Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) is delighted to announce that it has been contracted by the Commonwealth Department of Home Affairs to deliver the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Program (CRISP) across Australia as a permanent program, from 1 July 2026.
This announcement follows the recent public release of the independent evaluation of a 4 year pilot, commissioned by the Department of Home Affairs and undertaken by the University of Queensland in collaboration with the Australian Institute of Family Studies.
Our CEO Lisa Button observes ‘These findings remind us that community sponsorship is not a one-way street — it benefits all involved and has ripple effects that strengthen social cohesion in Australia by building a kinder, more informed and more connected community.’
Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs has shared: “Programs like CRISP strengthen social cohesion and belie the myths pushed by extremists who want Australians to fear each other. In truth, we live well together when we actually meet, talk, share a meal and build trust.
“Australians are generous people. When you strip away the noise, most of us want to help our neighbours and give people a fair go. What community supporter groups do, helping refugees settle and succeed – is profoundly Australian.”
Read our full media release here.