A seven-step toolbox created by the Regional Australia Institute (RIA) has been deployed in rural and regional Australia to attract more skilled workers to the region.   The city of Rupanyup is about 300 kilometers northwest of Melbourne. It has a population of 500; agriculture supports industry in this area, which is changing rapidly due to technological advances. But David Matthews, director of Adelaide and Bank Bendigo, and a third-generation farmer in the city said it was difficult to bring in skilled workers.   There are still opportunities in the transport sector, so you can get jobs in industries and in road transport, he said. But, he said, there is now an increased need for people who can produce high-yielding crops.   Mr. Matthews has actively sponsored a small group of migrant workers, mainly from Colombia, to work on his farm. He said ten migrants currently reside in the city and others from South America aspire to emigrate to fill vacancies - but that is not enough.   Seven-Step Toolbox from the Regional Australia Institute   The Regional Australia Institute (R.A.I.) reports that there are currently more than 44,600 job vacancies in regional Australia that are difficult to fill. Chronic labor deficits have influenced some regions, leading to population declines and business closures.   This month we witnessed the launch by R.A.I of the latest toolkit aimed at helping communities bring more migrants to settle in regional and rural Australia.   The toolkit includes sections on how to welcome and greet migrants, guarantee employment and housing, taking into account customs, culture and the environment.   Decline of migration to Australian regional areas   Government statistics reveal that in 2017-2018, of the more than 111,000 skilled migrants who arrived in Australia, just over 6,000 were part of the Scheme Regional Sponsored Migration, a reduction of 39% from 2016-2017 .   A study conducted by Central Queensland University in 2018 found that limited services, social segregation and lack of opportunities to connect with individuals of the same origin were part of the problem preventing migrants from settling in Australian regions. .   Stay up-to-date with our newsletters for the latest updates and information on immigration and visas. We ask you to complete the free evaluation form submitted by Immigration Experts to get you started in creating your visa and immigration process. We have more than 18 years of experience in the immigration industry and careers abroad.