The Welcome Experience

Helping essential workers relocate, settle in and become one of the locals.

Register here
People from 5 Government agencies walking in a line in uniform

What is The Welcome Experience?

The Welcome Experience is a free service supporting essential workers (and their families) who are considering applying for or have accepted a job in regional NSW.

Local Connectors can help you with the life stuff, everything from the practicalities of finding housing, choosing childcare, exploring job opportunities for partners or even introducing you to your neighbours!

Government and non-government employees in the following industries are eligible for The Welcome Experience:

  • Health
  • Aged Care
  • Education
  • Early Childhood Education
  • Disability Support
  • Child Protection and Out-of-home care
  • Corrections and Justice
  • Emergency services.

NSW Government employees of the following agencies are also eligible: 

  • NSW Police
  • NSW Fire & Rescue
  • NSW Ambulance
  • NSW Health
  • Department of Education
  • Department of Communities & Justice
  • Corrective Services NSW.

The ‘life things’ we can help with 

The Welcome Experience service is tailored to the specific needs of the individual or family. Not only will we help you decide if a particular location is a good fit for what you’re looking for, but we can also help with:

Relocation 

Preparing for the move, including a rundown of what to expect and organising a reliable removalist. 

Housing

Connecting you with trusted real estate agencies to help find a place to call home in a safe neighbourhood.

Education

Providing information on early childhood education, schooling and university options in the area.

Social connections

Connecting to sports clubs, social groups and community organisations to meet like-minded individuals. 

Employment 

Supporting essential workers and partners to find relevant, meaningful employment.  

Accessibility & healthcare

Providing information on disability support, healthcare and other services providers.

Leisure & recreation

Providing local knowledge on the best activities and events happening around town.

Cultural connections

Providing information and introductions to cultural communities.

Locations

The Welcome Experience is currently available in the following locations:

Sandstone and brick two story buildings stand on the side of the street. There are cars angle parked in front of them. In the foreground, two people cross a pedestrian crossing

Central West Region

Covers Bathurst Regional, Cowra, Lachlan Shire, Lithgow City, Oberon, Orange City, Parkes Shire and Weddin Shire local government areas.

A white four wheel drive is parked on a beach. Two people stand beside it looking towards the ocean. Two surfboards - one white and one yellow - lean against the 4WD beside them

Coffs Coast Region

Covers Coffs Harbour City and Bellingen local government areas.

A picture of the Sapphire Coast Guiding Co Merimbula

Far South Coast Region

Covers Bega Valley Shire and Eurobodalla Shire local government areas.

The Living Desert and Sculptures, Broken Hill

Far West Region

Covers Balranald Shire, Broken Hill City, Central Darling Shire and Wentworth Shire local government areas and the Unincorporated Far West.

Two young people ride their bikes. Two adults are walking a dog. The family are on an asphalt path beside some gum trees and a river

Greater Albury Region

Covers Albury City, Federation and Greater Hume Shire local government areas.

A grass section and path beside the ocean. There is a pine tree to the left and the coastline continues in the background

Illawarra Shoalhaven Region

Covers Shellharbour Council, Kiama Municipal and Shoalhaven City local government areas.

A clear blue river. In the foregound on a pillar of wood a black and white bird spreads its wings. There are boats moored and some white buildings in the background.

Mid North Coast Region

Covers Kempsey Shire, Nambucca Valley and Port Macquarie-Hastings local government areas.

an overhead view of Moree, a town in regional NSW. There are two roads crossing in the middle and the buildings are surrounded by trees. The sky is mostly clear and the sun is low in the sky

Moree Plains Region

Covers Moree Plains Shire local government area.

A person in shorts walks through a grassy park. There is a small pavilion in the centre of frame. Trees with autumn leaves hand over the pavilion.

Northern New England Region

Covers Glen Innes Severn and Inverell Shire local government areas.

Aerial view of schools and playing fields in the Orana region

Orana Region

Covers Bourke Shire, Dubbo Regional and Walgett Shire local government areas .

De Bortoli Wines, Griffith

Riverina Region

Covers Griffith City, Leeton Shire, Tumut, Temora Shire and Wagga Wagga City local government areas.

A single lane asphalt round slopes towards the back of the photo. Tall trees frame the road on either side with light green leaves

Southern New England Region

Covers Armidale Regional, Tamworth Regional and Uralla Shire local government areas.

Rocky Hill War Memorial and Museum Goulburn

Southern Region

Covers Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan Palerang Regional, Snowy Monaro Regional, Upper Lachlan Shire, Wingecarribee Shire and Yass Valley local government areas .

A photo of Campbells Corner in Muswellbrook NSW

Upper Hunter Region

Covers Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter Shire local government areas.

Locations coming soon

The new locations will be rolled out in stages. Please check back to see when the new Welcome Experience locations are available.

A white boat with a white wake behind it jets across deep blue water. To its left is a narrow peninsula covered in trees with water on the other side
Far North Coast

Covers Lismore City and Tweed Shire local government areas.

Image by Destination NSW.

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The Welcome Experience

Welcome to regional NSW

Hear from others who have already made the move to regional NSW.  

If you would like to learn more about how The Welcome Experience can help you, contact a Local Connector today.

Register here

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for The Welcome Experience?

Essential workers that have secured government or non-government employment in the following industries in a NSW regional area serviced by The Welcome Experience are eligible for support:

  • Health 
  • Aged Care
  • Education
  • Early Childhood
  • Disability Support
  • Child Protection and Out-of-home care
  • Corrections and Justice
  • Emergency services.

NSW Government employees of the following agencies are also eligible: 

  • NSW Police
  • NSW Fire & Rescue
  • NSW Ambulance
  • NSW Health
  • Department of Communities & Justice
  • Corrective Services NSW.
     
How do I register for The Welcome Experience?

Registering is easy – just fill out this form and a Local Connector will be in touch soon. 
Get started

How can The Welcome Experience help my partner find employment?

Local Connectors are there to help you and your family settle in, which includes helping your partner find relevant, meaningful employment.  

Our Local Connectors have strong relationships with local employers and extensive industry employment networks in each local community. They will work with your partner to understand their employment goals and challenges, connect them into relevant employment networks and can also direct them to relevant training and employment support services if required. 

I have a question about The Welcome Experience not covered on this page, who can I contact?

If you have a question we haven't covered email us and a team member will be in touch.

Image

2 women smiling and floating in a sunny rural waterway

Regional NSW, make the move

There’s never been more opportunity in regional NSW for essential workers and their families. If you are looking to have more time for yourself and your family, or just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then make the move to regional NSW.
 

Learn more
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