29 September 2011

When it comes to finding your way around a new town, nothing beats local knowledge.

And that’s exactly what the Warrnambool Community Ambassador Program provides newcomers to the south west of Victoria.

The program provides a group of volunteer ambassadors who help employees and their families settle into their new community.

Co-ordinated by Warrnambool City Council in conjunction with the State Government, the program aims to attract and retain skilled workers from other regions, interstate and overseas.

Project manager Phil Hoggan said the personalised approach of the ambassador program was more valuable than brochures in a welcome pack.

“Moving to a new city can be very daunting but the ambassadors help make that transition as smooth as possible,” he said.

“They are available to do a range of things from welcome a newcomer as they first step off the train to catch up for a coffee or meal, show them around the area and provide essential information locals might take for granted like how to access schools or health care, where to have your tax done or even where to go for coffee.”

To read more about this initiative or to register your interest to be matched to an ambassador, visit the Warrnambool City Council website.