When newcomers settle and put down roots in regional communities, there are significant benefits for newcomers, the receiving community and the Australian society and economy alike. The movement of newcomers to regional areas can alleviate population decline, fill labour shortages and enrich cultural diversity.

In recent years, Australian government policies have sought to promote migration and settlement in regional communities. While government policies have helped to increase the initial settlement of migrants and refugees in regional areas, helping newcomers and local receiving communities develop lasting ties remains a challenge. This highlights the need for a greater focus on supporting newcomers in regional areas to develop lasting connections that benefit them and the regional communities where they settle.

This policy brief shines a light on policy solutions to address this issue. It is informed by SSI’s recent experience and research on refugee settlement in Armidale, New South Wales. It also draws insights from successful approaches used in Canada in settling and retaining newcomers outside of major cities.