Communities across the Mid-North Coast are set to benefit from an expansion of the NSW Government’s essential workers attraction program, The Welcome Experience, aimed at easing workforce shortages in critical services.
The program will grow from 55 to 88 local government areas (LGAs), with the Mid-Coast LGA among those added, extending support across the broader Mid-North Coast region where demand for health, education and emergency workers remains high.
Since its launch in 2023, The Welcome Experience has supported 3,020 essential workers to relocate to regional NSW, including 150 across the Mid-North Coast.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said the program was delivering tangible results for regional communities.
“The Welcome Experience is a demonstration of the Minns Government’s commitment to rebuilding essential services in regional NSW and helping ease pressure within our health, education and emergency services systems.
“Our Government has sensibly first piloted the program to verify its capabilities and then methodically grown the coverage of The Welcome Experience service to keep delivering results.
“Helping more than 3,020 nurses, teachers, vets, police and paramedics make the move to 55 local government areas is a strong mark of a successful program and that’s why we will now expand to cover 88 LGAs and keep building our essential services.”
The program provides free, tailored support to essential workers and their families considering or accepting roles in sectors including health, aged care, education, veterinary services, policing and emergency services.
On average, each worker relocating to regional NSW contributes an estimated $116,050 to the local economy, with more than half moving with their families.
“These essential workers are the heartbeat of our communities. They keep hospitals running and our communities safe, they care for our elderly and are teaching our next generation – providing the skills regional NSW needs to thrive,” Moriarty said.
Participants receive on-the-ground assistance with housing, schools, childcare, community connections and employment opportunities for partners, helping them settle into regional life.
Paramedic Thomas Finlay, who relocated from Ballarat to Kempsey on the Mid-North Coast, said the program made the move significantly easier for his family.
“Our Local Connector from The Welcome Experience was able to organise house inspections and attend them for us whilst we were still based interstate,” he said.
“She was so knowledgeable about the area we were moving to, including what schools are available and the daycares we could use. She took away the unknowns of moving such a long way from family and support.”
Finlay said ongoing support helped build connections in the community.
“Most of all, our Local Connector made the move such a pleasure and continues to be there whenever we need it – organising monthly community catch-ups with others who are part of The Welcome Experience, as well as day trips to the zoo, afternoons at local water parks, and catch-ups at the surf club, just to name a few.”
“My advice to others considering a move to regional NSW would be to just take the leap! It’s such a great experience to see more of our country. The people you meet and work with, and the communities you visit, create so many new and exciting memories.”
The government says the initiative is helping to ease workforce shortages and strengthen essential services across regional NSW, including on the Mid-North Coast.
Further information is available at www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience.
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