The Welcome Experience for Essential Workers

We are excited to be partnering with the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to bring The Welcome Experience to the local government areas (LGAs) of:

• Armidale Region
• Gunnedah Shire
• Liverpool Plains Shire
• Narrabri Shire
• Tamworth Region
• Uralla Shire and
• Walcha.

The Welcome Experience is an initiative that was piloted in eight areas in New South Wales and due to the overwhelming success, has now been expanded to boost outcomes in regional areas across NSW.

Through the program, a range of essential workers and NSW Government employees who are moving or have recently moved will be welcomed and provided with free assistance to settle and enjoy the benefits of regional living. The support is tailored to the individual and includes assistance with ‘life stuff’ such as enrolling children into school and connecting with community groups. Government and non-government employees in specified occupations are eligible for the program, including general practitioners, aged care nurses, childcare workers, allied health professionals, teachers, health workers and emergency services workers.

Katrina George and Emma Grant have joined our team to provide the program for the Armidale and Uralla Shire LGAs and Tamworth Regional LGA respectively. Katrina and Emma not only have a wealth of knowledge about their communities, but also the lived experience of moving to our region with their families. The program has already had a positive response, with over forty people already being supported in Armidale, Uralla and Tamworth in the first month of the project.

In November 2024, we hosted Co-Design Workshops in Armidale and Tamworth to connect and gain input to the program from representatives of the public sector, including health, education and emergency services as well as community service providers. With over fifty representatives attending, these workshops will influence the future direction and tailor The Welcome Experience to our region.

If you have recently moved to the Armidale Regional, Uralla Shire or Tamworth Regional Council areas, you can view the full list of eligible occupations and register for the program on the NSW Government’s website and select the Southern New England Region to be connected with Emma and Katrina or contact them through the details below.

Who Is Eligible?

If you are considering moving, or have recently moved to the either the Armidale Regional, Tamworth Regional or Uralla Shire Local Government Areas, and you work in one of the following roles or industries, you qualify for support:

• NSW Police
• Fire and Rescue NSW
• Rural Fire Service (Paid Employees)
• Health and Aged Care
• Education including Early Childhood
• Disability Support
• Child Protection and Out-of-Home Care
• Corrections and Justice
• Veterinary Services
• Local Government Employees

What the Program Offers

As part of the free service, our Local Connectors will make the transition easier by helping 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 and Healthcare

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

Leisure and Recreation

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

Cultural Connections

Providing information and introductions to cultural communities.

Local Connector for Armidale and Uralla

Katrina George - kgeorge@rdani.org.au

Originally from Newcastle, NSW, Katrina began her career in hospitality and tourism, working in five-star hotels and resorts in both Sydney and the Hunter Valley. In 2003, she made the move to Armidale to establish and manage Petersons Armidale Winery and Guesthouse. Katrina and her family have formed lasting friendships and connections within the Armidale community.

Local Connector for Tamworth

Emma Grant - egrant@rdani.org.au

Emma was raised on a property in Bendemeer, NSW, where she developed a deep connection to rural life. In her late teens, she moved to Sydney to pursue her studies. Emma then spent several years traveling and working in regional communities across New South Wales and the Northern Territory, before returning to her home town of Tamworth in 2021 to raise her family.

Local Connector for Gunnedah

Emily Surman - esurman@rdani.org.au

Emily grew up in the suburbs of South West Sydney before relocating to Gunnedah with her partner at the age of 21 in search of a new adventure. What began as a move for new opportunities soon became the place they proudly call home. Drawing on her own experience of relocating to regional Australia, Emily understands both the excitement and the uncertainty that come with starting over in a new community.

Local Connector for Narrabri

Kate Rice - krice@rdani.org.au

Kate was raised on a mixed farming property near Narrabri and has come full circle, having lived throughout regional Australia before returning home. After studying Early Childhood Education in Armidale, she went on to work for a range of early childhood services in NSW and the ACT. Kate has a strong understanding of the Narrabri community, its services, attractions, support networks and local sporting, social, and community organisations.