New residents discuss their experience with You're Welcome Relocation Service

Kirsty & Luke Miller (3 minutes duration) followed by Geoff Pearson (1 minute duration).
Click here to view on YouTube.

Read more testimonials below...

 

"It has made our first weeks in Wodonga a pleasure."

We relocated to Wodonga in January 2007 from Far North Queensland with our 6 year old son and our 4-month-old baby. I had been appointed to a local secondary school and Joel did not have work. Before we left Charters Towers, we were put in touch with Judy Ryan through the school’s Principal. Judy rang to introduce herself and to find out about our family and our needs.

When we arrived in Wodonga, Judy met us and took us to our temporary accommodation. She had arranged viewings of rental properties in and took us on tours around shopping centres, landmarks and places of interest and pre-ordered us a Post Office Box.

Although these were items some believe she should attend to as part of her business, it was the extra care and attention in which she did these things that really impressed us. Judy also helped me by looking after my daughter whilst I met with the Principal of the Primary School.

We are proud to call her our friend and our son just adores her, but mostly we are very grateful for the way she helped us when we first got here. She was selfless and persistent, honest and diligent and she embraced us as she would her own family.

It has made our first weeks in Wodonga a pleasure and meeting Judy has made us re-establish our goals. We are keen to stay in Wodonga for much longer than was our original plan.

We originally were enticed to move to Wodonga because of the community and good family atmosphere that we had heard about. But we were shocked about how much someone would care for us when they didn’t know us at all.

Kathleen Savage and Joel Smith

 

"Support of initiatives such as ‘Coffee, Cake and Conversation’ demonstrates her understanding that settlement is not a ‘tick box’ event."

In my capacity as Settlement Assistance Coordinator for City of Wodonga, I have known and worked with Judy Ryan, Principal Consultant, You’re Welcome Relocation Service, since January 2008 on a number of initiatives designed to support the settlement of newcomers to our city.

In 2008, City of Wodonga undertook research to examine the settlement experience of newcomers that had moved to our city in the previous five years with a view to informing future settlement directions for the city. Judy was one of sixteen community researchers that volunteered their time to provide us with their own valuable knowledge and feedback and to seek input from their clients.

One of the results of City of Wodonga’s Settlement Strategy was the establishment of ‘Coffee, Cake and Conversation’ at Wodonga Library on Friday mornings. The aim of the morning was to provide an opportunity for newcomers to our city to meet and mingle; share their experiences of arriving in Wodonga, and gain support and friendships. Judy was a regular supporter of “Coffee, Cake and Conversation” – with and without her clients. Judy gave advice, understanding and support to all of those that attended and her knowledge of local networks, real estate agents and so forth was invaluable.

In June 2009, Judy volunteered her time to hold mock interviews for a ‘Getting Connected and Getting Work’ program for new arrivals. Judy was extremely busy and preparing for a trip overseas, but was still able to make the time to assist a young woman in gaining the skills and confidence to find employment.

Judy has been on the project advisory committee of Council’s skilled migration program since 2008. The Skilled Migration Program recommends You’re Welcome Relocation Service to businesses looking to relocate skilled migrants to the area, and considers the service an invaluable tool in settling and retaining skilled workers in the area.

I do not hesitate in wholeheartedly recommending Judy Ryan’s services as a relocation consultant. In all my dealings with her she has been enthusiastic, knowledgeable and professional. She understands the challenges of moving to regional Australia and can empathise with her clients. Her support of initiatives such as ‘Coffee, Cake and Conversation’ demonstrates her understanding that settlement is not a ‘tick box’ event, and of the importance of supporting spouses and family members through a relocation.

Sophie Rhys, Settlement assistance coordinator, City of Wodonga

 

"I would strongly recommend You're Welcome Relocation Service to any employer wanting to ensure the happiness and retention of new families in their organisation."

I have engaged You're Welcome Relocation Service on two occasions: in 2006, relocating one family from Far North Queensland and in 2008, another from the central NSW coastal region.

In both instances, Judy showed great professionalism and care in finding these families good accommodation as well arranging medical services, child care and school enrolments, and employment and social networks.

Both families have settled permanently into the area and I know it's because of Judy's efforts.

I would strongly recommend You're Welcome Relocation Service to any employer wanting to ensure the happiness and retention of new families in their organisation.

Angela Killingsworth
Principal
Catholic College Wodonga

 

"She was personal, professional and caring in assisting both our family and the new resident. It was a great experience!"

We used You're Welcome Relocation Service in 2009 when we relocated our family overseas.

Judy Ryan approached us with a proposal: that one of her new residents rent our home for a fixed two-year period. Our rural property suited the needs of this person.

Judy helped us out at a very busy time, setting up all the correct Residential Tenancy information: contract, condition report, bond lodgement, general landlord/tenant information and other important information. We didn't have the hassle of using a finding a suitable Property Manager from myriad of local Estate Agencies!

We were dreading this part of our relocation exercise but she was personal, professional and caring in assisting both our family and the new resident. It was a great experience! We would highly recommend You're Welcome Relocation Service.

Geoff and Tracey Robinson

 

"It was very helpful having a contact here, making life so much easier for us."

We met Judy Ryan from You're Welcome Relocation Service when we arrived in Wodonga from Scotland in February 2008.

Judy helped us to find a rental property suitable for our family of four, and also provided us with information about children's activities: ballet, karate, etc. We have got to know Judy better since then as we are involved in the same school.

She has good networks which is very helpful for new residents moving to the area.

We would recommend You're Welcome Relocation Service. It was very helpful having a contact here, making life so much easier for us.

Ajit and Alfeen Varghese.

 

"Her attention to detail, her local knowledge and her community connections ensure that the transition to our rural communities is a totally positive experience for newcomers."

As a long-time resident of north-east Victoria, I am delighted to recommend Judy Ryan and You’re Welcome Relocation Service.

I have worked closely with Judy for over five years and can vouch for her professionalism and integrity. I know her clients are delighted with the services she provides.

Judy approached me in early 2010 with a house-sitting proposal. I was about to travel overseas and one of her clients needed temporary accommodation for a few weeks. This worked for me as well as for her new resident: a mutually-beneficial, practical arrangement! I witnessed first-hand the care she had for her client and the use of her networks!

Her attention to detail, her local knowledge and her community connections ensure that the transition to our rural communities is a totally positive experience for newcomers.

Cathy McGowan AO
Rural Community Consultant, based in north-east Victoria