Migrants and refugees are being offered new opportunities to resettle in regional communities as part of the NSW Government’s Growing Regions of Welcome (GROW) Program.
Officially launched yesterday, the NSW GROW pilot program is a $3 million investment by the state government to help new migrants and refugees in Western Sydney find opportunities in the Murray and Riverina regions.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole said vibrant communities like Leeton and Walla Walla offered excellent lifestyle and employment opportunities.
”These regional communities have a long history of welcoming people from all walks of life with open arms, particularly newcomers to Australia who want to build a better life for their families in our great state,” Mr Toole said.
“Regional NSW offers unique lifestyle and employment opportunities, as well as infrastructure and services that makes these communities the perfect place to live and raise a family.”
Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure said the program was about enabling newcomers to make an informed choice by showcasing the opportunities available in regional communities.
“This is especially the case for refugees who may be unfamiliar with what our great multicultural state offers,” Mr Coure said.
“The NSW GROW program provides avenues for people to find a home, work and connect with the communities in the Murray and Riverina.”
As part of the program, Western Sydney Regional Employment Hub will provide a gateway between participants and employers, and will help migrants and refugees make informed decisions about relocating and help facilitate the move.
NSW Coordinator General for Settlement, Professor Peter Shergold said the program harnessed and enabled newcomers’ social and economic contributions to areas such as the Murray and Riverina regions.
“Resettlement allows regional Australia to benefit from the skills, aspirations and entrepreneurship of people when they come to live in Australia,” Professor Shergold said.
For more information about the NSW GROW program and to take part, visit multicultural.nsw.gov.au/nsw-grow.launch
