The 'Growing Regions of Welcome' or GROW program launched in the middle of last year, to try and connect candidates in metropolitan Sydney with new lifestyles and career opportunities in the regions.

The program is based on consultation with communities and stakeholders across NSW, and as part of this consultation process, a new survey has been launched to identify where Griffith can improve to encourage people to stay for the long-term and to feel welcomed.

A statement from the GROW NSW team attached to the survey highlights the opportunities that more immigration could bring to the city.

"We have an opportunity to tap into the talents and aspirations of people from migrant backgrounds who can help regional communities and local economies recover, adapt and prosper."

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Carmel La Rocca from the multicultural council said that the key was to address the housing crisis.

"The stresses of this town is housing. Housing is the tricky bit. Over time, you get to know the town, it's just the housing shortage. It can be very uncomfortable when you're not settled somewhere," she explained.

Ms La Rocca said that culturally, Griffith was a welcoming place but that the struggle for new arrivals was often in making themselves known.

"People are made welcome here if we know they're here. It's just people letting us know that they're here ... The whole city needs to extend a hand of friendship to new people coming to town. If you feel isolated, you're not going to hang around for long."

She added that festivals and events were often good opportunities to get involved and connect with the town, but that COVID-19 had made things harder with ongoing cancellations and struggles.

"At the moment, it's difficult but hopefully things brighten up. Once it settles and we start having events, they'll make people feel more welcomed."

The survey is available at bit.ly/GriffithNSW-Grow.

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