Minns Government to expand essential workers program after it helps 3,020 to make the move to regional NSW
The Minns Labor Government today announced the expansion of its essential workers attraction program, The Welcome Experience, from 55 local government areas to now 88 LGAs across the state to continue its work rebuilding essential services in regional towns and cities.
Established by the Minns Government in 2023 as a pilot in 11 local government areas to improve health, education, policing and emergency services in regional NSW, The Welcome Experience has expanded over time and has now supported 3,020 frontline workers to make the move to the bush.
The Welcome Experience is a free service supporting essential workers and their families who are considering applying for or have accepted a job in either government or non-government eligible sectors such as health, aged care, education, veterinary services, policing and emergency services.
On average, one essential worker relocating to regional NSW has been shown to add $116,050 of value to the local economy.
Through The Welcome Experience, workers receive tailored, on‑the‑ground support to help them find housing, schools, childcare, sporting groups, community networks, and job opportunities for their partner, ensuring they feel connected from day one to their new community.
Essential workers are not only filling critical roles, they are breathing new life into local towns, joining community groups, enrolling their children in local schools, and becoming part of the social fabric that keeps regional NSW strong.
More than half of these workers move with their families, and that can strengthen the economic benefits for local communities.
The Welcome Experience program has been expanded to cover the following additional LGAs:
- Central West: Blayney, Cabonne, Forbes
- Hunter: Dungog
- Mid‑North Coast: Mid‑Coast
- Murray: Berrigan, Edward River, Murray River
- Northern Inland: Gunnedah, Gwydir, Narrabri, Liverpool Plains, Tenterfield, Walcha
- Northern Rivers: Clarence Valley, Kyogle
- Orana: Bogan, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Mid‑Western, Narromine, Warren, Warrumbungle
- Riverina: Bland, Carrathool, Coolamon, Cootamundra‑Gundagai, Hay, Junee, Lockhart, Murrumbidgee, Narrandera
Towns like Lismore have already seen the benefits from The Welcome Experience operations by welcoming 56 essential workers, including 42 health workers, 6 aged care workers, 5 education workers and 3 ambulance staff. Surrounding areas such as Clarence Valley and Kyogle have now been added to the program to help meet local workforce needs.
Thanks to this initiative, regional communities are experiencing real and lasting benefits, with workforce shortages easing and essential services strengthened by a growing number of skilled workers choosing to build their lives in the regions.
Paramedic Thomas Finlay relocated from Ballarat with his pregnant wife and two children to join the Kempsey station. The Welcome Experience team helped them find housing, healthcare and education. Not long after moving they welcomed their third child.
To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the opportunities awaiting those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“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.
“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.
“I am incredibly proud that The Welcome Experience is helping strengthen regional communities and ensuring essential workers and their families can enjoy the lifestyle opportunities and sense of community that regional NSW has to offer.”
Local Paramedic, Thomas Finlay said:
“Our Local Connector from The Welcome Experience was able to organise house inspections and attend them for us whilst we were still based interstate. 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.
“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.”
Local Connector with Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers, Lisa Richards said:
“The Welcome Experience is a vital initiative supporting the attraction and retention of essential workers across regional New South Wales. By providing tailored, place-based support, we are helping address one of the most pressing challenges facing our regional communities.
“Through social events, meet-and-greets, and tailored guidance, we are helping people build networks and a sense of belonging. This is key to not only attracting workers to the regions but ensuring they choose to stay long-term.”