In honour of Harmony Week 2025, Blaise and Lilly from CRSA’s Community Engagement team travelled to Hobart, Tasmania! While jam-packed, it was both an enriching and inspiring few days.
Over just four days, the team hosted two public information sessions; participated in Glenorchy City Council’s ‘Belonging Day’; Hobart City Council’s ‘Together for Change’ event, walked alongside local service providers, community members and local councils as part of the launch of a new anti-racism campaign, ‘We Stand Together Against Racism’; got together with local CRISP Community Supporter Groups and sat down with ABC Radio Hobart to talk about harmony week and the role of community sponsorship in creating welcoming and inclusive communities. It was big!
While in Tasmania, we encountered some remarkable stories that truly speak to the power of community. We had the honour of meeting a church group preparing to welcome a Muslim family, an act that deeply moved us. Equally inspiring is a group in the pipeline that includes members of a local church and the LGBTIQ+ community—a rare and powerful combination, united in their commitment to welcoming refugees. We also connected with a CRISP group who are preparing to welcome a household for the second time. These are exactly the kinds of stories that show the unique richness and spirit of Tasmanian communities and more importantly the power of the community refugee sponsorship movement.
Our time in Hobart would not have been possible without the support and hospitality of our partners and the local community. The team were wowed by Tassie’s warmth, kindness and the compassion of so many across Hobart.
We extend a heartfelt thanks to the City of Hobart, City of Glenorchy, C3 Church Hobart, the Department of Home Affairs, members of the African Communities Council of Tasmania, local CRISP groups and refugee newcomers to Hobart for their hospitality and collaboration. We thank you all for the work you are doing to make Hobart and Tasmania a place of welcome and inclusion where everyone belongs.