We’re excited to share with you the launch of a new initiative – The Isla Network. CRSA receive many offers of support from the Australian public, whether it be refurbished laptops, accommodation or local driving lessons, and have been looking for the best way to share these with those who are welcoming refugees through community sponsorship. This is where The Isla Network comes in. The network is an online directory where anyone in Australia can share offers of support for CSGs and Refugee Households in the CRISP.
Why ‘The Isla Network’?
The network is named after Isla Patterson, the late daughter of Maggie and Darryl Patterson from Goulburn NSW who led one of CRSA’s formative community supporter groups in the CRISP.
Isla, still in her teenage years, passed away unexpectedly after falling sick while on a family holiday in the UK. Maggie and Darryl were touched by the outpouring of community support they received from total strangers during this extremely difficult time away from home. Since then, they had been looking for a way to pay this generosity forward. Much of the couple’s own strength comes from Isla who, even at such a young age, showed immense courage and resolve in her final moments. Maggie and Darryl shared that, just days before her passing, Isla had said to them, “if just one person will be blessed through my story, then my struggle has been worth it.” The couple later happened upon the CRISP and saw it as their opportunity to help others in a time of need. It’s a story that encapsulates so much of what the CRISP is about – community stepping forward to help when someone is in need.
How can I access The Isla Network?
Members of the public can list items, opportunities, services and anything else that might help an arriving refugee family and local support group here.
Those part of a CSG can view current listings or post what they might have on offer via the community hub.
Thanks to everyone who contributed to getting this initiative off the ground. The CRSA team look forward to facilitating more community connections and support for refugee newcomers through The Isla Network. It’s a small step to a more inclusive and people-centred approach to refugee resettlement, and your commitment in the community sponsorship movement is what makes this possible.