Tips for moving to a new town

DR JuMP interviews community connector Fiona Blick on tips for moving to a new town.

The Committee for Greater Shepparton knows how important connection is and provides a Greater Shepparton Community Connector Program with a friendly face to connect you to the community. Fiona works alongside GV Health and recognisable brands to help new employees connect to the community. Fiona specialises in community engagement and kindly shares information to help everyone feel welcome and at home in the community and is for a matter of words a “Relocation trip advisor”. Today Fiona introduces herself and shares some information with the DR JuMP community.

Q. Having moved to Greater Shepparton from Broken Hill, are you able to share a story of what helped you adjust to a new community? 

A. When I moved into this area, I gave myself some time to get to know my new home, and I didn’t rush things. I took one day at a time and didn’t expect to be “connected” or make new friends the minute I arrived. I joined the library, I joined a gym and I volunteered at my children’s school. Research shows it can take between 6 and 12 months before people start to connect in a new community and it does take effort and patience but if you remain positive and give yourself some space it will definitely become your home.

Q. What information is important to know about a new area before you arrive?

A. It is important to roughly understand the layout of your new community – where is the hospital, medical centre, school, shopping centre, bank, supermarket, petrol station.  That way you can start to have an idea of how long it would take to get to all the important places from where you are going to live. It is even a good idea to mark these facilities on a map so you can refer back to them quickly as needed.  Also find out if there is any public transport and what is the timetable – even if you have a car, it is always good to have that knowledge easily accessible, just in case. Also have the taxi phone number noted down and whether there is an Uber service (some regional areas still do not have this available).

Q. What sort of local knowledge can you share about the community, and when should people reach out to a community connector?

A. People should reach out to a Community Connector (myself) as soon as they have accepted the position, even if the start date is months away. Those first conversations are invaluable in ironing out the logistics of the town for example where available rental properties are located and you might even be able to put in an early application so you could secure a place to live before you arrive; what type of school you might want and putting your childrens’ names on waiting lists – both for schools and childcare; and if you have any cultural or religious needs, where churches or cultural centres are located.  It is also great to have a general conversation with me and ask any and all questions you might have – no matter how small.  That way, you will know at least one person outside of your work when you arrive.

Q. How can people feel at home in a new neighbourhood?

A. The most simplest way is to literally go for walks.  Once you secure a home, take the opportunity to go for walks around your neighbourhood and give yourself space to become familiar with the environment. Start to join groups or activities you would normally do – running groups, book clubs, gyms, libraries and search for events you can attend; doing one social activity a week goes a long way to meeting new people and settling into the community.

Q. Why is community connection so important?

A. Moving to a new town/city/country, is one of the most stressful things a person can do, and studies have shown if these people are not deeply connected within twelve months they will pack up and leave. Connection to community is critical to individuals, and offers a sense of belonging, identity, and support and in so doing, strengthens your psychological wellbeing and emotional stability. By using the Committee for Greater Shepparton Community Connector Program, help starts before you relocate and continues well after you arrive, with the Program providing a wealth of information and support on housing and schools, plus social, cultural and religious networks.

To contact Fiona Blick about information in the Goulburn Valley email: communityconnect@c4gs.com.au or contact your HR to find support in your local region.