As part of National Volunteer Week 2025, we were thrilled to host our first ever Community Sponsorship Awards – a virtual celebration that brought together people from across Australia to honour the heart and soul of the CRISP: the people who make up Community Supporter Groups.
These awards were created to recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals who go above and beyond to welcome and support refugee newcomers through the CRISP. It was an inspiring event, filled with powerful stories, smiling faces, and well-deserved recognition of the deep compassion and commitment that defines community sponsorship.
We heard firsthand how individuals and groups are not only making a difference in the lives of refugee families but impacting their broader community through their compassion, dedication and quiet leadership. The impact of community sponsorship reaches far beyond any one person, it touches entire families, networks, and communities.
A huge congratulations to all of our award winners, and an equally heartfelt thank you to those who took the time to nominate them. Every nomination reflected a spirit of generosity and kindness that deserves to be celebrated.
Our Inaugural Community Sponsorship Award Winners
Outstanding Team Spirit
- Katherine Stewart, Star of the Sea Parish (VIC)
- The McMahon Family (Michael, Ellen, Lauren, Meagan & Jennifer), The Welcomers (QLD)
Above & Beyond Award
- Diana Kay, Barwon Welcome (VIC)
- Anne Tuart, Lismore Region Refugee Settlement (NSW)
- John Purssey & Judith Alcorn, Mullumbimby Refugee Support Group (NSW)
Quiet Achiever Award
- Andrew Button, Friendly Tigers (VIC)
- Sandra Conroy, Team Cessnock (NSW)
- Richard Wright, Melbourne Youth Ride Refugee Sponsor Group (VIC)
Tough Under Pressure Award
- Lindsey Paget-Cooke, SASS Group 6 (NSW)
- Justine Coleman, Southside Welcome Crew (VIC)
Creative Problem Solver Award
- Sally Port & the English Support Group, Huon Refugee Support Group Inc (TAS)
Emerging Community Champion Award
- Anne Nesbitt, Lower North Shore Refugee Support Group (NSW)
CRISP Newcomer Volunteer Award
- Walaa Al Lahham, Mullumbimby Refugee Support Group (NSW)
Thank you to our Supporting Community Organisation partners, Cassinia Environmental and The Salvation Army for sponsoring these awards and championing the broader community sponsorship movement. Whether you were with us live or catching up later, we invite everyone to share in this celebration. You can watch the full event recording below or here on our Youtube channel.