RDA Orana named as host agency for The Welcome Experience in Orana region

To boost essential workforces in regional areas, the NSW Government has announced the expansion of The Welcome Experience, an initiative to support essential workers and their families to relocate to regional NSW.

Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana has been announced as the host agency for the Orana region, with local connectors working in Bourke, Walgett, Wellington and Dubbo to help essential workers make their new home in the regions, settle into their communities, connect with schools, join sporting clubs and assist with finding a job for their partner.

RDA Orana CEO, Justine Campbell said she was very pleased to help deliver a NSW Government program that would make a significant difference in the region which also aligns with the goals and priorities of the RDA Orana organisation.

“RDA Orana understands the challenges the labour shortage issues are creating in the regions due to our close connections with industry, community, and government,” she said.

“We rely on key workers to facilitate some of our most important services so attracting and retaining people is of the upmost importance.

“While our RDA Orana Workforce Strategy has a focus on migration and the Orana Designated Area Migration Agreement, the Orana Jobs Board, The Vault Talent Bank, research partnerships and the Orana Youth Forum, The NSW Government’s Welcome Experience program is targeted at essential workers specifically, which will support RDA Orana’s wider efforts to help the region to grow its own workforce.”

Ms Campbell said The Welcome Experience program had been piloted in Walgett for the past year with Local Connector, Alana Copelin, continuing to work across the region assisting with the relocation of 57 people to the area.

“Alana will become The Welcome Experience Coordinator for the Orana region operating from Walgett and working closely with local connectors based in Dubbo and Bourke,” she said.

“Advertising for the roles will begin next week with information available from our website.”

Ms Campbell said RDA Orana worked collaboratively across the region with all stakeholders, including the three tiers of government, the business community and the many agencies that service the region, including not-for-profit and community.

“We have a very strong presence and broad reach in the region. We have numerous resources, growing networks and significant connections and partnerships that we can leverage to help ensure The Welcome Experience is a success in the Orana.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said The Welcome Experience pilot program had been a major success since it launched in June last year, supporting over 511 workers and their families to relocate to regional New South Wales.

“Moving to a new town can be daunting, but the feedback we received from workers is that having a Local Connector like Alana, to offer a warm welcome and local advice, significantly increases their likelihood of staying and contributing to their community long term,” she said.

“We’ve had close to 1,800 enquiries from a range of essential workers considering making the move, and this demand for tailored relocation support is one of the key reasons The Welcome Experience has been such a phenomenal success so far.

“The NSW Government’s recent decision to expand the program to 52 Local Government Areas across the state reaffirms our commitment to regional communities by ensuring they receive the skilled and robust workforce they need.”

Images are attached for reference.