RDA Orana Welcomes Expansion of The Welcome Experience Orana
RDA Orana has welcomed the recent announcement by the NSW Government that The Welcome Experience program is set to expand, helping more essential workers and their families settle into their new regional homes — a move that will strengthen essential services and support workforce attraction across the whole Orana region.
As part of the expansion, RDA Orana will establish a new full‑time Local Connector based in the Mid‑Western Regional Council area, alongside casual Local Welcomers in Bogan, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, Warren and Warrumbungle local government areas.
The expansion builds on the strong results achieved since the launch of the program two years ago, where Local Connectors in Bourke, Walgett and the Dubbo Region have been supporting hundreds of essential workers and their families to relocate and make their home in Orana communities.
RDA Orana CEO Justine Campbell said the expansion recognises the proven impact of the program and the region’s ongoing workforce needs.
“We’ve been calling for this for some time because we know our regions are facing critical workforce shortages and we’ve seen firsthand how powerful this support is. Our Connectors in Bourke, Walgett and the Dubbo Region have been making a real impact since first introduced, helping more essential workers feel confident about making the move and helping families build a life here.
“But more than just helping the workers, Connectors also work closely with employers, councils, community groups and stakeholders to strengthen recruitment and retention, foster collaboration between local services, and build the connections that make regional communities welcoming and sustainable places to live and work.”
Ms Campbell said the addition of a full‑time Connector in the Mid‑Western Region is a major step forward for one of the state’s fastest‑growing regional centres.
“The Mid‑Western Region is at the centre of one of the biggest workforce tasks in the country, with the Central West Orana Renewable Energy Zone requiring thousands of skilled workers over the coming years. Having a full‑time Local Connector based in Mudgee and servicing that region means we can support those workers and their families from the moment they consider making the move.
“Our Connectors in Bourke, Walgett and the Dubbo Region have already shown how powerful this support can be — helping essential workers relocate, find homes, join sporting groups, get their partners a job and their children into new schools. Expanding that model into the Mid‑Western Region is exactly what’s needed as the REZ ramps up and demand for talent continues to grow.”
The Welcome Experience Orana has now helped over 330 essential workers and more than 620 people in total to relocate to the region across critical sectors including health, policing, ambulance, fire, education, childcare, disability support and aged care. More than half move with their families, and 65 percent intend to stay long term, delivering significant economic and social benefits to regional and rural communities.
Ms Campbell said expanding Connector support and adding the Local Welcomers across all Orana LGAs will help ensure every community can benefit.
“Every town in the Orana region is competing for talent, and this expansion means we can now support every LGA through a model that genuinely reflects how each community works.
“The casual Local Welcomers will offer newly arrived essential workers and their families a friendly local face, introductions to community groups and clubs, and informal social connection. Their role is intentionally light‑touch and complements, rather than duplicates, the strengths that already exist.
Ms Campbell said the way each Local Welcomer's role takes shape will be guided by their own community.
“Through ongoing engagement with The Welcome Experience Orana, we will identify what already exists in each town and build on that, rather than duplicating services already provided by other local groups, councils or networks.
“Together, the two roles complement each other. Local Connectors provide the depth of support and stakeholder engagement that drives long‑term workforce retention, while Local Welcomers extend a warm community welcome across the wider Orana region.
“This is exactly the kind of practical, place‑based support that helps workers put down roots and choose to stay,” concluded Ms Campbell.
Recruitment for the Mid‑Western Region Local Connector is now underway. Expressions of interest for casual Local Welcomers in Brewarrina, Bogan, Cobar, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, Warren and Warrumbungle will be released soon.
To find out more about The Welcome Experience program, visit rdaorana.org.au
