DAMA The Goldfields
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The Goldfields DAMA is a regionally focused migration program designed to help fill persistent labour shortages in the Goldfields region of Western Australia. Originally approved in 2019 and renewed in the following years, the agreement enables eligible employers to sponsor suitably qualified skilled and semi-skilled overseas workers for occupations that local recruitment efforts have been unable to fill.
So, what is the Goldfields DAMA agreement? It is a formal labour agreement between the Australian Government and regional representatives in the Goldfields. The Western Australia Goldfields DAMA allows businesses in the designated areas to access a broader range of occupations and visa concessions not available through standard skilled migration programs.
Key Benefits of the Goldfields DAMA
- Over 100 Occupations Approved
The Goldfields DAMA occupation list includes a diverse array of skilled and semi-skilled roles across multiple sectors.
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- Significant Visa Concessions
These include more flexible English language, age, and work experience requirements. These are especially useful for attracting a wider talent pool.
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- Supports Permanent Residency
In some cases, the DAMA can serve as a pathway to permanent residency, making it attractive to prospective migrants as well.
Industries That Benefit the Most
This migration pathway is especially valuable for industries that are heavily impacted by local labour shortages, such as:
- Hospitality and tourism
- Healthcare and aged care
- Construction and infrastructure
- Mining and resources
- Agriculture and farming
Participating Regions
The Goldfields DAMA applies to businesses operating in the following local government areas:
- City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder (also the Designated Area Representative (DAR))
- Shire of Coolgardie
- Shire of Dundas
- Shire of Esperance
- Shire of Leonora
- Shire of Menzies
- Shire of Laverton
- Shire of Ravensthorpe
How to Apply
To participate in the DAMA program, businesses must adhere to the following:-
- Seek endorsement from the City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder, which manages the DAMA for the region.
- Upon approval, negotiate a Labour Agreement with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Nominate eligible roles from the Goldfields DAMA occupation list, demonstrating genuine efforts to hire locally before seeking international candidates.
Whether you’re an employer facing persistent skill shortages or a skilled migrant looking to settle in regional Australia, the Goldfields DAMA offers a viable and flexible solution for long-term workforce needs in Western Australia’s Goldfields region.
