Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a program initiated by the Australian government to address skill shortages in regions. The program is specifically targeted at regions that are facing difficulties in attracting skilled workers. The aim of DAMA is to support economic growth in these regions by providing access to a wider pool of skilled workers.

One of the regions that have benefitted from DAMA is New South Wales (NSW). The state has several DAMAs in place, including the Orana DAMA and the Far South Coast DAMA. These agreements provide employers with access to skilled overseas workers who are willing to work and settle in the region.

The Orana DAMA covers the Orana region of NSW, which includes the cities of Dubbo, Mudgee, and Bourke. The agreement allows employers to sponsor workers in 70 occupations for a range of industries, including agriculture, health, and hospitality. The Far South Coast DAMA covers the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla Shires and allows employers to sponsor workers in 27 occupations for industries such as hospitality, health, and aged care.

To be eligible for DAMA, employers must demonstrate that they have been unable to fill skilled positions with Australian workers. They must also meet a range of requirements, such as providing evidence of labour market testing and paying their sponsored workers the same as Australian workers.

DAMA has been successful in addressing skill shortages in regional NSW. Employers have been able to fill critical positions, which has supported economic growth in these regions. The program has also provided skilled overseas workers with the opportunity to work and settle in regional Australia, which has helped to address population decline in some areas.

In conclusion, DAMA is an excellent opportunity for employers in regional NSW to access a wider pool of skilled workers. The program is a win-win for both employers and workers and supports economic growth and development in the region. If you are an employer in NSW and facing difficulty in filling skilled positions, you should consider the DAMA program as a solution.