Supporting Essential Workers to Settle and Stay

Delivered by Skillset and funded by the NSW Government through the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), The Welcome Experience is a free service that provides practical, on-the-ground assistance for essential workers relocating to regional NSW.

From helping secure housing and childcare, to connecting families with local services and employment opportunities for partners, the program is designed to ensure people feel welcomed, supported and connected from day one.

Over the past 18 months, the program has supported 203 essential workers across key sectors including:

• Health
• Education
• Aged care
• Emergency services
• Policing

At the heart of this success is Skillset’s Local Connector, Rahni Darcy, who has played a leading role in helping individuals and families build strong, lasting connections in their new communities.

Growing the Team to Meet Demand

As part of the program’s expansion, Skillset has welcomed two additional Local Connectors, strengthening the team’s ability to provide personalised support across a growing region.

In another important update, local government workers are now recognised as essential workers, making them eligible to access The Welcome Experience. This change broadens the program’s impact and supports workforce needs across local councils.

Local Connectors are based in Bathurst, Orange and Parkes, providing regional coverage and ensuring support is accessible where it’s needed most.

Expanding Reach Across 11 LGAs

With the inclusion of Forbes, Cabonne and Blayney, Skillset now delivers The Welcome Experience across 11 LGAs, including:

• Bathurst
• Cowra
• Lachlan
• Lithgow
• Orange
• Oberon
• Parkes
• Weddin
• Forbes
• Cabonne
• Blayney

This expanded footprint allows the program to strengthen regional workforce attraction and retention while supporting communities facing critical skills shortages.

Building Stronger Communities Through Connection

Many of the essential workers supported through The Welcome Experience arrive in regional communities without an existing network. By providing practical assistance and a local connection point, the program helps individuals and families feel supported as they establish their lives in a new region.

Skillset is proud to continue building on the program’s success, supporting essential workers to not only relocate, but to thrive and build long-term futures in regional NSW.

Meet the Team Driving the Impact

The expansion also marks an exciting time for the team behind the program. Recently, team members came together in Orange for a planning session led by Senior Connector Rahni Darcy, welcoming Cassie Gates to Skillset and The Welcome Experience, and celebrating Cara Curtis stepping into her new role.

With a growing, dedicated team in place, The Welcome Experience is well positioned to continue making a real difference across the Central West.