Local community group ‘Welcome to Margaret River’ are preparing to welcome refugees to the region. Writer Nicky Lefebvre speaks with group member Catherine River about the endeavour.
“Over the years, we have done a lot of events, petitions and demonstrations… But it was really frustrating as it didn’t lead to much in the way of results,” says River.
“This is a way to actually do something ourselves directly and help one family,”
The group will be working under the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP), which will see 1,500 refugees supported by local groups such as Catherine’s, across the country, from 2022-2025.
Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA), who are administering the CRISP, will be hosting information sessions in the area.
“We are looking forward to bringing this excitement to the WA community – this really is a life-changing opportunity to do something practical for refugees,” says CRSA Training Lead Shabnam Safa.
Originally published by Nicky Lefebvre, Bunbury Mail, 9 March 2023.
For more information on the CRISP program: