Making the move for weather and work
Sandra Shaji, a Registered Nurse, along with her husband, Anil Bernard, and their child, Zain, relocated from Guildford, UK, to Griffith in pursuit of better weather, improved work opportunities, and a more balanced lifestyle.
Proten Grow Our Own Western Riverina newest member
Last month, Grow Our Own proudly welcomed a new partner in the Western Riverina region - ProTen, a leading poultry grower based in Euroley, NSW.
Community Afternoon Tea Party in Temora
On Saturday, May 10, the Temora Railway Station Platform transformed into a haven of warmth, stories, and shared laughter as locals and newcomers gathered for A Warm Welcome: Community Afternoon Tea Party to celebrate International Tea Day.
Country Change Onboarding Kicks Off for 2025–2026
We’re off to a flying start! Last week, we hosted the Country Change Onboarding Meeting for the 2025–2026 program year — and we’re thrilled to report it was a great success.
The Country Change team takes scenic journey to Deniliquin
This month, our Country Change team embarked on an exciting road trip to Deniliquin, NSW, where we collaborated with Edward River Council to create a video for their "feature month" in the Country Change program.
The Welcome Experience Shines at Sydney Royal Easter Show 2025!
The Welcome Experience made a powerful impact at the 2025 Sydney Royal Easter Show, bringing the spirit of Regional NSW directly to thousands of curios and open-minded Sydneysiders.
Griffith Social Networking Event | Train, Tour, and Turban
On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the Griffith Pioneer Park and Museum hosted the second social networking event of the year, the Train, Tour, and Turban Event. Marg Couch, Local Connector for The Welcome Experience Program, was among the attendees for the event that celebrated the history of Griffith and the positive influence of the Sikh community through the traveling exhibition, "Our Southwest Sikhs". These events are an excellent opportunity for newcomers to Griffith to meet others and build community connection.
2025 Youth Advisory Group (YAG) National Youth Week Workshops
This month Katie Pastro, Projects Officer for Grow Our Own Western Riverina, had the opportunity to be a workshop host at the 2025 Youth Advisory Group (YAG) National Youth Week Workshops, an initiative by Griffith City Council.
Launch of Major Project Workforce Histogram and ECEC Report at Economic Development Officer Forum | March 2025
On March 27, 2025, RDA Riverina and AusIndustry, in partnership with Lockhart Shire Council, hosted the Economic Development Officer Forum at The Rock.
2024 Wagga Land Monitor Report Released
Launched on the 24th February in Wagga Wagga, The Land Monitor Report 2023-24 offers an analysis of vacant land supply, demand, and housing trends in the Wagga Wagga local government area.
Country Change Update | March 2025
The Country Change team have been working hard this month planning for the upcoming 2025 - 2026 Country Change program year. Fresh designs were created, and membership proposals were sent out to LGA’s across the Riverina and Murray regions. We look forward to working with our members on this successful program.
"You Should Be a Cop in Your Hometown" NSW Police Southern Recruitment Roadshow in Wagga Wagga
RDA Riverina’s Welcome Experience Local Connector Jay, had the opportunity to attend the "You Should Be a Cop in Your Hometown" NSW Police Southern Recruitment Roadshow in Wagga Wagga—a powerful initiative focused on bringing police officers back to their hometowns
The Welcome Experience in Griffith: Meet and Mingle Event
The Welcome Experience’s collaborative support approach, encompassing partner employment assistance and cultural integration, was proudly showcased at the Griffith Connection Meet and Mingle event held on Thursday, 27 February, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Mount AustIn Mock Interviews
On Wednesday, 12 March, Grow Our Own, in collaboration with The Smith Family, organised mock interviews at Mount Austen High School. These interviews were designed to prepare students for real-world job interviews, with around 25-30 students participating in the event.
Grow Our Own March 2025 Update - Behind School Gates Tour
Grow Our Own (West) has celebrated another successful month in 2025. March kicked off with the first ‘Behind the School Gates Tour’ of the year, in collaboration with Griffith Business Chamber, hosted at Murrumbidgee Regional High School (Griffith site).
RDA Riverina Strategic Priorities 2024/2025
Please see below the refreshed Strategic Priorities for the 2024/2025 year as determined by the RDA Riverina Board.
The Welcome Experience Expands into Western Riverina
A warm welcome to Maryann Lanelli who has come on board with the expansion phase of the Welcome Experience in the Riverina and has taken the position as the Local Welcomer for Leeton.
Tumut: A Growing Destination for Essential Workers
Jay recently engaged with the Tumut community, providing valuable settlement support to the new Occupational Therapist who joined the Tumut Hospital.
Building Bridges: Wagga Public School Principals Embrace the Welcome Experience
The Welcome Experience local connector Jay had a discussion with Wagga public school principals highlighting the growing challenge of teacher shortages and the role The Welcome Experience can play in addressing it.