The Al Daoud family arrived in Gosford in August 2022 under the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP). Despite the two children, Elinor (8) and George (10), having never been to school before, the family have embraced their new routine.
“Now everything is good in Australia. Now, we know lots of things,” says George.
A local community group have been supporting their transition, helping them to connect with school, TAFE, driving and swimming lessons, and health services.
“It’s not hard. We’re just ordinary people and everyone brings their own skills and talents,” says group member Shayne Davy.
Under the four-year pilot, a total of 1,500 refugees will be resettled with the support of local community groups across the country.
Originally published by Keira Proust and Mary-Louise Vince, ABC Central Coast, 9 March 2023
For more information on the CRISP program: