Last week, Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) joined with friends and partners across Brisbane, the Northern Rivers, Sydney, Melbourne and online to mark Refugee Week 2025 – a time to reflect on the courage and resilience of people forced to flee their homes, the kindness and generosity within our communities and the role that of each of us can play in creating a more compassionate society.
This Refugee Week came at a time when the world continues to grapple with worsening humanitarian crises and escalating conflicts further exacerbating forced displacement around the world. In this context, the opportunity to come together in person and online felt even more vital.
Across the week, we came together with community supporter groups, friends old and new, refugee advocates, partner organisations, and people with lived experience of displacement. The theme, “Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community”, was beautifully highlighted throughout the seven events we either hosted or were privileged to be part of, each offering moments of reflection, learning and connection.
Event highlights included:
- Being part of the Northern Rivers for Refugees 10th anniversary celebration, bringing together locals and newly arrived families in a show of shared humanity and welcome.
- A moving and reflective gathering in Brisbane together with the Archdiocese of Brisbane and Australian Lutheran World Service, where stories of settlement were shared and celebrated.
- Joining a Refugee Welcome Picnic in Lawson together with some wonderfully welcoming locals and newcomers calling the Blue Mountains home.
- Coming together with Embrace Sanctuary Australia and CRISP community members for an afternoon of discussion, connection and shared learning in Melbourne.
Our online panel event, Many Journeys, One Welcome, explored how complementary pathways through education, employment and community sponsorship can expand avenues for protection and resettlement for refugees. We were honoured to be joined by special guests Dr William Mude, Fatima Rizae, Steph Cousins (Skill Path Australia) and Jemma Bailey (Talent Beyond Boundaries). The discussion was honest, hopeful and timely, shining a light on how innovation, policy and community support can intersect to offer life-changing opportunities. To watch a recording of the event click here.
These events reminded us of the courage and resilience of people forced to flee, the generosity of those who welcome them, and the deep kindness that binds us together in community. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who shared their stories and experiences throughout the week, your voices are powerful and your presence enriches our communities in countless ways.
A big thank you to all our event partners and special guests throughout the week: Northern Rivers for Refugees, Archdiocese of Brisbane, Australian Lutheran World Service, NAYBA, the Romero Centre, City of Kingston, Dr William Mude, Fatima Rizae, Talent Beyond Boundaries, Skill Path Australia, MECA, CatholicCare Western Sydney & Blue Mountains, and Embrace Sanctuary Australia.