Table of Contents
Summary of CSG Commitments #
Community Supporter Groups (CSGs) have a set of core responsibilities that help refugee households settle successfully during their first 12 months in Australia.
At a glance #
- National Police Check required.
- Working with Children Check (or equivalent) required.
- Checks must remain valid throughout participation.
Minimum responsibilities of a Community Supporter Group #
- Meet the refugee household at the airport and provide transport to their temporary accommodation, including transit support and overnight accommodation where required.
- Provide safe and suitable temporary accommodation until long-term housing is secured.
- Supply essential items on arrival, including at least one week’s worth of food and groceries, seasonal clothing, and at least one smartphone with a SIM card and sufficient data.
- Provide weekly income support equivalent to Commonwealth income support payments until Services Australia payments begin.
- Assist the household to register with Services Australia and apply for income support, Medicare and a Tax File Number.
- Help the household open an Australian bank account.
- Support the household to secure appropriate long-term accommodation.
- Provide suitable, good-quality furniture, appliances and other essential household goods.
- Connect the household with a local GP and any other healthcare providers needed to support their physical and mental wellbeing.
- Assist children to enrol in school and adults to enrol in English classes, including the Adult Migrant English Program (AMEP).
- Provide settlement and integration support, including English language and employment assistance where needed, for 12 months following the household’s arrival in Australia.
“Community sponsorship is about providing practical support that helps refugee households build independence and thrive within their new community.”
