Community Readiness in Bundaberg: Attracting and Keeping the Workforce We Need
Workforce challenges are not unique to Bundaberg. Across regional Australia, communities are asking the same question: how do we attract skilled workers and, more importantly, how do we help them stay?
In a recent episode of the Partner Up Podcast, Welcome to Bundaberg spoke with Dr Cath Cosgrave from Attract Connect Stay about what “community readiness” really means and where Bundaberg sits on that journey.
Dr Cosgrave work began with a PhD focused on strengthening the rural health workforce. What emerged from her research was a practical, evidence-based framework now known as the Attract Connect Stay framework. It is built around three essential domains that influence whether skilled professionals remain in a regional community long term.
The first is organisation and role. This includes inclusive workplace culture, strong recruitment processes and effective onboarding. The second is community and place. This was one of the most significant findings in the research. Belonging, connection and social integration are not optional extras. Within the first 12 months, workers and their families need to feel settled, connected and part of the community. The third is career development. People need opportunities to grow professionally without having to leave the region.
Together, these three areas form what Dr Cosgrave calls a “whole of person” approach to retention.
From Framework to Practice
Out of this research grew the Community Connector Program. Inspired by models in Canada and adapted for Australian communities, the program provides a dedicated concierge-style support service for new workers and their families. This can include assistance with housing, partner employment, childcare, schooling and social connection.
The role of a community connector is not something that can be done “on the side of a desk.” It is increasingly recognised as essential infrastructure in regional towns experiencing workforce shortages.
Across Australia and New Zealand, several communities are now operating connector programs. Some are reporting retention rates between 85 and 100 per cent among participants. The common thread is collaboration. These programs require employers, councils, community groups and local leaders to work together in a non-competitive, strengths-based way.
Where Bundaberg Sits
For the past two years, Bundaberg has been actively building its readiness. Through collaboration with Wide Bay Kids and participation in the national peer network, local leaders have deepened their understanding of the framework and what it takes to implement it well.
A Wide Bay Workforce Advisory Council has been established. Conversations have been held across sectors. Community understanding of the need has grown. According to Dr Cosgrave, Bundaberg is “ripe and ready to go.”
The remaining barrier is funding. Community connector programs typically require around $150,000 per year to operate effectively, though seed funding of around $75,000 can be enough to begin. Funding models vary across regions, with contributions coming from councils, health services, primary health networks, business chambers and philanthropic sources.
What matters most is shared ownership. Sustainable programs are those backed by the community itself.
A Question for Bundaberg
If readiness is about more than planning, then the next step is action. That means identifying potential employer partners, strengthening relationships and building broader community understanding.
Bundaberg has done the groundwork. The leadership, collaboration and energy are present. The framework is understood. The advisory structures are in place.
The question now is not whether Bundaberg is ready. The question is: how will we come together to activate what we have already built? To learn more about the Attract Connect Stay framework, visit attractconnectstay.com.au or connect with Wide Bay Kids to continue the conversation locally.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Youtube
