NSW Growing Regions of Welcome (GROW) strategy is about connecting interested people from migrant and refugee backgrounds living in Western Sydney with lifestyle and employment opportunities in regional NSW.

A four-year pilot program was launched in June 2021 and came to an end in November 2024. NSW GROW aims were to:

• strengthen the capability of regional communities to attract and retain newcomers
• assist interested newcomers in Western Sydney to relocate to regional NSW
• coordinate a collaborative, cross-sector approach to regional resettlement in NSW.

A key feature of NSW GROW is its commitment to build and maintain community-led partnerships to improve outcomes for newcomers and regional communities, share information and coordinate services.

The Murray and Riverina regions, which were the pilot sites, will continue to be an information base for newcomers to find opportunities to live and work in their communities.

Thriving communities

The NSW GROW model recognised that building a sense of welcome is at the heart of thriving communities.

The strategy was based on extensive consultation with communities and stakeholders across NSW and on research undertaken on Australian and international initiatives. Multicultural NSW tested the approach by working closely with several regional NSW communities over the past few years and by supporting secondary migration.

See below for practical advice on Working and Living in regional NSW.

For newcomers

Why relocate to Regional NSW:

• Affordable living
• No traffic and a shorter commute
• Fresh air and a healthier lifestyle
• A slower more relaxed way of life with more time for your family
• Welcoming communities.

Welcoming communities

Several towns in the Murray Riverina have developed Newcomer Attraction and Retention plans. This includes actively welcoming newcomers through welcome events and welcome guides with key contacts if you need support.

Centrelink

If you are on Centrelink benefits speak to your Workforce Australia Provider about relocation support. You can also reach out to Regional Workforce Australia providers to discuss options.

For newcomers and employers

Country Change is a great resource for people wanting to move from Sydney and a chance for employers to showcase their workplaces.

Key recruitment links

• Jobs Riverina Murray is a one stop portal for employment in the Riverina Murray Region. Jobseekers can upload their resume and employers can upload their jobs.
• The Asylum Seeker Employment Skills (ASESS), delivered by Settlement Services International supports matches between job seekers and employers in regional areas and can provide financial assistance for relocations.
• Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491)
• .Regional Development Australia Regional Skilled Migration.

How to find support to settle in Riverina or Murray Regions

Local councils often have new resident guides and service information:

• Albury City Council
• Griffith City Council
• Wagga Wagga City Council

Regional Development Australia Riverina has developed a new residents guide.

Transport – You need a car in Regional NSW as public transport is limited and often work may be in the next town. Service NSW can support you to convert your international licence to a NSW Driver’s licence.

Housing – you can apply online with most Real Estate agents in Murray Riverina, if you can provide a rental history and evidence of income. Some agents have capacity for remote viewing. There are many options for short term stays while looking for accommodation.

Schools – you can enrol your child online or over the phone at most schools. Once you have decided where you want to live then the school where you child is currently enrolled can help you organise a transfer to the new school.

For employers

Remote recruitment tips

Interviews can be undertaken successfully online. Request that interviews are undertaken with cameras on and in a quiet place with no distractions.

Include questions about the reason they may want to move to a regional area. This helps to assess if they are attracted to regional living and enhances the probability of job retention.

Workplace induction and orientation

Every workplace has its own culture and depending on the industry, quite often its own language. Your recruit may have experienced very different workplaces where it was frowned on to ask questions or to make mistakes.

A buddy system can help to develop trust as well as on the job training. It is important that people feel safe to ask questions to aid productivity and to ensure a safe workplace.

Financial Support for Relocations is limited

People on Centrelink Benefits can access financial assistance to relocate through their Workforce Australia provider.

The Asylum Seeker Employment Skills (ASESS) delivered by Settlement Services International supports matches between job seekers and Employers in regional Areas and can provide financial assistance for relocations.

GROW Series

Moving to a regional area: opportunities, improved well-being, and inclusion

People who have moved to the Murray and Riverina and now call some of these regions their home share their stories. Finding a job, helping settle children at school and building social networks have been challenges these families have overcome thanks to the welcoming communities in Leeton, Temora, Holbrook, Albury and Wagga Wagga. Employers also have recruited remotely and been part of welcoming communities using the workplace as an entry point to the community.

Watch their stories.