Held by the Western Plains Regional Council twice a year, the event continues to grow in popularity.

There were families from Sydney, Adelaide, Inverell and as far away as Nigeria. Council’s City Promotions and Events Supervisor Lana Willetts said council had been hosting this event since May 2012 and was excited to continue the tradition of welcoming new residents to the city.

“Held twice a year, this event has proved immensely popular and has successfully connected hundreds of residents with their new community,” Ms Willetts said.

“This is a perfect opportunity for new residents to learn of the breadth of services and facilities that Dubbo and Western Plains Regional Council can provide.

“It also provides a platform for community groups to speak to new residents and potentially attract new members or volunteers.”

New residents Peter and Karen Turner, with their children, Kate, Andrew and Glen, moved to the city in December 2015.

Although they live on the outskirts of Dubbo on their property, and with one of the sons living in Trangie, they said they are enjoying their new home town.

“We’re farmers so we were after a property,” Ms Turner said of purchasing land just outside of Dubbo.

“Living outside of town, we’re still finding the time to settle in. But we come into Dubbo to do shopping and go to doctors appointments,” she said.

Mr Turner said there was a few differences to farming in Inverell to farming in Dubbo.

“The country is flatter, so that makes it easier with stock management and easier on the machinery,” he said. The next Dubbo New Residents’ Night will be held in November this year.