Over 70 talented, skilled and entrepreneurial individuals from across metropolitan Australia were acquainted with Newcastle this weekend as City of Newcastle narrows down to a final 30 people incentivised to relocate as part of an Australian-first economic stimulus program.
The 'New Move' program will give 30 community-minded skilled professionals who want to relocate to Newcastle a $10,000 grant that must be spent in the Local Government Area. In return, the applicants will commit to work with the community to develop local skills and inspire new ways of thinking to create future economic opportunities. Independent economic modelling shows the program will create 75 local jobs and drive $25 million in economic output.
This weekend, more than 70 of the 460 applicants travelled to Newcastle at their own expense to enjoy a curated 'Famil' weekend itinerary, showcasing the city's lifestyle and economic advantages, including walking tours, dining experiences and an IQ talk from Dr Karl Kruszelnicki at the Civic Theatre. Applicants travelled from Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen, Chair of the City's Strategy and Innovation Advisory Committee, said applicants have gained an insight into what makes Newcastle a prime location to relocate and base a business.
"This weekend, we welcomed more than 70 creative and talented professionals who are seriously looking at relocating to Newcastle. Over the weekend, we acquainted them with our landmarks, showcased our arts and cultural scene, and most-importantly connected them with like-minded individuals already relocated to Newcastle from Australian capital-cities," Cr Clausen said.
"For many, they saw for the first-time that Newcastle is an economic hub driven by innovation and entrepreneurial community, with diverse economic opportunities.
"Greater Newcastle is home to world-class education, healthcare, and aerospace hubs, and an innovation ecosystem that supports start-ups. There's no shortage of opportunities for talented and skilled people.
"We know that this program will deliver an excellent return on investment, with independent economic assessment showing that 30 skilled, community-minded individuals relocating to Newcastle expected to create 75 local jobs and see $25 million in economic output."
The successful 'New Move' grant recipients will be asked to help further develop local skills and activate the community to create future economic opportunities. In return, recipients will gain access to co-working spaces, and networking events to build local business and community connections.
The 'New Move' program is funded by City of Newcastle within its existing economic development budget and was supported by a unanimous resolution of Council in December 2020.
