Stories from people involved in our programs.
It started with a snake at the door and dumpling making sessions, an indication that a local group’s decision to welcome a refugee family into their community would be nothing short of adventurous. The group of six volunteers, many of whom met through their local...
Ballina local, Sue Milne, had created a life centred around community and connection, but she’d never experienced it like this before. With a bunch of friends and neighbours, Sue formed a support group to welcome refugee newcomers to Ballina. It turned out to be one...
“I did not know this much joy would be unlocked,” beamed Maggie Patterson, a group coordinator and Goulburn local involved in the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP). This joy...
“I fled Afghanistan with my family one year ago, when the Taliban took over the government. It was very strange in Australia - everything was new and there were a lot of challenges! I had been...
I’ve been wanting to do something like this for years and years! I was walking my dog on the beach and I ran into a woman, who had a family with her. I asked if the kids would be OK with the dog,...
Do you want to help a refugee family in a practical, meaningful and satisfying way? Finally, everyday Australians have an opportunity to sponsor and welcome refugee families into their local...
Learn more
See if this program is something you want to be a part of. Attend an upcoming live information session or watch a pre-recorded version via the same link to learn more about the CRISP.
Form a group
Get together with friends, neighbours, even strangers in your area who want to support refugee newcomers. If you are an individual looking to find others in your area to form a group with, please post your interest in this CRSA Facebook group. We recommend checking out our 5 tips on forming a group.
Submit an Intention to Apply
Register your group’s interest in the CRISP by creating an Intention to Apply.