Training for community groups

We have developed a comprehensive training program for community groups looking to welcome and offer practical support to refugee newcomers in their local communities.

Drawing from the knowledge of experts in international community sponsorship, our tailored training and resources equip groups with the tools needed to provide a warm welcome and meaningful support to refugee newcomers as they start a new life in Australia.

    How it works

    • Self-Paced Online Modules: Learn at your convenience.
    • Interactive Group Workshop: Attend as a group to deepen your knowledge and sharpen your skills.
    • Ongoing Support: Access online support via regular peer forums and CRSA’s Community Hub to stay engaged and informed about program updates, learning opportunities and to connect, share and learn alongside others engaged in community sponsorship. 

    What you learn

    Over a series of online modules and an interactive group workshop, you will learn: 

    • Strengths-Based and Trauma-Informed Support: Building sensitivity and understanding of safety, trust, empowerment and choice. 
    • Managing Expectations: Learning to identify assumptions, consider culture, power and agency in relation to supporting newcomers. 
    • Effective Group Dynamics: Strengthening collaboration, group cohesion, mutual trust and shared purpose. 

    CRISP Groups

    Once we have received your group’s Intention to Apply and subsequent screening, you will be invited to complete mandatory training to progress to the next stage of the program.

    Over a series of self-paced online modules and a group workshop, we explore foundational concepts of community sponsorship, group roles and responsibilities, child safeguarding, and critical incident reporting.

    While the online modules are completed individually, workshops are completed as a group with a focus on effective group dynamics and development. Registration details and other relevant information will be shared with you in due course as your application progresses. You can look at upcoming group workshop dates to prepare in advance.

    You can view the upcoming workshop dates for 2025 here.

     

    In addition to training provided by CRSA for the CRISP, groups welcoming LGBTIQA+ newcomers have access to training specific to this cohort via the Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN) in recognition of the unique settlement needs and experience of this group.  

    Ongoing Support

    Community of Practice: CRSA facilitates a national Community of Practice (CoP) for groups in the CRISP. Via the CoP, group members will have the opportunity to connect and engage with, as well as learn from, others across the country via online monthly peer forums, a dedicated Community Hub and other ad hoc events. As part of the CoP, CRSA also distributes a monthly newsletter with updates on resources, opportunities and upcoming events.

    Settlement Coaching: Once your group is matched with a Refugee Household, you will be allocated a CRSA Community Liaison Officer (CLO). Your CLO will be your primary point of contact within CRSA for the 12-month period of support. Your CLO will contact your group, and the Refugee Household you welcome, periodically throughout the 12-month period of support, and will be available for you to contact during business hours for advice, settlement coaching and troubleshooting.