Migration
Start Your Future Here
Australia has a non-discriminatory immigration policy which means that anyone can apply to migrate to Australia from any country in the world, no matter what his or her gender, colour, ethnic origin or religion. People can apply to migrate through Australian visa offices overseas either directly with the assistance of a registered migration agent, or contact the Wangaratta Rural City Council via email migration@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
Australia's increasing involvement in international markets has led to greater emphasis being given to the 'skill' component of Australia's Migration Program. Skilled migrants can help offset specific skill shortages, and they expand the size and quality of the Australian workforce.
The Global Skillls for Provincial Victoria (GSPV) program provides funding and assistance for the Wangaratta Rural City Council to develop and implement a Regional Migration Strategy. The strategy will be the basis for attracting skilled and business migrants and their families to settle and work in north east Victoria.
The objectives of the GSPV program are:
Assist regional communities develop and implement strategies which attract and retain skilled migrants.
- Facilitate skilled migrant employment in areas where there are identified skill shortages and adequate access to education, health services and housing opportunities.
- Support communities in their efforts to include skilled migrants as equal contributors to their local area, and assist migrants to settle in regional Victoria.
- Contribute to the development of diverse and strong communities in Victoria by building social networks, community interaction, and social and economic inclusion.
Wangaratta can make it happen
This is the message the city is sending to anyone looking for a fresh start in regional Victoria. While offering a blend of city and country life, our Mayor Cnr Ron Webb said the foremost attraction to Wangaratta is opportunity.
"What makes Wangaratta appealing is the fact that there are jobs available in skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled labour," he said. "We are a growing city, which is well-placed geographically and driven by very successful business, industry and tourism. Our buoyant economy provides employment opportunities across a wide range of industries."
Wangaratta has boomed in the past couple of years with help from major retail giants like The Warehouse, Rivers, Jay Jays, Super Cheap Auto and more recently, Big W. The industrial sector has also taken off, with industrial land sales in the last 12 months exceeding those in the last 12 years, along with the development of new residential areas.
Whilst this tells the tale of many growing centres across the state, very few can boast of the broader lifestyle that Wangaratta offers.
- It is a safe and friendly community, with a full range of community support groups and well-being initiatives.
- The region is a wine and food lovers' paradise, with surrounding rich agricultural land yielding gourmet produce and world-class wines.
- The city is a sports-lovers' mecca, with first class playing arenas, golf courses, an indoor aquatic centre and other facilities across the municipality.
- The nearby alpine ranges are a playground for skiers in winter, while in summer fishing, bushwalking and cycling are popular pursuits.
For the younger members of the community, there are plenty of open spaces and playgrounds.
"Here you can live life at the perfect pace, balancing family and career aspirations in a vibrant, safe, progressive and caring community," Mayor Cnr Ron Webb said.
The region has cast its spell on Erik Jensen who has been working in Wangaratta for the past three years. The Danish-bred aircraft sheetmetal worker loves the open spaces, freedom and climate offered by the Wangaratta region.
"While I always thought I could go back to Denmark anytime I wanted to, I came to stay in Australia for two years and that was 33 years ago," he said. "I'm not in any great rush to go back."
The Wangaratta region offers such aspects as:
- A choice of educational facilities, from kindergarten through to TAFE
- Modern health facilities, including a base hospital and community health centres
- A skilled migration program to assist newcomers to the area
- Affordable housing
- A safe and friendly community
- A vibrant retail precinct
Welcome from the Mayor
The Wangaratta Rural City Council is committed to ensuring that our municipality is a “vibrant, diverse and secure place to live” and invite you to share our aspirations.Background
Since 1999, there has been an increase in the number of skilled and business migrants settling in Victoria.Contacts
Who to Contact.Live and Work
Wangaratta is located in the heart of north east Victoria, a bustling provincial centre in a region of breathtaking beauty.Success Stories
Wangaratta business, Burder Group, is a multicultural workforce success story.