The magic of the Attract Connect Stay program that has transformed Glen Innes is now spreading out across the New England.
Attract Connect Stay is now Local Connect, and has spread its wings to support Inverell as well, while new services have been introduced in Moree, Tamworth, Armidale and Uralla, in what the Government is calling “The Welcome Experience”.
The innovative program involves Local Connectors assisting new essential workers to settle in local communities, enhancing their community experience and ideally, ensuring they stay to live and work in our region.
Through the program, a range of essential workers and NSW Government employees that are moving or have recently moved will be welcomed and provided with free assistance to settle and enjoy the benefits of regional living. The support is tailored to the individual and includes assistance with ‘life stuff’ such as enrolling children into school and connecting with community groups. Government and non-government employees in specified occupations are eligible for the program, including general practitioners, aged care nurses, childcare workers, allied health professionals, teachers, health workers and emergency services workers.
Regional Development Australia Northern Inland (RDANI) is delivering The Welcome Experience to Uralla Shire, Armidale Regional and Tamworth Regional Council Local Government Areas (LGAs), and this week announced their team.
“Moving to a new area is a daunting experience for anyone, and we are excited to be able to help make it easier for new residents to take that step and make the move to our region,” Mr. Axelsson said.
“The community spirit in our region is part of what makes it an incredible place to live, work and raise a family, and we are pleased to be able to support new residents to share in that.”
“Katrina George and Emma Grant have joined our team to provide the program for the Armidale and Uralla Shire LGAs and Tamworth Regional LGA respectively,” said RDA-NI Executive Director, Nathan Axelsson.
“Katrina and Emma not only have a wealth of knowledge about their communities, but also the lived experience of moving to our region with their families.”
The program has hit the ground running with over forty people already being supported in Armidale, Uralla and Tamworth since it began a couple of weeks ago, including the large cohort of nurses that have arrived from the UK.
“We all know of the nursing shortages, so helping the local health service to settle over 20 nurses who are migrating from the UK is rewarding,” Ms George said.
“The Tamworth region is a welcoming place, yet some newcomers may struggle to find the time to connect with the community and get involved.
“I believe I can help make Tamworth feel like a true home, not just a destination for work, by fostering meaningful connections and engagement,” Ms Grant said.
Meanwhile Fiona Kennedy has been announced as the Local Connector in Moree Plains, where the program is being run by Moree Plains Shire Council.
“One of the amazing things about living in the Moree Plains is you really notice how one person can have so much impact in a small community,” said Ms Kennedy.
“Having a small family, I am acutely aware of the challenge in attracting and retaining our local doctors, nurses, teachers and childcare workers.”
“I am looking forward to showing our newcomers what an amazing community we have in the Moree Plains.”
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said the Welcome Experience is being rolled out to 55 LGAs across the state, with Local Connectors like Ms George, Ms Grant and Ms Kennedy helping essential workers who are moving to these regions feel at home sooner in their new communities.
“When it comes to building a robust and resilient workforce in regional NSW, helping essential workers feel welcomed and valued from the very beginning can go a long way to helping them settle in and get comfortable in their new communities quickly,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Having Local Connectors who can provide information on the rental home market and childcare or schools is a really valuable way to help these workers consider making their move to regional NSW a permanent one.”
NSWRDI recently hosted Co-Design Workshops in Armidale and Tamworth to connect with and gain input from representatives of Local Government, the public sector, including health, education and emergency services as well as community service providers and other key stakeholders. Similar consultations were held by Moree Plains Shire Council in Mungindi and Moree in September, both tailoring the Welcome Experience program to their communities.
Government and non-government workers in the following industries are eligible for the program:
- Health
- Aged Care
- Education
- Early Childhood
- Disability Support
- Child Protection and Out-of-home care
- Corrections and Justice
- Emergency services.
For more information about the program, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience
Top image: RDANI’s Welcome Experience Local Connector for Armidale Regional and Uralla Shire Council areas Katrina George, RDANI Executive Director Nathan Axelsson and Local Connector for the Tamworth Regional Council area, Emma Grant at the Armidale Co-Planning workshop.
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