As Country Change kicks off its annual Feature Month program, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on Temora Shire Council, showcasing the people, places and opportunities that make Temora a fantastic place to live, work and belong. Throughout its Feature Month, Country Change will highlight Temora through dedicated social media content, local stories, videos and webinars designed to share the region’s unique lifestyle with prospective residents.

When Jodie McLellan accepted a paramedic position with NSW Ambulance, relocating to Griffith meant more than starting a job. After changing careers from nursing and completing her paramedicine degree in Port Macquarie, she chose Griffith for its services, community connections and familiar rural lifestyle.

A significant milestone in Wagga Wagga’s multicultural history was celebrated last month, with the inauguration of the Wagga Wagga Hindu Temple, marking a new chapter for the cities growing and diverse community.

We’re pleased to confirm 11 members have come on board with Country Change this year, reflecting continued strong support and engagement from across the region.

Marg Couch, Local Connector for The Welcome Experience, was a guest presenter and panellist at the 2026 Murrumbidgee Regional Health Innovation Showcase, held in Griffith on 11 August 2026.

July has been a big month for showcasing everything we love about the Riverina Murray! The highlight has been rolling out our new video series, each one starting with a simple question - Looking for a better work-life balance? Closer healthcare? A place where the kids can thrive? — and answering it with a genuine look at life in our region.

The Welcome Experience proudly partnered with Snowy Valleys Council, the Snowy Valleys Business Chamber and Harmony Hub to host Meet, Mingle & Connect in Snowy Valleys at Club Tumut, bringing together new essential workers, families, local organisations and community leaders for an evening dedicated to connection, belonging and celebration.

On Thursday 18 June 2026, RDA Riverina, in partnership with Temora Shire Council, hosted Meet, Mingle & Connect at Temora Arts Centre in Temora Shire—a relaxed and welcoming evening for newly arrived essential workers, long-time residents and community leaders to come together, connect, and learn more about opportunities in Temora.

Students at Leeton High School had the opportunity to explore future career pathways at this year’s Western Riverina Careers Expo, with a strong level of engagement recorded throughout the day.

Preparations for the 2026-2027 Country Change program are underway and going strong, with nine members confirmed . The upcoming Country Change magazine has also had strong interest from local industry, with all advertisements sold out. 

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Regional Workforce team proudly showcased regional NSW at the 2026 Sydney Royal Easter Show, hosting a vibrant information stall in the high‑traffic Home and Lifestyle Pavilion. The Royal Easter Show exceeded 800,000 visitors, maintaining its status as Australia's largest annual ticketed event. 

On Thursday 23 April, Local Connector, Jayadev Ajayakumar attended the launch of the inaugural Snowy Hydro Community Benefits Report 2025. Held at Tumut River Brewing Co, the event provided a clear demonstration of how major infrastructure investment is translating into real outcomes for regional communities and where future opportunities lie.

Over the past month we have been planning for the 2026-27 Country Change Program Year, including reviewing services, improving content and supporting long-term program sustainability.

The 2026 Futures Are Us program officially commenced last month at St Francis de Sales Regional College in Leeton, with Katie Pastro, Projects Officer, GOO delivering the opening presentation to an enthusiastic cohort of senior students.

The year is off to a fantastic start, with new essential workers and their families arriving in the region in greater numbers than at the same time last year. Our Local Connector Jay is busy ensuring participants receive support at every stage of their transition, from relocation to settling into regional communities.

This month Griffith Connection proudly hosted Hello 2026, its annual family-focused Meet and Mingle event designed to welcome new residents who have recently arrived in Griffith for essential worker roles, business opportunities, or new ventures

2025 was a year of growth for Grow Our Own (GOO), as the program deepened connections between young people, schools, industry, and communities across the Riverina. Katie Pastro, Projects officer, coordinates GOO activities and partnerships, helping schools and employers engage meaningfully so young people can see real opportunities to learn, work and live locally.

2025 was a year of outstanding achievement for The Welcome Experience Program in the Riverina. Our dedicated Local Connectors, Jayadev Ajayakumar and Marg Couch, worked tirelessly—both on the ground and virtually to ensure essential workers and their families felt supported every step of the way.

2025 was a milestone year for Country Change, with strong interest form individuals and families seeking a fresh start in the Riverina and Murray regions. At the centre of this work is Sara Johnston, our Communications Coordinator.

On Friday, 21 November 2025, we celebrated National Agriculture Day with the theme “Stand with the Land”, honouring the resilience and innovation of Australia’s farmers and rural communities