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

Starting a new job in a new town is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming. 

The Welcome Experience Southern NSW supports essential workers relocating to the following areas: Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan–Palerang, Snowy Monaro, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee  and Yass Valley.  

The Welcome Experience Southern NSW is here to make your move easier, smoother and more connected from day one. 

What is the Welcome Experience?

The Welcome Experience is a NSW Government initiative designed to facilitate, attract, prepare and welcome essential workers to regional, rural and remote NSW. 

Through personalised support, the program connects new essential workers and their families with local people, community networks and practical resources to help them settle in faster — and feel at home sooner. 

When people feel part of the community they live in, they build stronger connections, enjoy a better lifestyle experience, and are more likely to stay long-term — strengthening our regional communities and maintaining vital frontline services. 

To get in contact with our local connector, please email welcome@rdasna.org.au.

Make the Move

Who is Eligible?

Employees of the following NSW agencies are eligible for The Welcome Experience: 

  • Corrective Services NSW 

  • Department of Communities & Justice 

  • Fire & Rescue NSW 

  • NSW Ambulance 

  • NSW Department of Education 

  • NSW Health 

  • NSW Police Force 

  • NSW Rural Fire Service. 

Non-government employees in the following industries are eligible: 

  • Aged care 

  • Disability support 

  • Early childhood education 

  • Education 

  • Health 

  • Veterinary services. 

Essential workers and their families relocating to regional NSW

If you are moving to Southern NSW to take up an essential worker role — this program is for you 

How We support you

Our local Welcome Experience Connectors are here to make your transition into Southern NSW as smooth and positive as possible. 

We can help you and your family: 

  • Connect with local community groups and networks 

  • Access information about schools, childcare and health services 

  • Discover sporting clubs, social groups and community events 

  • Navigate local services and practical settling-in needs 

  • Build meaningful connections so you feel part of the community sooner 

Whether you are an essential worker considering relocating to Southern NSW, or you have already arrived and need support, we encourage you to reach out. 

We are here to help you make the most of your move — and to ensure you and your family feel genuinely at home in your new community. 

Register Here

Northern Region Connector
(covering Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee and Yass Valley) 
Ally Dunwoodie

Southern Region Connector
(covering Queanbeyan–Palerang and Snowy Monaro) 
Lisa LaMaitre

Reach out today and start your Welcome Experience journey. 

EMAIL NOW: welcome@rdasna.org.au 

Life Things that The Welcome Experience helps with; Relocation, housing, Education and childcare, social connections, employment, accessibility and healthcare, leisure and recreation, religious and cultural connections

supporting employers of essential workers

Supporting Employers of Essential Workers 

Attracting and retaining essential workers in regional communities can be challenging. The Welcome Experience Southern NSW works alongside employers to strengthen recruitment outcomes and support long-term retention. 

We understand that when new staff feel connected to their community, they are more likely to stay. 

Contact Us
Learn more

How We Support Employers 

We partner with employers across out region to help: 

  • Strengthen the appeal of relocating to Southern NSW 

  • Provide practical settling-in support for new recruits and their families 

  • Improve workforce retention through community connection 

  • Support smoother transitions for essential workers entering the region 

  • Promote Southern NSW as a welcoming and supportive place to live and work 

  • By working together, we can ensure essential workers feel supported both professionally and personally — increasing stability for frontline services and strengthening our regional communities. 

Discover how The Welcome Experience has helped essential workers and their families settle successfully into regional life.  

Resources