Regional councils in Western Australia are struggling to attract and retain staff due to isolation. However, in the Midwest region, overseas-born workers are stepping in to fill these gaps, drawn by the rural lifestyle and strong community spirit.

Adim Hajat, a Cocos-Malay community development officer, has relocated with his family to Perenjori, a town that reminds him of his upbringing on a small island with a population of 600. "[The] Cocos Islands is a very small community, very cultural and traditional," Hajat said. "We look after family very well and we live with extended family, so for me community development is my kind of forte because I look after the community in the same way."

Hajat has worked in ten local governments throughout his career, including remote Aboriginal communities, before settling in Perenjori last year. He believes his diverse background allows him to bring a unique perspective to his role. "As a community development officer, I like to diversify and share my culture ... like with meals, that's how we share our life," he explained. He noted that smaller communities are often more accepting of newcomers.

Hajat has observed that other community development officers from various backgrounds have also moved to the region. He mentioned a colleague in Coorow from Indonesia and another in Three Springs from India.

Muthuri Murithi, 27, works as a community development officer in Morawa after studying in Perth. Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, he attended boarding school and emphasized the importance of community in his upbringing. "Growing up with other kids just as part of your daily life ... they become your community," Murithi said. He acknowledged that while his background offers a different perspective, understanding the local community is crucial.

"In Australia, when you think of community, you think of the people who are next to you, so your neighbor, local doctor, your teacher," he said. He noted that Morawa is home to local farmers and service providers, each with unique needs.

Murithi described settling into the Midwest as easy and highlighted the region's unique experiences. "I had already traveled to Australia from Kenya, so I was like 'this can't be too bad'," he said. He appreciates the friendly atmosphere, where people wave at each other while driving.

WA Local Government Association President Karen Chappel acknowledged the ongoing challenge of attracting and retaining staff in regional areas. "There's a population shift that we know to larger centers, and we are also competing with other industries," she said.

Chappel noted that many local governments are using staff housing as an incentive for employment. "The challenge for us is to recruit people, but generally, once they're with us, they're happy," she said.

She emphasized the importance of community development officers from diverse backgrounds in fostering growth in the region. "They bring youth and diversity and always seem to have good spirits, willing to assimilate within our communities," Chappel said. "Rural towns welcome everybody, and it doesn't matter what agency you come from or who you work for, everyone becomes part of your life."