Major Dama Designated Areas in NSW and How Vhire Supports Recruitment in Regional Australia

Recruiting talent in regional and remote areas of New South Wales (NSW) presents unique challenges. Many employers face difficulties finding skilled workers willing to relocate or commute to these locations. The Australian government recognises this issue and has designated certain areas as DAMA (Designated Area Migration Agreement) zones to help address labour shortages by allowing employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers. Understanding where these DAMA areas are and how recruitment services like Vhire can assist businesses in these regions is crucial for successful hiring.

A rural town in NSW surrounded by farmland and hills

What Are DAMA Designated Areas?

DAMA stands for Designated Area Migration Agreement. These agreements are tailored arrangements between the Australian government and specific regions to address local labour shortages. They allow employers in these areas to sponsor skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for positions that cannot be filled locally. DAMA areas often cover regional and remote locations where attracting and retaining workers is difficult.

The goal of DAMA is to support economic growth and community development by ensuring businesses have access to the workforce they need. This is especially important in industries such as agriculture, healthcare, construction, and hospitality, which are vital to regional economies.

Major DAMA Designated Areas in NSW

New South Wales has several DAMA designated areas, each covering a range of towns and communities. These areas are defined to reflect regions with specific labour needs and challenges.

1. Western NSW DAMA

This area covers a vast part of western New South Wales, including towns like Broken Hill, Dubbo, and Bourke. The region is known for agriculture, mining, and healthcare services. Employers here often seek workers in trades, farming, and aged care.

2. Far West NSW DAMA

Covering the far western corner of the state, this DAMA area includes remote communities such as Wentworth and Balranald. The economy relies heavily on agriculture and mining, with a demand for skilled labour in these sectors.

3. Orana DAMA

The Orana region includes towns like Cobar, Nyngan, and Gilgandra. Key industries include mining, agriculture, and manufacturing. Employers often require workers in engineering, machinery operation, and healthcare.

4. New England North West DAMA

This area covers the New England and North West regions, including Armidale, Tamworth, and Inverell. The region has a diverse economy with agriculture, education, and healthcare sectors needing skilled workers.

5. Riverina DAMA

The Riverina region, including towns such as Wagga Wagga and Griffith, is a major agricultural hub. There is a strong demand for workers in farming, food processing, and healthcare.

6. Murray DAMA

This area covers the southern border region of NSW, including Albury and Deniliquin. Agriculture, forestry, and tourism are key industries with ongoing labour needs.

How Vhire Supports Recruitment in Regional and Remote NSW

Recruiting in regional and remote areas requires specialised knowledge and resources. Vhire offers tailored recruitment solutions that help employers navigate the complexities of hiring in DAMA designated areas.

Expertise in Regional Recruitment

Vhire understands the unique challenges faced by employers in regional NSW. They have experience sourcing candidates who are willing and able to work in these locations, including local talent and skilled migrants.

Navigating DAMA Visa Processes

The DAMA visa process can be complex, involving government approvals and compliance requirements. Vhire assists employers by managing these processes, ensuring applications meet all criteria and deadlines.

Access to a Broader Talent Pool

By leveraging DAMA agreements, Vhire helps employers access skilled overseas workers who meet the specific needs of their business. This expands the available talent pool beyond local candidates.

Tailored Job Matching

Vhire uses detailed job matching techniques to connect employers with candidates who have the right skills and experience for regional roles. This reduces turnover and improves job satisfaction.

Support for Employers and Candidates

Vhire provides ongoing support to both employers and candidates throughout the recruitment and onboarding process. This includes assistance with relocation, training, and integration into the community.

Practical Examples of Vhire’s Impact

• Agricultural Employer in Riverina: A large farm struggled to find experienced machinery operators locally. Vhire sourced skilled workers from overseas through the Riverina DAMA, helping the farm maintain productivity during peak seasons.

  
  

• Healthcare Facility in Western NSW: A regional hospital needed qualified nurses but faced shortages. Vhire facilitated DAMA visa sponsorships, bringing in overseas nurses who quickly adapted to the community’s needs.

  
  

• Construction Company in New England North West: A construction firm required tradespeople for a major project. Vhire matched the company with skilled migrants under the DAMA program, ensuring the project stayed on schedule.

  
  

Benefits of Using Vhire for Regional Recruitment

• Reduced Hiring Time: Vhire’s expertise speeds up recruitment by handling complex visa and compliance requirements.

• Improved Candidate Quality: Access to a wider pool of skilled workers ensures better matches.

• Local Knowledge: Vhire’s understanding of regional labour markets helps tailor recruitment strategies.

• Ongoing Support: Employers and candidates receive assistance beyond placement, improving retention.

• Cost Efficiency: Streamlined processes reduce recruitment costs and minimise downtime.

  
  

What Employers Should Know About DAMA Areas

Employers considering hiring through DAMA should be aware of the following:

• DAMA agreements are specific to regions and industries.

• Positions must be genuine and meet skill and salary requirements.

• Employers must demonstrate efforts to recruit locally before sponsoring overseas workers.

• Compliance with visa conditions and reporting is mandatory.

• Working with experienced recruitment partners like Vhire can simplify the process.