The Minns Government is acting on its commitment to attract veterinarians to regional NSW with an expansion of the highly successful Welcome Experience program that has helped hundreds of essential workers make the move to the bush.
Launched in June 2023, The Welcome Experience has helped some 843 essential workers settle into their new regional home by helping them find housing, childcare, employment opportunities for partners and making introductions to community organisations and locals.
Veterinary workers – including vets, vet nurses and vet technicians and their families – can now access The Welcome Experience in 55 local government areas across regional NSW.
The Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage in New South Wales highlighted the need for access to veterinary services in regional areas, including support for primary production, to lift animal health outcomes and manage biosecurity risks.
Expanding The Welcome Experience will address these shortages by supporting and helping veterinary professionals to relocate to regional locations where their expertise is needed.
The Welcome Experience is part of the $25.1 million Essential Worker Attraction Program, which aims to boost essential workforces in the regions and includes the Make the Move advertising campaign.
It continues to support the continued delivery of a skilled and robust essential workforce in our regions and is further proof of the NSW Government’s dedication to paving the way for stronger, more resilient communities while ensuring that every corner of the state thrives.
To find out more about The Welcome Experience and the exciting opportunities that await those considering a move to the regions, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“The Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage highlighted key challenges facing regional veterinarians, including the need to travel long distances, difficulty finding suitable housing, and a lack of mentorship for new graduates.
“These challenges mirror those faced by firefighters, who often relocate to regional areas where stable housing and community connections are critical for workforce retention.
“By expanding The Welcome Experience again the NSW Government is addressing unique challenges in attracting and retaining critical workers which has a direct impact on the safety, health, and resilience of these communities.”
NSW Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Jo Coombe said:
“Veterinary services are critical in managing biosecurity risks and safeguarding animal health, animal welfare and public health.
“Vets help deliver food security, farm productivity and wildlife health.
“Regional and rural communities are struggling more than metro areas to access veterinary services, including support for primary production and support for animals, large or small animals.”
Wauchope Veterinary Clinic owner and Advisory Board member, Australian Vet Association’s Veterinary Business Group, Michael Ferguson said:
“We have had to cut back our services, almost across the board, from opening less hours, to not having vets available on some days (especially Saturdays) and no longer being able to provide vet services to the local farms and producers.
“This year less than 70 vets graduated from Sydney Uni and less than 70 will come out of Charles Sturt University at Wagga Wagga, so competition to attract and retain vets is fierce.
“The variety and scope of the work they would be exposed to and be able to take on is so much greater in regional areas. Experience-wise, a vet who has spent a year or two in the regions will have been able to undertake so many more different surgeries, medical cases and become so much more adept, flexible and employable than those in the cities.
“I believe the rewards, enjoyment and fulfilment both personally and professionally are fantastic in regional workplaces like ours and I encourage all the vet students we come across to seriously consider the benefits of regional work.”