Our vision
That Australia offers more refugees opportunities to rebuild their lives in safety here, empowering community members to provide a warm and supportive welcome into local communities.
Our mission
To lead in encouraging, developing and supporting programs that expand and improve refugee settlement in Australia by harnessing the generosity, goodwill and social capital of everyday Australians.
Our values
Human Kindness
We are a heart-centred organisation, powered by the goodness of people, community connections and mutual support. We are mindful of the experience of others and have compassion and empathy for all.
Courage
We are committed to our vision and mission; we take a fearless and focussed approach to finding ways to achieve our goals rather than playing it safe.
Autonomy
We collaborate with others as equals and celebrate the strengths of all of those who participate in our work. We treat all with fairness and respect and seek to empower all participants to fulfill their aspirations and potential.
Innovation
As aspirational change makers, we question the status quo, lead innovation in refugee settlement, and enjoy listening, learning and creative problem solving.
Trust
We trust in ourselves to create a powerful movement; in the community as global citizens and sharers of knowledge; and in the strengths and talents of refugee participants. We are trusted by established members of the Australian community, refugee newcomers and government.
Our impact
On refugees
Refugees experience a sense of welcome upon arrival and can access more resettlement opportunities in Australia. Those with the most compelling resettlement and humanitarian needs are included and prioritised for resettlement. These newcomers are supported to fulfil their full aspirations and quickly develop strong ties in their local communities. The program gives all generations from a refugee household the opportunity to receive holistic support, with flow-on benefits for future generations.
On communities
Local communities can directly respond to the global refugee challenge and build on global equity. Everyday Australians have greater exposure to individuals who have been forced to flee – their history, capacities and potential. And through local participation, these communities become more diverse and multifaceted in nature, changing the landscape of inclusion and understanding, fostering empathy, and creating a richer cultural tapestry that benefits everyone.
On Australia
The introduction of a community sponsorship model means our country has access to new settlement tools that support a larger, sustainable humanitarian program, featuring cost contributions from both government and members of the community. There is strong public knowledge and support for Australia’s humanitarian migration program and Australia is recognised as a global leader in refugee protection. Beyond this, resettlement is broader and more inclusive, with members of Australian communities from a range of locations actively engaged in refugee settlement.
Our guiding principles
– We are non-partisan, positive and future focused.
– We build consensus and shared visions to open more opportunities for refugees.
– We create a mutually enriching exchange between newcomers and established Australians.
– We celebrate refugee contributions and the role of community supporters.
– We respect refugee capacity, autonomy, agency and abilities.
– We approach the support of refugees as a group endeavour. Groups take a holistic approach and are trusted as effective and self-directing problem solvers.
– We support the groups providing support to refugees.
– Our work and programs are informed by lived experience of refugees and Australian community members.
– We seek to promote and uphold safety, equality and respect for all involved in our programs.
– We are committed to continuous learning and improvement.
