A NSW Government program has been expanded to attract veterinarians and associated staff to regional New South Wales.

Veterinary workers – including vets, vet nurses and vet technicians and their families – can now access The Welcome Experience in more than 50 local government areas across rural and regional New South Wales.

Moree veterinarian, David Hunter, welcomes the initiative, but says an underlying problem isn’t fully addressed – assisting students pursuing a career in rural and regional veterinary work.

“The government’s The Welcome Experience is a very worthwhile initiative to assist veterinary workers and their families settle into rural and regional NSW once they have decided to relocate,” Mr Hunter said.

“In my opinion, it will not draw veterinarians to regional New South Wales. The bigger problem has been facilitating students with a desire to pursue a career in rural and regional veterinary work into veterinary courses.

“The most consistent factor influencing which graduates choose to pursue a career in rural and regional areas seems to be, the students who come from the bush are the most likely to return to the bush.

“Offering initiatives and programs to secondary school students that highlight the opportunities a rural veterinary career can provide and the important role the veterinary profession has in primary production and biosecurity is where the effort is required.”

Mr Hunter said selective tertiary intakes and financial assistance for rural students in the veterinary sector is essential.

“Once these new workers within the industry arrive in rural New South Wales they will find rural communities are extremely welcoming and supportive of essential workers and The Welcome Experience will make the transition to work and settling in even smoother,” Mr Hunter said.

Moree veterinarian, David Hunter, and Gravy Watts at Moree Veterinary Hospital.

Launched in June 2023, The Welcome Experience has assisted more than 800 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.

The Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage in New South Wales was opened in June, 2023.

The NSW Parliamentary Committee in June, 2024, published its report, including 17 findings and 34 recommendations.

The report highlights the need for access to veterinary services in regional areas, including support for primary production, to lift animal health outcomes and manage biosecurity risks.

The program is a free service supporting essential workers – and their families – considering applying for, or have accepted, a job in regional New South Wales.

Local Connectors help with the practicalities of finding housing, choosing childcare, and exploring employment opportunities for partners.

Government and non-government employees working in health, aged care, education, early childhood education, disability support, child protection and out-of-home care, corrections and justice, Rural Fire Service (paid employees) and veterinary services are eligible.

Government employees in NSW Police, NSW Fire and Rescue, NSW Ambulance, NSW Health, Department of Education, Department of Communities and Justice and Corrective Services NSW are also eligible.

Expanding The Welcome Experience hopes to address shortages by supporting and helping veterinary professionals relocate to regional locations where their expertise is needed.

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,” Ms Moriarty said.

“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,” Dr Coombe said.

“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.”

To find out more about The Welcome Experience, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience