Local Connect (formerly Attract, Connect, Stay – Glen Innes Inc) has launched a new program called The Welcome Experience. The program is a concierge service that helps settle and connect Essential Service Workers into the Glen Innes and Inverell communities. The program supports eligible new-to-area workers in government and non-government organisations positions in healthcare, education, communities and justice, police, fire and rescue and ambulance.
Local Connect has adopted its Sustainable Business Plan, funded by the Whiterock Community Grant, and is now focused on developing a whole-of-community approach to workforce attraction and retention. This is an important development for the organisation to support local business and industry sectors to help attract and retain their workforce.
Key projects will include a deep-dive into doctor attraction and suggested strategies to convert more doctors into rural communities in partnership with Dr Cath Cosgrave – founder of Attract, Connect, Stay; a ‘grow-your-own’ project in partnership with Business NSW NENW who will lead and collaborate with Local Connect to establish a Regional Learning System with the potential to pilot the project in Glen Innes; and to develop and deliver fee-for-service programs to support the attraction and retention of professional positions in Glen Innes and more broadly to other towns over time.
Margot Davis, Executive Manager said “The Welcome Experience widens the scope of Local Connect to assist not only healthcare workers but all Essential Service workers into the Glen Innes and Inverell communities. Funded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, the program employs Community Connectors to settle and connect new-to-area professionals as a ‘concierge’ on all of the ‘life stuff’ thereby supporting local employers.”
The Welcome Experience aims to help communities like Glen Innes grow by attracting skilled talent, which can boost the local economy and brings fresh ideas. Local businesses, who struggle to find skilled and professional workers, will now be able to include the service in their job listings. Recruitment agencies and professional groups can also recommend The Welcome Experience to skilled workers considering a move to the area.
Anyone with a friend or family member interested in moving to Glen Innes to take up a skilled role can self-refer to the service through the website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/makethemove/welcome-experience.
In a time when regional towns often find it hard to compete with big cities for skilled workers, The Welcome Experience is more than just a helpful service—it’s a way to attract more professional families and grow our population whilst maintaining and ideally growing our services.
Local Connect is currently funded through membership fees, donations, fundraising and grant funding.
