wagga wagga country change expo

The Country Change Expo was held on Saturday, 13 September 2025, at the Transgrid Discovery Hub, Wagga Wagga, as part of Regional Development Australia Riverina’s strategic initiative to attract new residents to the region.

The Country Change Expo is a flagship regional initiative designed to promote relocation to the Riverina region. It showcases local employment opportunities, lifestyle benefits, and community services to prospective moves, with a strong emphasis on regional development and population growth. The expo is also a great way to expand the reach of knowledge about the great work being done through The Welcome Experience.

“The Expo is not just about showcasing jobs; it’s about showing people the whole picture - where they could work, where they could live, and how they could belong”

- Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development at RDA Riverina

Key Features of the Wagga Wagga Expo

Exhibitor Engagement: Councils, businesses, and community groups presented stalls to highlight local services, volunteering opportunities, and employment.

Sponsorship: APM Employment were secured as major sponsors of the Wagga Wagga and Griffith Expos, SWS Bank were secured as minor sponsors of the Wagga Wagga Expo.

Town Tours: Guided tours of Wagga Wagga, Temora, and Junee offered immersive experiences of regional living.

Welcome Event: Held at the Riverside Precinct, this evening gathering fostered networking and community connection for new arrivals and those considering a move.

Entertainment & Incentives: Live music, local radio station presence, interactive exhibits, balloons and free coffee vouchers for survey participants encouraged engagement.

Marketing Impact: Over 130 pre-event registrations and 300+ attendees were recorded, supported by targeted digital campaigns, media engagements and toolkits provided to partners, stakeholders and participants.

The next Country Change Expo will take place in Griffith on Saturday, 25 October 2025, at Kooyoo Street Mall. It will mirror the Wagga Wagga format with town tours, a welcome event, and strong community involvement. Alignment with The Welcome Experience will target essential workers, their partners and families, who have relocated or are considering relocating.