NSW Government Announces Expansion of The Welcome Experience Program
L-R: Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, RDA Riverina
In April 2026, the NSW State Government announced a major expansion of its essential worker attraction program, The Welcome Experience, increasing the program’s reach from 55 to 88 local government areas across the state from June. The expansion aims to strengthen the attraction and long‑term retention of essential workers in rural and regional New South Wales, helping communities address workforce shortages and maintain vital services.
Since launching as a pilot program in 2023, The Welcome Experience has supported more than 3,000 essential workers and their families to relocate to regional NSW. This free, place‑based program provides tailored support for workers considering or accepting roles in sectors such as: health, aged care, education, policing, emergency services and veterinary care.
Participants receive on‑the‑ground assistance to navigate the challenges of relocation, ranging from housing, schools and childcare, introductions to community networks, sporting groups and employment opportunities for partners. This approach helps essential workers feel welcomed, supported and connected from day one, increasing the likelihood they will settle long term and build their lives in regional communities.
The impact of the program was highlighted during a recent visit to Wagga Wagga by Minister for Regional New South Wales, The Hon. Tara Moriarty, who saw first-hand how The Welcome Experience is supporting essential workers in the Riverina.
The Minister was welcomed by Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of RDA Riverina, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager at RDA Riverina, Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, and Dr Fasila, an essential worker who recently relocated to Wagga Wagga to commence work at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital through the program.
During the visit, Dr Fasila shared her experience of transitioning from Toowoomba to Wagga Wagga and spoke about the comprehensive support she received through The Welcome Experience. She highlighted the value of pre‑arrival information that helped her understand what to expect before moving, as well as ongoing assistance as she settled into the community. Dr Fasila noted that this support allowed her to focus fully on her professional responsibilities in the Emergency Department, while confidently managing the practical aspects of relocation and community integration.
Local Connector Jayadev Ajayakumar also provided the Minister with insights into the program’s wider regional impact, outlining how The Welcome Experience supported more than 150 essential workers across the Riverina last year. By helping workers and their families transition smoothly into their new roles and communities, the program plays a key role in strengthening essential services across the region.
Minister Moriarty acknowledged the importance of the program and its outcomes, noting the positive difference it makes for both essential workers and the communities they choose to call home. She praised the program for delivering practical, locally focused support that not only attracts workers to regional NSW but helps them stay long term.
In the Riverina, The Welcome Experience previously serviced Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Leeton. With the expansion rolling out from June 2026, coverage will extend to include Coolamon, Lockhart, Junee, Snowy Valleys, Cootamundra‑Gundagai, Hay, Narrandera, Murrumbidgee, Carrathool, and Bland.
This expanded footprint is expected to have a significant impact on the attraction and retention of essential workers across the Riverina, strengthening local services, filling vacant positions and supporting the long‑term resilience and wellbeing of communities throughout the region.
L-R: Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Regional Development Riverina, Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon, Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, RDA Riverina
L-R: Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon, Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, RDA Riverina
