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AAP
AAP
Politics
Luke Costin

Friendly faces to help NSW tree changers

NSW rural health minister Bronnie Taylor says the program will help key workers move to the country. (Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS) (AAP)

Teachers, healthcare professionals and other tree changers will be greeted with a friendly face and extra support under a new NSW regional initiative.

The pilot program will assign at least one person to help new residents find the best part of town for them and help create social connections.

"There is nothing more valuable than local knowledge, especially when you are moving somewhere new," Deputy Premier Paul Toole said on Tuesday.

"This service acts a bit like a concierge - people are matched with locals giving them the opportunity to ask questions about healthcare and childcare services and even which area of town might best suit their family."

Broken Hill, Walgett, Coffs Harbour, Muswellbrook, Goulburn, Griffith, Corowa and Bega will get first crack in 2023, with their successes and failures to inform a wider rollout in 2024.

Transitioning to country life would be made much easier under the program, Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said.

"This is about ensuring our communities have access to quality services that are staffed with key workers, who feel welcomed in the areas they live and work in," she said in a statement.

The Welcome Experience is part of a $30 million government package to attract, prepare and retain key workers in regional NSW.

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