An invitation to choose welcome.
CHOOSE WELCOME
Welcome newcomers.
Strengthen communities.
Change Lives.
stories
Stories from the CRISP
WHY GET INVOLVED
Why CRISP?
For people arriving in Australia as refugees, the first 12 months are an exciting and challenging time. There’s so much to learn and do – learning how everyday systems work, finding stable housing, exploring education and work opportunities and forging social connections.
When newcomers are welcomed by local community members, data suggests they settle faster, feel less isolated, and are better able to build rich, connected lives. At the same time, local communities grow stronger through shared purpose, understanding and relationships. CRISP places people at the centre of settlement.
Alison Pitt,
Huon Refugee Support Group
“The Nundu family are a delight, building their own community within our community – it’s wonderful to watch. It’s not only good for them but also for our community. People say it’s a privilege to meet and work with them.”
What's Involved
What support do group members provide?
Community Supporter Groups (CSGs) get to know the household before they arrive in Australia, then assist refugee newcomers with some immediate needs on arrival and during their first 12 months in the country.
Support typically includes:
Warm Welcome
Welcoming the household at the airport on arrival
Support & Guidance
Helping navigate everyday life in Australia, such as transport and local services
Service Connection
Supporting households to register for income support, healthcare and education
Housing Support
Assisting with short‑term accommodation and finding a long‑term home
Education Enrolment
Enrolling children in school and connecting adults with English classes
Community Connections
Helping build social connections, confidence and community belonging
Education & Employment
Supporting people to achieve their work and study goals.
CRSA is with you every step of the way, providing advice, resources and support.
How it works
How the CRISP works
CRISP is built around the power of small groups taking local action.
Community groups step forward
A Community Supporter Group is a group of five or more adults who live in the same town or city and want to support a refugee household. Groups can come from all walks of life – friends, neighbours, faith groups, workplaces, sporting clubs and community organisations.
CRSA prepares and supports you
Our team approves, trains and supports every Community Supporter Group. We provide guidance, resources, ongoing check-ins and other assistance so groups feel confident and well supported.
Refugees are referred through UNHCR and government
Refugee households are referred to Australia by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and matched with Community Supporter Groups through the CRISP program.
Communities provide 12 months of support
From the day a family arrives, Community Supporter Groups provide practical, social and emotional support for the first 12 months, helping people settle, connect and build independence.
CRISP Step by Step
The Community Supporter Group Journey
Understand more about the CRISP and hear from those with first hand experience of the program.
This is where your welcome journey begins. Learn about the CRISP and how to take the next steps to get involved in the program and be a part of Australia's growing community sponsorship movement.
STEPS TO COMPLETE IN PHASE 1:
- Attend a CRISP Information Session (or select the option to watch a pre-recorded info session if no available dates work)
- Submit your Group’s Intention to Welcome
This phase is about building a strong, well-prepared group.
You’ll complete background checks, start fundraising and set up a group bank account, complete training and begin settlement planning.
At the end of this phase, you will work with CRSA to be matched with a refugee household
STEPS TO COMPLETE IN PHASE 2:
- Submit your Individual Application including Background Checks.
- Sign up to the CRSA Community Hub
- Complete online training modules
- Complete online workshop
- Open a group bank account
- Fundraise a minimum of 50% of your group’s budget
- Complete your group’s Settlement Plan
Getting ready for the arrival of the newcomer household your group has been matched with.
After your group is matched with a refugee household the focus shifts to practical preparation.
You’ll organise accommodation, prepare your Welcome Pack, and take key steps outlined in the Settlement Guide. This may also include your first contact with the household and a pre-arrival call with your Community Liaison Officer.
STEPS TO COMPLETE IN PHASE 3:
- Continue fundraising
- Talk to your community
- Update your settlement plan
- Secure on arrival accommodation for the household
- Prepare your Welcome Pack
This is the heart of the program – supporting a household through their first year
Over the 12-month period your group supports the household to settle into life in Australia. You’ll stay connected with CRSA through regular check-ins with your Community Liaison Officer, and continue accessing training, resources, and peer support through the Community Hub.
STEPS TO COMPLETE IN PHASE 4:
- Welcome the household at the airport
- Assist with essential registrations and enrolments
- Work with the household to set goals and expectations
- Provide ongoing settlement support
- Participate in check ins with your CRSA Community Liaison Officer
- Engage in peer support and learning activities
Completing the program and looking ahead
As the formal support period comes to an end, CRSA provides guidance to help you close out your formal commitments to the household and reflect on your experience. Many groups stay connected with the newcomers they welcomed and stay involved in the movement by sharing their story, welcoming others or supporting other groups involved in this work.
STEPS TO COMPLETE IN PHASE 5:
- Work with the household to plan what’s next
- Pause and reflect on your experience and learnings
- Share your experience with others
- Complete your group’s statement regarding use of funds