Shepparton’s Community Connector program was developed to assist new-to-area residents with re-settling and socially connecting in the region by providing a relocation concierge service.
Here are the types of things the Community Connector Program helps new-to-area residents with:
- Assisting with the process of finding a home to live
- Assisting with finding local jobs for partners,
- Helping choose the right school or childcare,
- Providing intel on local services,
- Making introductions (in-line with individuals’ interests) to help make social connections in the community
- Running networking events
- Providing attraction and retention tools and resources
These types of supports are designed to make the process of re-settling and establishing social connections in the Shepparton region occur smoothly and as fast as possible for new-to-area residents.
Dr Cosgrave’s research identifies if ‘newcomers’ did not develop strong social bonds within the first 12-months of relocating, then turnover is likely.
So, this aim of the CCP is to encourage a high level of life satisfaction with the people and places of Shepparton and through this nurture intention to stay among newcomers.
Read this testimonial from the Saffy Family on how the CCP helped them settle and connect in Shepparton:
Dylan, Sarah & Kayla Saffy
From South Africa
“We cannot thank Bim and Community Connector Program enough for all the support, guidance and help. Bim has gone above and beyond to make us feel included in Shepparton and feel at home. Without her assistance, we would have felt so lost.”
Dylan, Sarah & Kayla Saffy
From South Africa
My family and I recently moved to Shepparton on a work visa from South Africa. I am currently working as the Depot Manager for the Shepparton roads services division for Downer.
Our daunting yet exciting move was made a lot easier due to wonderful service from the Community Connector Program. We came across the Shepparton Newbies facebook page and with plenty of excitement joined the group, even though we weren’t in Shepparton yet. We got a speedy response from Bim asking if we were in Shepparton and if there is any help needed.
Bim gladly offered us assistance where needed. Aside from including us into the activities in Shepparton, Bim even assisted us in the process of securing a rental. She effortlessly agreed to assist with our rental applications and gave us recommendations of areas that would be well suited for our family. As we arrived in Shepparton, we had a home ready.
We cannot thank Bim and Community Connector Program enough for all the support, guidance and help. Bim has gone above and beyond to make us feel included in Shepparton and feel at home. Without her assistance, we would have felt so lost.
Kind regards The Saffy Family.
