The meeting aimed to discuss the "considerable contribution" skilled migrants have made to the Tamworth economy, and how they could now benefit the Gunnedah shire.

Regional Development Australia - Northern Inland's (RDANI) chair Russell Stewart hosted the meeting, which also saw members of the Gunnedah Economic Development Working Group attend.

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Gunnedah mayor Jamie Chaffey called on other community and business representatives to contribute to the skills shortage conversation.

"There is a place for skilled migration to those necessary qualified positions that have proven difficult to fill and are a roadblock to providing vital services in regional communities," he said.

"We need to welcome qualified people from other nations who can add great value to our social, cultural and ... our economic futures."

RDANI's senior skilled migration and project officer Gary Fry also attended the meeting, and said the aged-care sector was a "clear-cut beneficiary" of the skilled migrants program.

"Resident aged-care facilities are required to have registered nurses on duty," Mr Fry said.

"Due to a skills shortage in the field, that requirement would have caused an aged-care crisis, if not for skilled migration.

"Other industries we have attracted skilled migrants for have included hospitality, metal and timber trades."

Mr Fry will be visiting other areas in the region during the next three months to "engage with community representatives and directly to employers" about the program.

For more information about the skilled migrants program, call RDANI on 6771 0700.

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