Who the hell is Rich Evans
Over the years I have done many things. I have built websites, designed brands, created a number of businesses from scratch. I have had a book published, and also self published another. I have been a speaker, a mentor and a consultant.
Through everything one thing has remained constant. What I do is solve problems. Seeing through all the chaos and finding the way forward is what I do best. I have always built strong networks and trusted partnerships with all stakeholders, and have been able to grown and lead teams through my people first approach to management
My current roles see me running a regional media business, reactivating a significant regional former industrial site, championing Regional NSW and the Central West through my various board positions and pro bono projects and trying to balance all my work with a commitment to being of service to my community.
CV
Central West Media Pty Ltd
Founder & Managing Editor
In February 2014 Rich saw a gap in the local media landscape and launched a FREE weekly newspaper in the Lithgow region. It is now the highest circulating paper in the region and continues to grow thanks to the loyalty of readers and advertisers. Central West Media took over Bathurst City Life in 2019 to increase the footprint, and now has a combined publication servicing both regions.
The Foundations, Portland
Chief Reactivation Officer
Since 2018, Rich has been responsible for the Reactivation of the old Portland Cement Works, now known as The Foundations. The 80+ hectare site has undergone radical transformation over the last 5 years from distressed asset to now becoming an arts and cultural hub for the central west and creation of a new desirable location for a tree change.
REDD
Founder & Managing Director
REDD was a digital development and design business that ran from 2000 to 2009. We pioneered a number of concepts in the internet space building a content management system in 2001 and developing business automation systems that are still in use by large companies today.
REDD like all good dot com businesses started in a garage and grew into a business with clients all over Australia.
Boards
Regional Development Australia - CW
Board Member
Rich joined the board of Regional Development Australia, Central West in 2021 at the invitation of the previous Director. During my time with the board to date I have focussed on telecommunications infrastructure planning and new economy initiatives as a focus for the region. These technologies are enablers for a successful transition to a more diversified economy in the region.
Lithgow Economic Transition
Working Group
Member
Rich was one of four participants in the Transition Working Group established by Lithgow City Council in 2020 and co - author of the report delivered to council in 2020 as a starting point for the work around Economic Transition currently being undertaken in the region.
I remain a member of the Strategic Reference group with Council’s Lithgow Evolving Economy Project, and other Economic Transition work being undertaken in the region by various stakeholders.
STEAMWorks
Foundation Board Member, Treasurer
STEAMWorks is a not for profit that was created to continue work we began under the reactivation project at The Foundations. To ensure the sustainability of these programs, a NFP was created and funding sourced for the initial phase to help build a culture of innovation and enterprise in the next generations. It is my belief that the job of economic transformation needs to not just help transition existing workers, but to enable our youth to have agency to build the businesses and jobs of the future.
Through STEAMWorks, we have delivered a number of school workshops in a range of disciplines including renewable energy, environmental science, computer coding and arts projects.