The Welcome Experience January Update
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. Their efforts strengthened ties between local communities, businesses, and essential worker agencies, creating a network of care that helps new arrivals thrive.
A hallmark of the program is the personalised welcome offered to every new essential worker and their family. Upon arrival, our Local Connectors meet them in person to provide a warm introduction to the region, showing them around, helping them navigate the community, transporting them to their accommodation, and supporting them as they settle into their new home.
Through The Welcome Experience Program, essential workers and their families receive comprehensive relocation support from the moment they register until they are fully settled into their new community. This includes:
Partner Employment Assistance - helping spouses and partners find meaningful work opportunities.
Role Preparation - ensuring essential workers understand what to expect in their new positions.
Education Support - guiding families through school and childcare options.
Housing Assistance - from sourcing accommodation to attending inspections
Social Connections - introducing newcomers to local groups, events, and networks to foster a sense of belonging.
Ongoing Community Integration - providing advice and support long after the move.
In 2025, the program not only supported over 150 essential workers and their families but also deepened collaboration with local businesses and service providers. This partnership approach ensures that every newcomer has access to the resources they need to succeed both professionally and personally.
Looking ahead to 2026, The Welcome Experience Program will continue to expand its reach, strengthen community engagement, and explore innovative ways to make relocation smoother and more rewarding. Our goal remains clear: to help essential workers feel at home in the Riverina and to build vibrant, connected communities.
To highlight the impact of our work in 2025, here are a few stories that capture the heart of what our Local Connectors do everyday, welcoming newcomers, building community, and helping families into their new lives:
A Place to Belong: Tumut’s Welcoming Event Unites Locals and Newcomers
Building a Life in Griffith | The Welcome Experience Success Story
These stories offer a closer look at the genuine connections, community spirit, and personalised support that define The Welcome Experience Program in the Riverina.
Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, The Welcome Experience
Marg Couch, Local Connector, The Welcome Experience
