Councils in regional WA continue to face challenges in attracting and retaining staff to serve their local communities, with isolation a key factor.

However, in WA's Midwest, overseas-born workers who are attracted to the country lifestyle and the spirit of local community are filling the void.

Cocos-Malay Adim Hajat is a community development officer who has packed up his life and family to call the region home.

Mr Hajat grew up on an island with a population of 600 people.

He and his wife, Manisah Macrae, were attracted to the tight-knit community of Perenjori because it reminded them of life on the Cocos Islands.

"[The] Cocos Islands is a very small community, very cultural and traditional," he said.

"We look after family very well and we live with extended family, so for me commu

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