With the community behind you, the grass can be greener on the other side.

The idea of uprooting your life for a country change is daunting for the best of us. For some it's the geography of the neighbourhood that represents the biggest upheaval. For those moving internationally, it's a grand departure from many social and cultural norms that guide everyday life.

Most of us want a sign that we have made the right decision for ourselves and our families. We want to feel our new home is going to embrace us and provide a nurturing and desirable place to live and thrive.

For 200+ new arrivals to Griffith since 2023, this sign has come in the shape of Griffith Connection; a series of social networking events that bring together new members of our community with locals to share the unique opportunities and quality liveability that our region has to offer.

Geared towards supporting new workers to find their footing here, Griffith Connection is a joint venture of the Griffith Business Chamber, Griffith City Council and Regional Development Australia Riverina.

“As a community, we not only need new workers to move to Griffith – we also need them to stay. The success of this model has been built on a mix of collaboration from individuals, families, community organisations and businesses whose aim is to build trust in existing and new social and recreational networks that welcome new workers to town,” said John Nikolic, President Griffith Business Chamber.

“We believe that providing positive experiences during the settlement phase and feeling connected will encourage them to stay”

In the latest instalment of the event series, Griffith Pioneer Park and Museum hosted and treated over 70 new arrivals, their families and welcoming locals to fresh made pizza, bocce and other sports on the lawns of the Italian Museum. The crowd pleaser of Sunday’s event was the guided train tour giving new arrivals an insight into the highlights of our multicultural heritage and workforce and its influence on our regional city.

Each event is designed to showcase Griffith’s assets with previous well attended events at the Griffith Regional Art Gallery, Griffith Regional Theatre and ROR. Attendees have come away with contacts for daycare services, recreational activities, work opportunities, new community and education connections and new friends. As a 6-yr old new arrival from Sudan excitedly exclaimed on Sunday, 'I am so happy, I have made my first new friend!'

With strong support and collaboration from Griffith Business Chamber and Griffith City Council, Griffith Connection has become an integral and evolving part of The Griffith Welcome Experience managed by RDA Riverina.

“Griffith Connection is a process that takes time, energy and is ever-evolving. The task is never complete, but it makes Griffith a more desirable place to live and it’s the overwhelming response on Sunday that highlights what strength these occasions bring to our community. On Sunday we even had interest from new arrivals wishing to fill volunteer positions with two community organisations” said Marg Couch RDA Riverina Manager Griffith Welcome Experience.

Special thanks must go to welcoming locals who are some of Griffith’s greatest ambassadors and volunteers - John and Romina Tappi, Julie O’Keeffe, Denis Couch, Shari Blumer, Blue Menzies and Danny Roller. Thank you to our sponsors and partners Griffith Business Chamber, Griffith City Council, Pioneer Park Playgroup, Griffith Pioneer Park and Museum, Griffith Tourism Hub, Belvedere Restaurant and Calabria Wines.

We look forward to our next event at the end of June. Follow us on Facebook @GriffithConnection to keep up to date with our upcoming events.