Regional Development Australia (RDA) Illawarra is the peak regional development consultative organisation for the Illawarra region (Wollongong, Shellharbour and Kiama local government areas). It is a locally based, not-for-profit, incorporated association and is part of a national network of RDA committees serving rural, regional, remote and urban communities across Australia. RDA Illawarra is governed by a Board of 12 Illawarra business and community leaders, jointly appointed by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments, who volunteer their time to promote the sustainable development of the Illawarra region. A small team of regional development practitioners is employed by the Board, which receives operational funding from the Commonwealth and NSW Governments.