Making the move: how The Welcome Experience supported one educator’s transition to regional NSW

Relocating to regional New South Wales can offer early childhood educators a more connected lifestyle, greater affordability and meaningful career opportunities. Yet for many families, the practical realities of moving, particularly from interstate, remain a significant barrier.

The Welcome Experience (TWE) was established to address these challenges. Through personalised, place‑based support, the program helps essential workers and their families navigate housing, community connection and local settlement with confidence.

For early childhood educator Stephanie Nicole, who relocated from Rockhampton (QLD) to Port Macquarie with her wife Emily and their daughter, this support proved pivotal.

A lifestyle-driven move supported by opportunity

The decision to relocate fulfilled a long-held goal to live by the beach and be closer to extended family. “We have always loved the beach, and our end goal has always been to live by the beach,” Stephanie said. At 33, the move represented a shift toward a lifestyle centred on wellbeing, connection and time together.

The biggest barrier: securing housing from interstate

Despite strong rental history and references, the family struggled to secure a property from Queensland. “Our biggest challenge was trying to find a rental. No one would look at us because we lived so far away,” Stephanie said. The competitive regional rental market, combined with the difficulty of attending inspections in person, created delays and uncertainty. Without support, the family would have needed to fly to NSW, adding significant cost to an already expensive interstate move.

How The Welcome Experience made the difference

Through TWE, the family was connected with Local Connector Helen, whose on‑the‑ground support proved decisive.

“We tried for weeks before Helen was able to attend inspections. She attended two in one day, and the next day we were approved,” Stephanie said.

“Without The Welcome Experience and Helen, we wouldn’t have secured a rental as easily.”

Beyond housing, Helen provided local information, regular check‑ins and opportunities to meet other families. “Helen helped us get settled in, she got to know our family and made us feel so welcome,”

Stephanie said. “It can be hard to make friends as an adult, especially with a young family, but we’ve already built friendships and even organised BBQs with another family we met through the program.”

Career continuity and a smooth transition for their daughter

With strong demand for educators across regional NSW, Stephanie secured a role at an early learning centre before the move. The service also had capacity to enrol her daughter, supporting a seamless transition for both work and family life.

This reflects broader workforce trends, with regional services actively seeking qualified educators and offering meaningful opportunities for those open to relocation.

Finding their place in Port Macquarie

Since settling in, the family has embraced the slower pace and natural beauty of their new community.

“It’s a calmer way of life. It’s made us slow down and really appreciate how lucky we are to live here,” Stephanie said.

A recent picnic by the beach reinforced their sense of belonging.

“We said we hope we never take this for granted. Watching families out together made us realise we don’t regret this move at all.”

Strengthening workforce mobility through targeted support

Stephanie’s experience highlights a key insight for the ECEC sector: attracting essential workers to regional areas requires more than job availability. Practical, personalised support, particularly around housing and community connection, can be the difference between a possible move and a successful one.

As workforce shortages continue to affect regional communities, initiatives like The Welcome Experience will remain central to supporting educator mobility and ensuring services can meet the needs of children and families across Australia.

To find out more about The Welcome Experience, visit their website and to register.