The Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW) has announced that the first of its four new regional hubs is to be established in Armidale, with up to 100 jobs for the New England region.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro announced that $2 million would be allocated for initial works to establish the State Heritage-listed building, known locally as the Old Armidale Teachers’ College, as one of DRNSW’s four regional locations.
“It’s essential that the people who work to support regional NSW are living and working in the communities they serve, making connections with locals, experiencing life in the regions and becoming fully immersed in the community,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Why sit in an office in the city, day in and day out, when you can live and work in our beautiful regional towns, enjoying all the benefits that come with country living,” he said.
“This office will also provide job opportunities for locals, enabling people to stay in their hometown and injecting money into the local economy.”
Mr Barilaro said establishing office hubs, creating jobs and providing tailored Government support would help to build a stronger and safer regional NSW.
Member for Northern Tablelands, Adam Marshall welcomed the announcement, after advocating for the Old Teachers’ College to become the Department’s new home, and said the location would provide plenty of office space, good access and great digital connectivity.
The Armidale hub will be accompanied by the other three new DRNSW offices, to be established at Queanbeyan, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour.
