The Welcome Experience Orana expands to the Mid Western Region with appointment of new Local Connector

RDA Orana is excited to launch The Welcome Experience Orana into the Mid‑Western region, marking an important step in ensuring essential workers and their families across the Orana have access to practical, place‑based settlement support. Meredith Shannon has been appointed as the Mid-Western region’s first full time Local Connector, bringing dedicated, on‑the‑ground assistance to new arrivals settling in Mudgee and surrounding communities. 

The Welcome Experience Orana is a free NSW Government program delivered locally by RDA Orana that helps essential workers and their families relocate and settle confidently into regional communities. The program isn’t just about getting workers settled — it’s about creating long‑term connections that foster a better lifestyle and promote workforce retention in regional NSW. By helping essential workers integrate quickly, the program plays a critical role in delivering frontline services and strengthening the fabric of our communities. 

Through practical, place‑based support Local Connectors provide new arrivals with access local services, networks, community groups and the everyday knowledge that makes a new town feel like home.

Based at Mid‑Western Regional Council in Mudgee, Meredith will be the friendly, knowledgeable local guide helping new arrivals find their footing — connecting them with community groups, services, networks and the everyday knowledge that turns a new town into home.

RDA Orana CEO Justine Campbell said Meredith’s appointment reflects the program’s commitment to practical, place‑based support that strengthens workforce retention and community connection.

“Meredith brings exactly the kind of experience, warmth and local knowledge this role needs. She understands the challenges of relocating, she knows what makes people feel welcome, and she knows how to help families build a life here.”

Ms Campbell said the Mid‑Western Region is entering a period of significant workforce demand, making the timing of this appointment critical.

“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 (REZ) requiring thousands of skilled workers over the coming years. While REZ workers aren’t currently part of The Welcome Experience’s eligible sectors, the broader impact of the REZ means essential workers are needed more than ever.  

“Meredith will be one of the first friendly voices essential workers hear as they prepare to move — coordinating welcomes, linking people with local networks, and making sure every new arrival feels seen, supported and genuinely glad they came.”

With more than 20 years’ experience in family support, early childhood and community development roles across regional NSW, Meredith brings deep local understanding and a genuine passion for helping people settle into new communities.

“I’m really excited to launch The Welcome Experience in the Mid‑Western Region,” Meredith said. 

“I’ve lived and worked across regional NSW for most of my life, and I know how much it means to feel welcomed, included and supported when you move somewhere new. This role is important because it gives people a friendly local connection from day one — someone who can help with the small things that make a big difference, and make sure families feel like they belong here.”

“The Mid‑Western Region is such a vibrant, generous community, and I’m looking forward to helping new essential workers discover that for themselves. Whether it’s linking people with local groups, helping them navigate services, or simply being a familiar face, I’m here to make the transition easier and more positive for every new arrival.”

To date, the program has supported almost 400 essential workers and nearly 750 people to settle in the Orana region, and the expansion into the Mid‑Western Region will ensure even more communities benefit from this practical, place‑based support.

Meredith’s appointment complements the broader expansion of The Welcome Experience Orana announced earlier this year, with full-time Local Connectors in the Dubbo region, Bourke and Walgett and casual Local Welcomers coming to Bogan, Brewarrina, Cobar, Coonamble, Gilgandra, Narromine, Warren and Warrumbungle LGAs. 

Essential workers moving to the Mid‑Western Region can find out more by visiting rdaorana.org.au or register for support via nsw.gov.au/welcomeexperience, where Meredith will begin the conversation and guide them through their transition into the community.

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Media Contact: Harriet Gilmore M: 0427 095 558 E: harriet_gilmore@outlook.com