The Minns Labor Government has supported 178 essential workers to relocate to the Northern Rivers through The Welcome Experience program due to this success we are now expanding the services to additional areas to rebuild essential services across the Northern Rivers.
Established in an original 11 pilot locations in 2023 to improve health, education, policing and emergency services in regional NSW, The Welcome Experience has grown to support more than 3,000 frontline workers to make the move.
The service has only been available in the Northern Rivers since late 2024 in the local government areas of Tweed, Byron, Ballina, Lismore and Richmond. Following today’s announcement, it will be expanded to operate in Kyogle, Tenterfield and Clarence Valley, so more essential workers and families can make the move.
It 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.
The workers considering a move are linked to a Local Connector who can help with the realities of relocating with the practicalities of finding housing, choosing childcare, finding a relevant sporting or interest group, plus exploring job opportunities for partners.
The following essential workers and families have been supported to make the move to the following local government areas in the Northern Rivers:
Lismore – 42 health and 14 education workers are among the 56 essential workers who relocated and brought 43 family members who are now connecting with the community.
Ballina – 14 health and 3 paramedics are among the 24 essential workers who have relocated and brought 24 family members to become new members of the community.
Byron – 8 health and 1 veterinarian are among the 13 essential workers who have relocated and brought 15 family members who are now connecting with the community.
Richmond Valley – 11 health, and 3 aged care workers are among the 15 essential workers who have relocated and brought 20 family members to join the community.
Tweed – 49 health, and 5 NSW Police officers are among the 65 essential workers who relocated and brought 71 family members into the community.
The Northern Rivers region isn’t the only area with an expanding service delivery, with The Welcome Experience being set to increase operatonal delivery from 55 local government areas to 88 LGAs across regional NSW as part of a major scale up.
Through this program and appropriate increased pay levels for nurses, teachers and police, the Minns Government is addressing the issues of regional essential workforce shortages, inherited from the former Nationals Liberal Government.
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:
“Lismore and the broader Northern Rivers region are fantastic places to work and raise a family and with the support of the Welcome Experience more highly trained essential service workers are choosing to make the move.
“The Welcome Experience is helping to ease pressure on vital services across the region, particularly within health systems that support communities throughout Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and surrounding Northern Rivers towns.
“What makes these numbers so meaningful is that behind each registration is not just one person, but often an entire family, partners and children who are also putting down roots and becoming part of the Northern Rivers community.
“These essential workers are the heartbeat of our communities. They keep hospitals running and communities safe, care for our elderly, and educate the next generation, providing the skills and services the Northern Rivers needs to thrive.”
Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:
“Lismore and the Northern Rivers are great places to live and work, and the Welcome Experience is helping attract more skilled essential workers to the region.
“The program is easing pressure on key services, especially health, supporting communities across Lismore, Ballina, Byron Bay and surrounding towns.
“Each registration often represents a whole family choosing to settle here and become part of our community.”
Local Connector with Regional Development Australia Northern Rivers, Lisa Richards said:
“The Welcome Experience is making a real and measurable difference in Lismore. In my role as a Local Connector, I have supported more than 55 essential workers and their families to relocate and successfully settle in the community to date.
“The program provides tailored, practical support across housing, partner employment, education and local connections, ensuring that essential workers and their families can establish themselves with confidence from day one.”
Katrina Melville, Medical Administration Manager at Tweed Valley Hospital and client of The Welcome Experience, said:
“The Welcome Experience played a really important role in helping me settle into the Tweed, and it has also been a great support for some of the young doctors I manage. When I was first offered the role, I reached out to our Local Connector Lisa to see what assistance was available, and she provided excellent guidance on where to look for housing, which was incredibly helpful during that transition period.”
“The week I moved was also the week of a Welcome Experience social event in Tweed. Having moved up on my own and not knowing anyone, I attended and really enjoyed meeting new people. It introduced me to other colleagues from the hospital who had also recently relocated, which helped me feel connected very quickly.
“I am really looking forward to the next event as it’s a great opportunity to socialise and network. My team and I now routinely provide information about The Welcome Experience to all new doctors relocating and commencing within the region.
“Regional living gives you back what city life takes away: time, space, and genuine connection. Short commutes, stunning beaches and countryside, and welcoming communities make it easier to balance work and life. Say yes to local events, get involved, and before you know it, you’re not just working there – you belong there.”
Total relocations to Lismore by sector:
| Health: 42 | NSW Police Force: 0 |
| Education: 5 | Department of Communities and Justice: 0 |
| Aged care and disability support: 6 | NSW Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service: 0 |
| NSW Ambulance: 3 | Veterinary services: 0 |
Welcome Experience essential workers relocations
Region Name:
| Central West: 156 | Northern New England: 73 |
| Coffs Coast: 193 | Northern Rivers: 178 |
| Far South Coast: 221 | Orana: 299 |
| Far West: 651 | Riverina: 276 |
| Greater Albury: 186 | Southern NSW: 284 |
| Illawarra Shoalhaven: 128 | Southern New England: 201 |
| Mid North Coast: 150 | Upper Hunter: 104 |
| Moree Plains: 98 |
Total relocations by sector:
| Health: 1,878 | NSW Police Force: 169 |
| Education: 457 | Department of Communities and Justice: 76 |
| Aged care and disability support: 326 | NSW Fire and Rescue and Rural Fire Service: 33 |
| NSW Ambulance: 226 | Veterinary services: 33 |