On World Refugee Day, the Governor-General visits Lennox Heads Cultural Centre to meet the refugee families who are settling into the area through Australia’s new community sponsorship pilot, the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP).
“The program gives local groups of everyday Australians the opportunity to put their hands up, and say ‘we would like to welcome a refugee household directly into our local area’,” says CEO Lisa Button.
The families have been welcomed by Ballina Region for Refugees, a network of volunteers who help them connect to essential services, find housing and learn the local area.
“There would be a future for them for the younger generation after losing many years due to the war, and they will live in harmony in Australia,” says Mary Haddad, one of the new arrivals being supported under the CRISP.
Originally published by Alexandra Rees, Newcastle Broadcasting New South Wales News, 20 June 2023