The Welcome Experience February Update
L-R: Dr Fasila Poolakkal, Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, The Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC, NSW Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, and Jayadev Ajayakumar, RDA Riverina
The Year Kicks off with Strong Support for New Essential Workers Settling in the Riverina
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.
Some recent highlights from community engagement include the first Snowy Valley Industry Networking Event on the 12 of February at the Tumut River Brewing Co. The event offered a valuable opportunity to reconnect with existing business contacts while forging new connections. Attendees were briefed on regional development, starting with updates from Michael Hannah, Chamber President, followed by an ICN Gateway update from Geoff Reardon, Regional Manager Murry Riverina. The session also included insights into the latest developments and workforce opportunities at Snowy Hydro/Snowy 2.0, providing a comprehensive view of the region’s growing industry landscape.
Exploring Excellence at Wagga Wagga Health Precinct
Last week, Jay also attended a tour of the Wagga Wagga Health Precinct, hosted by the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber. The visit provided a behind-the-scenes look at the exceptional services delivered at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, as well as state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities at the UNSW Biomedical Sciences Centre, supporting the next generation of doctors.
The tour was particularly significant for Jay, as it offered insight into the experience of health workers and the support systems in place at Wagga Base. This understanding will enable him to better support new staff joining the hospital and contribute to a stronger Welcome Experience for incoming team members. The event highlighted the expertise, innovation, and collaboration present in the Murrumbidgee region, demonstrating the high standard of local services vital to rural and regional communities.
Thanks are extended to Murrumbidgee Health and Knowledge Precinct for hosting the tour, and to the Wagga Wagga Business Chamber for the invitation.
Minister Tara Moriarty Visits Wagga Wagga: Celebrating The Welcome Experience Program
Minister Tara Moriarty visited Wagga Wagga and seen first-hand the impact of The Welcome Experience Program. The Minister was welcomed by Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director, RDA Riverina, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager, RDA Riverina, Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector, and Dr Fasila, one of the new essential workers who recently relocated to Wagga Wagga and started work at Wagga Base Hospital through the program.
During the visit, Dr Fasila shared her experience transitioning from Toowoomba to Wagga Wagga. She highlighted the comprehensive support provided by the program, from pre-arrival information about what to expect upon arrival, to ongoing assistance with settling into the community. Dr Fasila emphasised that this support allowed her to focus fully on her professional responsibilities while confidently managing other practical aspects of relocation and integration into the local community.
Jay provided the Minister with insights into how The Welcome Experience Program continues to create a positive impact across the region. He outlined the program’s role in supporting over 150 essential workers last year, helping them transition smoothly into their new roles and communities. Minister Moriarty expressed her appreciation for the program, noting its importance in supporting regional workforce needs and in delivering a welcoming experience for new staff.
Minister Moriarty expressed her appreciation for the program and its outcomes, noting the positive difference it makes for both new essential workers and the region.
Wagga Base Hospital Tour Attendees
Business Snowy Valley Networking Event
