This Spring marks a special milestone for Australia’s community sponsorship movement: three years since the first refugee newcomer households arrived in Australia through the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP). Since then, more than 700 newcomers have been welcomed by local groups of everyday Australians in the spirit of kindness, connection, and community. To celebrate this incredible journey, and to invite even more people to be part of what’s next, we’re launching our Spring of Welcome campaign.
Why now?
Right now, global refugee resettlement opportunities for refugees are at their lowest point in two decades, even as the number of forcibly displaced people in need of solutions continues to grow. Never has there been a more important time for Australians to show their solidarity with people forced to flee. Through community sponsorship, people from all walks of life have a chance to step up to support refugee newcomers — helping them find housing, navigate local systems, make friends, and feel at home.
This Spring, we’re inviting you to be part of this growing national and global movement. Whether you’re newly interested or already part of a Community Supporter Group, there’s something you can do to help new roots take hold.
How you can get involved
You don’t need special skills — just a willingness to walk alongside someone starting over. We’ll support you every step of the way.
1. Ready to apply with your group?
Submit an Intention to Apply and we’ll guide you from there.
2. Need help forming a group?
Submit an Expression of Interest and we’ll connect you with others in your area.
3. Want to learn more first?
Register for an info session to explore how community sponsorship works.
Already part of the CRISP community?
You’ve helped make this movement what it is — and now we’d love your help to grow it even further. Here’s how you can amplify the message this Spring:
- Share a photo or moment from your experience and tag #SpringOfWelcome
- Tell your story — what has welcoming meant to you?
- Forward this page to someone you know who might want to get involved
- Help spread the word — download one of our ready-to-use images and post it to Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Just add a few words about why welcome matters to you, and tag Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia.
Access campaign images to share here: CRSA Social Media Tiles
Watch: Antoine & Jeanine’s Story
To mark the launch of the campaign, we’re sharing the story of Antoine & Jeanine, a family who were welcomed to Aireys Inlet by a local group called Bring Them Here. After years in Dadaab refugee camp in Kenya, they found safety, friendship, and a true sense of home in regional Victoria.
“Through CRISP, you can change your life totally.” — Antoine
This Spring, help new roots take hold
Whether you’re forming a group, sharing your story, or simply spreading the word — your actions matter. Together, we can grow a stronger, more welcoming Australia.
Let’s make this a season of hope, connection, and new beginnings.
Let’s Spring into action to welcome refugees.
Questions? Contact community@refugeesponsorship.org.au.