RDA Northern Rivers is proud to be the host organisation for the NSW Government’s The Welcome Experience in the Tweed, Kyogle, Byron, Lismore, Ballina, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley regions.
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.
Moving for work is a big step, but The Welcome Experience is here to help. Our Local Connectors assist essential workers, and their families, with local support. Whether it’s finding housing, childcare, social groups, or just getting to know the area.
Meet our Local Connectors
Our Local Connectors 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!
Meet the Northern Rivers Local ConnectorsWho 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 Protectio and Out-of-home care
- Corrective Services
- Emergency services
- Veterinary 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
- Local Councils
Click below to learn more about The Welcome Experience or to register.
Visit The Welcome Experience Website
The Welcome Experience: supporting essential worker businesses
This free NSW Government service supports your regional business with attracting and retaining essential workers by making their move easier and helping them settle in.
Learn more about support for regional businesses
How businesses benefit
Businesses in eligible LGAs can include The Welcome Experience in job advertisements and gain extra support beyond the onboarding process. Your business could benefit from:
- Better retention - Helping essential workers settle in, feel welcome and connected.
- Stronger community ties - Connecting essential workers and their families to community groups and services.
- Time and cost savings - Reduce staff turnover through support and connection for essential workers and their families.
- Free NSW Government support - a no-cost service supporting eligible regional businesses and essential workers.
How can businesses access The Welcome Experience?
To learn more about how your business can access The Welcome Experience, contact one of our Local Connector team members below.
Tweed, Byron, Ballina and Lismore LGAs Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley and Kyogle LGAsMeet your Local Connectors
Lisa Richards
Local Connector/Team Leader
Lisa Richards is Local Connector for Tweed, Byron, Ballina and Lismore LGAs. She is also the Team Leader for the broader Northern Rivers region.
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.
Email Lisa Call Lisa
Bre Rose
Local Connector
Breannan Rose has joined RDA Northern Rivers as Local Connector for The Welcome Experience, supporting the Clarence Valley, Richmond Valley and Kyogle Council local government areas.
Breannan brings a strong background in community services, including experience with Corrections NSW, family preservation and child protection case management, stakeholder engagement, and community connections and resources. She has also undertaken studies in Community Services & Disabilities.
It's exactly the kind of local knowledge and genuine care for people that makes a real difference in this role. Helping connect newcomers with the support, services and community they need to settle and thrive across the region.
Email Bre Call Bre
Considering a move to the Northern Rivers?
The Welcome Experience is here to help essential workers and their families settle in with confidence with a Local Connector on hand to support you with housing, schools, jobs, and community connections. Visit The Welcome Experience website to register your interest and start your journey home.
Learn more and register your interest hereLive Northern Rivers
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.
Partners and family members of essential workers looking for employment in the Northern Rivers, can use Live Northern Rivers to explore local job opportunities. Connect with job portals for local councils, link throught to industry-specific vacancies and discover additional opportunities for essential workers across the region.
Visit Live Northern Rivers
