Teachers, healthcare professionals and police will be provided extra support to relocate to the Coffs Coast as the first initiative being rolled out as part of a $30 million investment by the NSW Government to help attract, prepare and retain key workers in regional NSW.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said The Welcome Experience will be piloted in eight locations, including the Coffs Coast, next year with the goal of rolling it out across more locations in 2024.
“I’m delighted our city will be playing its part in making it even more attractive to reside in regional NSW,” Mr Singh said.
“The Coffs Coast is renowned for its relaxed lifestyle and friendly faces and is the perfect place to relocate to. Key workers who want to call the Coffs Coast home will always be made to feel welcome here.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said The Welcome Experience is about making the move to the Coffs Coast a little easier for key workers.
“The bush is renowned for its hospitality but moving to a new town can be daunting, especially with a family,” Mr Toole said.
“That’s why the NSW Government is upping the ante with this new program to ensure key workers who provide so much support to our communities are given the best possible support to relocate and feel welcome.
“There is nothing more valuable than local knowledge, especially when you are moving somewhere new. This service acts a bit like a concierge – people are matched with locals giving them the opportunity to ask questions about healthcare and childcare services and even which area of town might best suit their family.”
The Welcome Experience forms part of Our Vision for Regional Communities and Action Plan 2023-2025 – a NSW Government initiative outlining immediate priorities and long-term strategies to make regional NSW an even better place to call home.
More information about Our Vision for Regional Communities is available at: www.nsw.gov.au/ourvision
