RDA Northern Rivers is proud to be the host organisation for the NSW Government’s The Welcome Experience in the Tweed, Lismore, Byron, Ballina and Richmond Valley regions.
What is The Welcome Experience?
The Welcome Experience is a free service supporting essential workers (and their families) who are considering applying for or have accepted a job in regional NSW.
When you register for The Welcome Experience from the website, you will be introduced to a Local Connector who will provide a concierge-like service to help you make your move. They will be with you from the decision-making phase, through to becoming part of your new Northern Rivers community.
Our Local Connector can help you with the life stuff, everything from the practicalities of finding housing, choosing childcare, exploring job opportunities for partners or even introducing you to your neighbours!
Who is it for?
Government and non-government employees in the following industries are eligible for The Welcome Experience:
- Health
- Aged Care
- Education
- Early Childhood Education
- Disability Support
- Child Protection and Out-of-home care
- Corrections and Justice
- Emergency services.
NSW Government employees of the following agencies are also eligible:
- NSW Police
- NSW Fire & Rescue
- NSW Ambulance
- NSW Health
- Department of Education
- Department of Communities & Justice
- Corrective Services NSW.
If you would like to learn more about how The Welcome Experience can help you, visit The Welcome Experience website to register. Please choose “Northern Rivers” as your preferred region, and our local connector will be in touch.
Meet your Local Connector
Lisa Richards is your Local Connector. She is ready to help you with all stages of your move to the Northern Rivers.
As Local Connector, Lisa can help new essential workers with the practicalities of finding housing, choosing childcare and schools, exploring job opportunities for partners, through to meeting their new community and making social connections.
Lisa is passionate about local community and is actively engaged in local youth initiatives, currently holding the position of secretary of the volunteer-run Tweed Coast Youth Service. She is ready to connect and support you to make the Northern Rivers your new home.
Supporting your decision making is the Live Northern Rivers web platform. The RDA Northern Rivers run platform provides a host of information for people new to our region. This includes information about housing, health and wellbeing, education and community groups. You can also access information about events happening across the Northern Rivers region.
Live Northern Rivers is partnered by Jobs Northern Rivers, our local jobs platform. This platform can assist in finding local employment for partners and other family members.
The Welcome Experience is part of the NSW Government’s $25.1 million Essential Worker Attraction Program, which aims to boost essential workforces in regional NSW.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty media release https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/expanded-program-to-help-essential-workers-move-to-northern-rivers
See the RDA Northern Rivers The Welcome Experience Local Connector Media Release here.
