The Welcome Experience expands to support local government workers across Regional NSW
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
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina welcomes the NSW Government’s continued investment in strengthening regional workforce attraction and retention through the expansion of The Welcome Experience program.
In April 2026, the NSW Government announced a major expansion of the program, increasing its reach from 55 to 88 local government areas across regional NSW from July 2026, further strengthening support for essential workers and their families relocating to the regions.
Today, the Government has also announced an important extension of the program’s eligibility to now include local government workers, recognising the critical role councils play in delivering essential community services such as road maintenance, town planning, engineering, childcare, waste services and community programs.
Since its launch in 2023, The Welcome Experience has already supported more than 3,020 essential workers and their families to relocate to regional NSW, helping address workforce shortages across key sectors including health, aged care, education, policing, emergency services and veterinary services.
The program provides free, place-based support through dedicated Local Connectors, assisting new and incoming workers with:
Housing and accommodation pathways
Schooling and childcare options
Community connections, sporting groups and local networks
Employment opportunities for partners
Practical support to settle into regional life with confidence
A recent Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey highlights the importance of this work, with more than 90% of councils reporting skills shortages and 66% experiencing impacts on service delivery due to vacancies and workforce gaps.
Riverina Welcome Experience has already supported more than 308 essential workers and their families in our region over the past years. Our region has already seen strong impact through the program, previously supporting workers across Temora, Tumut, Wagga Wagga, Griffith and Leeton, with expansion now extending coverage to additional local government areas including Coolamon, Lockhart, Junee, Snowy Valleys, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Hay, Narrandera, Murrumbidgee, Carrathool and Bland.
The expansion is expected to further strengthen regional communities by improving workforce attraction, supporting retention and ensuring essential services continue to be delivered across the Riverina.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said the program ensures new staff and families feel supported from day one, helping them not only move to regional areas but stay and build their lives there. Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig also highlighted the importance of council roles in shaping liveable, thriving communities.
RDA Riverina acknowledges the significance of this expansion and the continued commitment to supporting regional workforce sustainability, community wellbeing, and long-term regional growth.
