RDA Southern NSW and ACT warmly welcomed 16 new paramedics to the Hilltops region at a special dinner and trivia evening at the Young Services Club last Wednesday night.
The event, organised by The Welcome Experience Southern Region Local Connectors Ally Dunwoodie and Jamie McMaster, brought together community leaders and health professionals to help the newcomers feel right at home in Hilltops.
This event is part of The Welcome Experience Southern Region, a NSW Government-funded initiative delivered by Regional Development Australia Southern NSW and ACT.
The program supports essential workers relocating to regional, rural, and remote NSW, helping them feel connected and supported from the moment they arrive.
The evening, attended by 24 people, provided a valuable opportunity to introduce the new arrivals to the town, foster connections with their colleagues, and showcase the renowned local hospitality and community spirit of the region.
The 16 new paramedics have moved to Young to provide emergency and mobile health care across the Murrumbidgee and Southern NSW Zone as part of NSW Ambulance’s highly mobile workforce.
Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram joined the celebrations, along with NSW Ambulance Duty Operations Manager Ian Pollard, Zone Manager Cory McMillan, and Team Leader Nathan McEvoy from Young Ambulance Station.
The evening included a friendly trivia competition, a community dinner, and a heartfelt speech from Mayor Ingram, who thanked the paramedics for choosing to live and work in Young.
“Having these highly trained professionals join our community is a significant win for Young," Mayor Ingram said.
"We are proud to welcome them and look forward to the positive impact they’ll make, both in our health services and in the wider community.
“Young is a town of opportunity, connection, and lifestyle—and we’re thrilled these new paramedics are now part of that story.”
Local Connector Ally Dunwoodie said the event was a fantastic way to begin the new arrivals' journey in the region.
“We had a wonderful evening full of laughter, stories, and genuine connection," she said.
"It’s been a really positive start for the paramedics—seeing how welcomed they felt was incredibly rewarding."
Several of the new paramedics shared how meaningful the evening had been.
The personal welcome—including the presence of the Mayor—made them feel truly valued.
“I was really touched by the warm welcome we received," one of the new paramedics said.
"It definitely made me feel like I've made the right decision to come to Young.”