Dozens of vital essential workers from across the nation have settled into a Hunter Valley town, thanks to a soon-to-be expanded state government program.
In the past 12 months, Muswellbrook welcomed 38 essential workers from major cities, including nurses, teachers, police and firefighters.
Their transition has been made easy by the NSW government's Welcome Experience program, which helps the tree changers with everything from finding a rental property and helping their partner find a job to enrolling kids in school and joining sporting clubs.
Sean and Emily Kay, along with their toddler, moved from the Gold Coast to Muswellbrook in May, after Mr Kay was posted to the town as a paramedic.
The Welcome Experience helped get them rental property, organised social events for them to meet new friends and even helped Ms Kay connect with local schools, where she secured a job teaching at a high school.
The couple quickly became part of the community - Mr Kay volunteers to read to children in his paramedic uniform and Ms Kay has found a supportive network for new mothers.
"In the few short months we've lived here, we have felt very welcomed by the locals and have made some amazing new friends," Mr Kay said.
"The beautiful thing about regional towns is how community focussed they are, which makes them a great place to meet other people.
"I would also say that the change of pace from metro-city life is refreshing and so peaceful. We love it here."
Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty said because of the program's success in Muswellbrook, the government had decided to expand the program to the Upper Hunter and Singleton.
"These new locations will give essential workers considering a change, that extra nudge to get them over the line, because they will have confidence that they and their family will have choices and opportunities to fit in and be welcomed in the regions."
"Locals can give insights on different locations in towns to suit housing needs, or finding a reliable removalist or even knowing which café boasts the best cappuccino in town."
The program was trialed in eight local government areas, including Muswellbrook, and helped settle more than 500 people in the past 12 months. It is now being rolled out across 52 regional LGAs.
Welcome Experience local connector Katrina Kiely - who helped the Kays settle into Muswellbrook - said the program had been a game changer for the region.
"We're finally filling those roles that have been vacant for ages, and in the process, we're also building a stronger community," Ms Kiely said.
"It's been a great way to show off what makes our area special and to welcome new folks into the fold."
Muswellbrook mayor Steve Reynolds said the program had been "extremely successful for our community".
"I've had nothing but positive feedback and council are excited for the program to be continued," Cr Reynolds said.
The program also helps settle professionals in other vital industries such as childcare, age care workers, disability care and Aboriginal medical services.
