Some of Riverina’s newest residents at the recent Welcome to Wagga event. Photo: Shane Kelly Photography.
A handy guide for new arrivals to the Riverina promises to point individuals and families in the right direction as they adjust to life in Southern NSW.
Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina has published the 2024 Riverina New Residents Guide that offers practical advice from finding a doctor to understanding water safety in the rivers, lakes and dams.
RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting said that the region offered a great lifestyle, a thriving economy and plenty of opportunities for newcomers.
“This guide is a roadmap to help new residents navigate essential services, connect with the community, and embrace the unique lifestyle of the Riverina,” she said.
“This guide provides practical information on a wide range of topics relevant to settling in the Riverina.
“We aim to equip new residents with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in our community.”
RDA Riverina CEO Rachel Whiting said that the guide is a “roadmap to help new residents”. Photo: RDA Riverina.
RDA’s mission is to strengthen regional communities in Australia and their Workforce Development Plain aims to work with businesses and communities to support regional migration.
As well as attracting increasing numbers of ‘tree-changers’, the Riverina is also home to many thriving multicultural communities and the guide offers practical tips for international arrivals.
While RDA’s priority is to promote jobs for Australians first, skilled migration is a key part of addressing the current workforce shortages in the regions.
The Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) with the Federal Government provides employers with a path to sponsor skilled overseas workers in specified industries that are experiencing critical skill and labour shortages.
The Riverina is included in the Orana DAMA that covers Orana, Central West, Southern Inland, Murray and Riverina and includes a broad range of occupations and exceptions for skilled migrants to assist employers in finding the right people to fill positions.
Chair of RDA Riverina, Dianna Somerville, said it was about supporting the growth and prosperity of our region.
“We recognise the valuable contributions of newcomers and are proud to provide this resource to help them settle into their new home,” she said.
“We encourage all new residents to explore the guide and reach out to RDA Riverina for assistance.
“The Riverina offers a fantastic quality of life. Residents enjoy a blend of rural charm and urban convenience, with access to excellent education, healthcare, and recreational facilities.”
Under headings like “applying for a tax file number” and “enrolling with Medicare”, the guide provides a list of tasks for the first few weeks in Australia.
There is also a broad contacts list including community organisations, local media and faith communities.
RDA Riverina also supports new arrivals through Country Change and Jobs Riverina Murray, and is a facilitator of The Welcome Experience for the Riverina, in Griffith, Leeton, Wagga Wagga, Tumut and Temora.
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