Welcome newcomers. Strengthen communities. Change lives.

The Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Program (CRISP) gives everyday Australians the opportunity to play a direct, practical role in welcoming refugees and supporting them to rebuild their lives in Australia.

Through the CRISP, small groups of people volunteer to welcome a refugee household into their local community and assist them in practical ways during their first year in Australia. It’s hands‑on, impactful, and deeply rewarding.

CRISP is Australia’s flagship community‑led refugee settlement program, designed and delivered by Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) in partnership with the Australian Government.

Useful links

Stories from the CRISP

More Stories from the CRISP

Why CRISP?

For people arriving in Australia as refugees, the first 12 months are critical. It’s a time of enormous change – learning how everyday systems work, finding stable housing, exploring education and work opportunities and forging social connections.

When newcomers are welcomed by local community members, data suggests they settle faster, feel less isolated, and are better able to build rich, connected lives. At the same time, local communities grow stronger through shared purpose, understanding and relationships. CRISP places people at the centre of settlement.

Get Involved

“The Nundu family are a delight, building their own community within our community – it’s wonderful to watch. It’s not only good for them but also for our community. People say it’s a privilege to meet and work with them.”

Alison Pitt,

Huon Refugee Support Group

What support do group members provide?

    Community Supporter Groups (CSGs) get to know the household in the weeks before they arrive in Australia, then assist refugee newcomers with some immediate needs on arrival and during their first 12 months in the country.

    Support typically includes:
    • Welcoming the household at the airport on arrival
    • Helping navigate everyday life in Australia, such as transport and local services
    • Supporting households to register for income support, healthcare and education
    • Assisting with short‑term accommodation and finding a long‑term home
    • Enrolling children in school and connecting adults with English classes
    • Helping build social connections, confidence and community belonging
    • Supporting people to achieve their work and study goals
    The CRSA team are with you every step of the way, providing advice, resources and support.

    How the CRISP works

    Community groups step forward

    A Community Supporter Group is a group of five or more adults who live in the same town or city and want to support a refugee household. Groups can come from all walks of life – friends, neighbours, faith groups, workplaces, sporting clubs and community organisations.

    CRSA prepares and supports you

    Our team approves, trains and supports every Community Supporter Group. We provide guidance,  resources, ongoing check-ins and other assistance so groups feel confident and well supported.

    Refugees are referred through UNHCR and government

    Refugee households are referred to Australia by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and matched with Community Supporter Groups through the CRISP program.

    Groups provide 12 months of support

    From the day a family arrives, Community Supporter Groups provide practical, social and emotional support for the first 12 months, helping people settle, connect and build independence.

    The CRISP across Australia

    View a list of groups involved in the CRISP by state/ territory.