Wagga Wagga City Council has secured $382,428 in grant funding from the New South Wales Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to launch a comprehensive training program targeting the region’s hospitality and agritourism sectors.
The two-year Agritourism and Hospitality Capacity Building Program represents a strategic investment in addressing critical workforce shortages that have been hampering growth in the Riverina region’s burgeoning food and tourism economy.
Addressing industry pain points
The program responds directly to feedback from local businesses struggling with staffing challenges and skills gaps. Acting Destination and Events Coordinator Cassandra Farquharson said workforce shortages and training opportunities ranked among operators’ biggest concerns.
“We heard very clearly from these businesses that workforce shortages and training opportunities are amongst their biggest challenges,” Farquharson said. “The program is designed to support this growth and address these challenges.”
The initiative will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including agritourism and hospitality masterclasses, one-on-one business mentorship, industry familiarisation trips, and hands-on training in essential front-of-house skills such as barista techniques, wine service, and bushfood education. HR advisory services will also be provided to help businesses attract and retain staff.
Building on its culinary reputation
Wagga Wagga has been positioning itself as a “paddock to plate” culinary destination, with numerous emerging and established agritourism operations contributing to the region’s growing reputation.
The training program aligns with goals outlined in the recently adopted Wagga Wagga Destination Management Plan 2025-2034, which identified expanding agritourism and culinary experiences as a key priority.
“Wagga Wagga is home to many emerging and experienced agritourism and hospitality businesses that are strengthening the region’s reputation as a culinary destination,” Farquharson noted.
Deputy Mayor Georgie Davies emphasised the broader economic impact of the investment. “The initiative reflects Council’s strong commitment to our visitor economy and the economic and social benefits it delivers to Wagga Wagga and its surrounds,” she said.
Government support for the regions
The funding comes through the Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program, administered under the Regional Development Trust. NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the investment reflects the government’s commitment to supporting regional business growth.
“The Riverina has many opportunities in industry, agritourism and hospitality, and the Minns Government is proud to support projects that will create jobs and boost local businesses,” Moriarty said.
The program is scheduled to launch later this year. It will run for two years to strengthen business capabilities while creating pathways for local employment in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
For regional hospitality operators facing similar workforce challenges, the Wagga Wagga model could serve as a blueprint for addressing skills shortages through targeted government investment and industry collaboration.
