Everyday Australians are supporting refugees through a groundbreaking new approach – you can too!

Inspired by ABC’s Australian Story? Join the movement.

Discover how ordinary Australians are stepping up to welcome and support refugee households building a new life in safety here through community sponsorship – and how you can too.
Watch the Australian Story Episode
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Image credit: ABC’s Australian Story

Two women smiling together in a kitchen, with a quote reading "When we met the group, we thought now we have family here!"
A diverse group of people smiling together in a home, with a quote reading "Our house was empty and you filled it out with your kindness and brought happiness to my family".
Two men embrace joyfully in a warm indoor setting, with a quote reading "We were waiting for the moment where we would arrive to the dream, and now we are here"
A joyful group at an airport, with a child smiling and holding a stuffed animal, featuring a quote reading "We were very excited but a little bit worried because we don't know anything about Australia when we come. Now everything is good in Australia. Now, we know lots of things.
A group of adults and children smiling together on a bench, with a quote reading "From first day, everyone smile, smile, smile"
A woman and two children playing a game in a typical Australian backyard, with a quote reading "If it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to help a family settle in"

Do you want to help a refugee newcomer in a practical and meaningful way?

Australians now have the opportunity to welcome and support refugee families or individuals into their local communities through ‘community sponsorship’ – like they do in Canada!

The Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Program (CRISP). enables a local group of five or more people to help settle a refugee household from their first day in Australia.

Our team screens and trains local groups prior to matching them with a refugee household that has been identified for resettlement in Australia by the UNHCR.

Get Involved

How do I get involved?

Individuals

You don’t need to have an established group to start taking the first steps. Register to attend an information session, or sign up to receive updates about our work and how to get involved.

Groups

If you’ve already formed a group and you’re ready to get started please have your group’s coordinator submit your group’s Intention to Welcome. This is not a formal commitment. It just enables us to help you while your group is exploring getting involved.

Organisations

There are many ways that established organisations can play a role. This might involve promoting the CRISP to your members, helping with local logistics, fundraising or other activities. If you want to learn more please contact us.

Groups around Australia are welcoming newcomers into their local community

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