WORKERS will now be assisted to relocate to local government jobs in regional and remote areas, through an expansion of the NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program.
Launched as a pilot in 11 local government areas (LGAs) in 2023, the Welcome Experience is a free service supporting workers and their families to relocate for roles in key sectors such as health, aged care, education, veterinary services, policing, emergency services – and now local government.
Announced this week, the program has now been expanded into 88 LGAs across the state and will assist people to settle into roles such as road maintenance, town planning, engineering and childcare services for communities.
“Expanding this program will help more workers and families make the move to the regions – helping councils fill those critical skills gaps and make rural and regional towns and cities even better places to live,” Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said.
Through The Welcome Experience, essential workers are connected with a Local Connector who provides practical, on-the-ground support, from finding housing and accessing childcare or schools, to connecting with community and sporting groups, plus identifying employment opportunities for partners.
“The Welcome Experience helps ensure new staff and their families feel supported from day one, which makes a real difference in attracting and keeping workers in our regional areas,” said Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.
“Since launching in 2023, the Welcome Experience has supported more than 3,000 essential workers such as teachers, nurses and firefighters to relocate to regional NSW, helping to strengthen frontline services and support thriving regional communities.”
The expansion of the program has been welcomed by unions and the Country Mayor’s Association (CMA).
CMA Chairman Mayor Rick Firman OAM said, “The CMA Board and our 89 rural, remote and regional council members warmly welcome Minister Moriarty’s announcement that the Welcome Experience will be expanded to include the critical local government sector.
“In many rural and remote communities, local government is the largest employer, making its inclusion essential.”
The local government sector is a major regional employer, yet workforce shortages remain an ongoing challenge for councils.
A Local Government Workforce Skills and Capability Survey found more than 90 percent of councils reported skills shortages, with 66 percent indicating project delivery had been impacted by vacancies, skills gaps or training needs.
In NOTA coverage areas, the Welcome Experience will be expanded to Dungog and MidCoast LGAs from 1 July, while Bellingen, Coffs Harbour, Nambucca, Kempsey Shire and Port Macquarie are already part of the scheme.
At present, Port Stephens is not included in the program.
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
