Teachers, healthcare workers and police relocating to Griffith will be given extra support to make the move and settle into the community as part of a $30 million investment by the NSW Government to help attract and retain key workers in regional NSW.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole has announced Griffith will be one of the first regional communities to pilot the Welcome Experience – a new initiative supporting key workers and their families making the move to the bush.
"Griffith is known for its hospitality, but moving to a new town can be daunting. That's why we're taking steps to make it easier for key workers relocating to the regions to make the move and put down roots," Mr Toole said.
"The Welcome Experience will connect these key workers with locals who can offer them advice on childcare, schools, employment opportunities for partners, even what part of town might best suit their family.
"We'll be working closely with the region's biggest employer, the Murrumbidgee Health District, Griffith City Council and other local service providers to help key workers and their families feel right at home.
"This program will help to not only attract key workers to Griffith, but also provide them with the support they need for a successful transition, so they'll be more likely to stay for the long term."
Griffith Mayor Doug Curran said Griffith is proud to have been chosen to pilot the Welcome Experience program by the NSW Government.
"Like many other regional cities and towns, Griffith is experiencing a skills and worker shortage and this includes the key workers as targeted by this program," Councillor Curran said.
"Along with other programs and initiatives Griffith City Council is undertaking with Regional Development Australia in relation to a DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement), the Welcome Experience program will be of immense benefit to our community."
The Welcome Experience will be piloted at a further seven locations including Broken Hill, Walgett, Coffs Harbour, Muswellbrook, Goulburn, Corowa and Bega next year with the goal of rolling it across more locations in 2024.
The Welcome Experience forms part of Our Vision for Regional Communities and Action Plan 2023-2025 – a NSW Government initiative outlining immediate priorities and long-term strategies to make regional NSW an even better place to call home.
