Essential workers program expands in Northern Rivers

THE NSW Government is expanding its Welcome Experience program to help regional organisations attract workers to Tweed, Lismore, Ballina, Byron, and Richmond Valley.

The program will provide targeted workforce support to these areas following a successful tender application by the new host agency, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Northern Rivers.

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the Welcome Experience had proven effective in strengthening networks and building capacity.

“We need to attract and retain more essential workers as our population grows, and providing workforce support with relocations and settling into a new community for workers and their families is a no-brainer,” Saffin said.

“Some councils provide new residents with a welcome pack to help them navigate their new surroundings, and this Minns Labor Government initiative is that concept writ large, offering a wraparound set of services specific to our region.

“The Welcome Experience’s pilot sites have been successful in helping hundreds of health workers, educators, and police move to the regions, and I look forward to more success.”

RDA Northern Rivers Director of Regional Development Anthony Schreenan said the initiative would support new essential workers through every step of the relocation process.

“The pilot showed the key to retaining workers is welcoming them into the community, and that’s more than finding a house to live in and school for the kids,” Schreenan said.

“It’s becoming part of the local sports club, getting to know fellow parents, connecting with the people at your local and building networks of friendship.

“Our Local Connector will provide a concierge service, connecting with essential workers who are considering relocating to our region and providing information about the region, finding a place to live, access to schools and amenities and services.”