STAY Program Update: A warm welcome that helped new starters settle in Gladstone

Starting a new job in a regional community is about more than learning a new role. It is also about building confidence, finding your way around a new town and feeling like you belong.

Recently in Gladstone, newlywed couple Ahmed and Sara relocated for council-aligned roles and were supported during their first weeks by our STAY Welcome Ambassador, Rania, through our partnership with Strong Communities.

From the outset, Rania focused on helping the couple settle into everyday life in their new community. She prepared a tailored welcome package with practical local information, provided language assistance, supported Sara with her blue card application, helped organise driving lessons, connected her to first aid training and assisted with pathways into a childcare volunteering program.

These early supports made a noticeable difference. Within weeks, Ahmed and Sara felt more confident navigating their new surroundings, establishing routines and building connections in the community. For people relocating to a new region, these small but practical steps often shape how quickly they feel at home.

There were personal touches too. During their first catch up, Rania gifted the couple a picnic bag and encouraged them to explore Gladstone’s outdoor spaces. It was a simple gesture, but one that reflected the heart of the STAY Program: creating welcoming, human connections that help people feel supported from day one.

From a council perspective, support like this creates practical, long term benefits. When newcomers feel supported outside of work, they settle in faster, build stronger connections with colleagues and the community, and are more likely to remain in their roles over time.

• Supports new hires during the highest risk period for early turnover
• Builds confidence and belonging from the start
• Improves the experience for both candidates and hiring teams
• Strengthens councils’ reputation as welcoming employers
• Reduces pressure on internal teams by providing dedicated settlement support

The STAY Program is designed to complement existing recruitment processes by focusing on what happens after someone arrives. It provides structured, person to person support that helps new hires build stability, routine and connection in their new communities.

If your council wants to strengthen retention outcomes or better support incoming staff, we would love to help. Contact us at [email protected] or call Caroline Bryan, our Regional Recruitment Specialist on 0403 202 418.