burnett.net.au
Ms Seiler is providing drought mitigation and adjustment support for town based enterprises and primary producers between June 2007 and June 2008 in the South Burnett region. She is available by clicking here. Ms Seiler provides one-on-one support for people in small business to assist them to find solutions to drought related problems and to talk through some of the stress impacts of drought. Ms Seiler is instrumental in organising Pamper Workshops for women in business and women in primary production to assist them in managing the stress impacts of drought. She is also organising 3 very successful "Bugger the Drought" events in Durong, Proston and Cloyna to help these communities manage the impacts of drought and have access to information and services to assist them. Ms Seiler is also organising a major regional event known as "Tackling Tough Times" - Date to be advised in June which looks at assisting people to celebrate their survival over drought and come together to gain support and information and have a good time. Ms Seiler can provide detailed information and referral on additional services in Finance, Legal, Stress Management, Health, etc... that may be of use to enterprises who are experiencing difficulties due to drought and industry adjustment.
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Community Permaculture Development Officer - Ms Grace Gibson
(07) 4169 7851 biedoassist@burnett.net.au
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BIEDO outsources delivery of certain activities, such as training, technical research, and components of projects to contractors. Contractors are (where ever possible) local providers who have a proven record in rural delivery, ie: they know how to communicate with rural clients, have appropriate knowledge and expertise, and are willing to undertake delivery within the region for a reasonable cost. Although BIEDO maintains a database of preferred suppliers, we are also interested in sourcing new service providers to create a comprehensive regional service capacity.
Contractors include:
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BIEDO Business Surveyors -TBA |
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BIEDO Business Surveyors - TBA |
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BIEDO Business Surveyors - TBA |
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Marketing & Promotions Advisor - Belinda Pennell -
(07) 4168 6064 pennellspastures@activ8.net.au
Ms Pennell provides media stories and marketing support for BIEDO.
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Community Facilitators
BIEDO's Community Facilitators play an important role in the delivery of our training programmes. Listed below are the Facilitators BIEDO has retained to date. BIEDO's network of volunteers and community facilitators operate in each of the main towns in the region. Each community facilitator provides on the spot support in literacy, numeracy, study support, mentoring, life coaching and coordination of group activities relating to education, training, employment and community projects.
The role of the community facilitators is to ensure that every community has a local point of contact, support and information when participating in programmes or undertaking community projects. BIEDO provided direct support to Community Facilitators.
Ms Juanita Harris
Ms Judy Harvey
Ms Karen Seiler
Ms Kaye Eggleton
Ms Leonie Collins
Ms Sharon Berry
BIEDO also draws upon the expertise of:
An Executive of 6 experienced Local Government Councillors/Mayors, (volunteers) who are also business and community leaders, and an Executive member from Tarong Energy,
25 Delegates (volunteers) who represent Local Government, Industry, Community and NRM interests across the region. The Delegates meet on a monthly basis to discuss regional issues, brainstorm solutions, and provide feedback on regional projects,
A network of community volunteers that are gradually becoming the core of a community renewal network across the region, providing first point-of-contact and assistance for their local community, in terms of community renewal, funding writing, and facilitation. BIEDO has commenced a capacity building programme to ensure that this network has the skills and professional support necessary to their success and sustainability.
Mechanisms for Ongoing Governance & Management
BIEDO is audited under Local Government Protocols, overseen by the Auditor General's Office. Each project is audited separately, in addition to an annual organisational audit.
Financial reports and progress reports (per project and for the organisation) are provided monthly to stakeholders and members. They are also public documents available at the monthly meetings, where they are open to discussion. Audit reports are provided at the AGM, and at the end of each project. Additional reports are made to funding bodies as per contractual requirements, and/or as required.
The Exec and the Delegates meet monthly; meetings are open to members, observers, stakeholders and the public. Minutes, which record the outcome of discussions, are available at the monthly meetings and are also posted on the BIEDO website. Meeting papers, progress reports and other data is also posted on our website and is forwarded to project partners. Decisions are made by majority vote, and recorded according to standard Local Government practice. BIEDO meetings adhere to the Local Government Code of Practice & Procedure.
BIEDO finances are managed on an operational level by the CEO and Finance Manager, with reference to the Executive, Treasurer and Delegates. Full financial accountability procedures are in place, as per the instructions of the auditor.
BIEDO project management is conducted in accordance with Best Practice Norms, and is subject to quality controls and risk management procedures.
Where partnership project is in play, BIEDO coordinates working groups, meetings, online networks and/or other processes to ensure regular decision-making, discussion and interaction.
BIEDO maintains standard resource, consultation and communication agreements with long term partners, such as Councils, developmental officers, and the networks listed above. These agreements form the basis of resource agreements between BIEDO and other partners, which ensure access to inkind contributions such as venues or promotion, on an as-needs basis.
BIEDO maintains a Code of Conduct and Ethics, to which all staff, delegates, office bearers, contractors and volunteers are expected to adhere. The Code is based on principles of integrity, inclusivity, and excellence.