A program that brings doctors, teachers and other essential workers to Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter will end 2025 with 203 new locals now part of the community.
The Welcome Experience, a NSW Government program coordinated from Muswellbrook Shire Council, supports essential workers and their families to relocate, settle and build lives in the Shire and its surrounds.
The program has relocated 94 workers to Muswellbrook, with partners and family accounting for the total of 200 adopted locals in the three catchment council areas.
Ten are set to arrive in the new year, in a further boost to local healthcare, schools, emergency response and other vital services in the Shire.
This week essential workers, friends and loved ones gathered for Christmas lunch at Red Door Community Kitchen in Muswellbrook, reflecting on a community they now call home.
Muswellbrook Shire Council’s The Welcome Experience Community Connector Katrina Kiely said the program supports workers from their first enquiry to life in their new community.
“We need these qualified people but relocating is a huge step, especially when you’re moving with family from interstate or overseas,” Ms Kiely said.
“Through The Welcome Experience, we help them navigate the move and make a vital contribution to Muswellbrook Shire and the Upper Hunter. Seeing people thrive, make friends and start to feel at home is incredibly rewarding.”
Muswellbrook Mayor Jeff Drayton said the benefits of the program are felt right across the Shire and the Hunter.
“When we attract an essential worker to Muswellbrook Shire, everyone wins,” Mayor Drayton said.
“It means better healthcare, better resourced classrooms, better safety and wellbeing for our community. These are the things that matter to our residents, and Council is proud to coordinate the local delivery of The Welcome Experience.”
The free NSW Government service supports hard-to-recruit essential workers by pairing them with a Local Connector – a dedicated, on-the-ground contact who provides personalised, practical support before, during and after relocation.
In Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter region, this includes support with housing, schooling and childcare, partner employment, access to health services, local clubs, workplaces and community groups.
Through The Welcome Experience, Muswellbrook Shire has gained health professionals, teachers, early childhood educators, emergency service personnel and other critical workers.
Essential workers considering a move to Muswellbrook Shire or the Upper Hunter can learn more about The Welcome Experience at:
