Program expansion helps essential workers relocate to the Riverina
Successful program expanded to include Griffith, Leeton, Tumut, Temora and Wagga Wagga
The NSW Government’s 'The Welcome Experience' is expanding across the Riverina, after a successful pilot in Griffith delivered by Regional Development Australia Riverina (RDA Riverina).
This initiative, which has already seen success in Griffith since its launch in July 2023, is designed to help essential workers settle into the region with free personalised support.
Essential workers (and their families) who are considering applying for or have accepted a job in regional NSW are linked with a ‘Local Connector’ from the community who provides advice, introductions and support throughout the whole relocation process.
Since the program began, 44 individuals and their families — working in health, education, police and fire and rescue — have already made the move to Griffith, and with 1800 enquiries received across New South Wales in the previous 12 months, this number is expected to grow.
The expansion has been welcomed by regional employers including Murrumbidgee Local Health District.
Melanie Reeves, Murrumbidgee Health & Knowledge Precinct Manager, stated, “We are thrilled to see the Welcome Experience successfully extended across more areas within the Murrumbidgee Health and Knowledge Precinct. This initiative not only highlights our region's appeal but also plays a crucial role in increasing our healthcare workforce. We are especially pleased to witness the positive impact it has had in attracting more professionals to move here, strengthening our community and enhancing the quality of care we can provide. It’s a testament to our commitment to making the Riverina and Southern NSW not just a place to work but a place to thrive."
RDA Riverina is one of 14 host agencies responsible for facilitating The Welcome Experience in NSW, which will now be available in Griffith, Leeton, Tumut, Temora and Wagga Wagga.
Read the full media release here.
As a host organisation we can provide support with relocation and integration into the Riverina region – everything from the practicalities of finding a place to stay, to choosing care and education, and being connected to local groups and organisations.
“We believe that providing positive experiences during the settlement phase and feeling connected will encourage them to stay”
The idea of uprooting your life for a country change is daunting for the best of us. For some it's the geography of the neighbourhood that represents the biggest upheaval. For those moving internationally, it's a grand departure from many social and cultural norms that guide everyday life.
Most of us want a sign that we have made the right decision for ourselves and our families. We want to feel our new home is going to embrace us and provide a nurturing and desirable place to live and thrive.
For 200+ new arrivals to Griffith since 2023, this sign has come in the shape of Griffith Connection; a series of social networking events that bring together new members of our community with locals to share the unique opportunities and quality liveability that our region has to offer.
Geared towards supporting new workers to find their footing here, Griffith Connection is a joint venture of the Griffith Business Chamber, Griffith City Council and Regional Development Australia Riverina.
With strong support and collaboration from Griffith Business Chamber and Griffith City Council, Griffith Connection has become an integral and evolving part of The Griffith Welcome Experience managed by RDA Riverina.
“Griffith Connection is a process that takes time, energy and is ever-evolving. The task is never complete, but it makes Griffith a more desirable place to live and it’s the overwhelming response on Sunday that highlights what strength these occasions bring to our community. On Sunday we even had interest from new arrivals wishing to fill volunteer positions with two community organisations” said Marg Couch RDA Riverina Manager Griffith Welcome Experience.
Read the full article here.
Your Local Connectors
Marg Couch
po@rdariverina.org.au
Griffith and Leeton
Jayadev Ajayakumar
coordinator@rdariverina.org.au
Wagga Wagga, Temora and Tumut