We welcome, respect and support refugees and people seeking asylum

Lennox Markets

Support the Lennox Head Markets on Sunday, June 11 Ballina Region for Refugees has a stall with a range of quality goods including clothing, shoes, bric-a-brac, homewares, plants and books.

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Mark a date in your calendar for the June 15 presentation of “Priscilla Queen of the Desert” by the Ballina Players. Get a group together and book a table for what is sure to be a memorable night. Book at

Refugee Week

On June 19 at 10am a  Ballina Region for Refugees presentation will describe the program under which three refugee families in our region have been supported.
Click here for more information on Refugee Week

Poetry Prize - 'Finding Freedom'

Poems from Refugees and the Community that celebrate the theme of what it means to live without the fear of war or persecution are welcome. Click for further details and the entry form

why is BR4R necessary?

Unfortunately, for many years, the Australian government of the day, whether Liberal or Labor, has decided to harshly treat people seeking asylum and use them for political advantage.

This has been perpetrated under the guise of protecting our borders and preventing deaths at sea.

It has resulted in the persecution and incarceration of desperate men, women & children and a concerted effort to demonise these people to garner as many votes as possible.

This treatment is inhumane and a violation of International agreements of which Australia is a signatory.

Organisations such as BR4R campaign to change this attitude and support refugees and those seeking asylum whether they are onshore or offshore.

what does br4r do?

BR4R works on many fronts.

  • We advocate for refugees and people seeking asylum

  • We support them financially and with essential items

  • We communicate with them

  • We raise funds to enable this to happen

How does BR4R advocate?

We raise awareness via

  • organising and attending rallies and other public events

  • letter writing to politicians and the newspapers

  • talks at schools and other groups

  • information stalls at markets

  • film information nights

 

How does BR4R support refugees?

BR4R supports refugees and people seeking asylum mainly through our Homestay Project and Nauru Friendship Group.

The Homestay Project provides respite for refugees in the community by providing stays with hosts in the Ballina Region.  Many refugees are located in city areas and a short break in a regional area such as Ballina is a psychological boost for them as well as demonstrating that there are many Australians who care about their wellbeing and value their contribution to the community.

The Nauru Friendship Group communicates with those held on Nauru, forming friendships and links to assist in their ability to cope.  The group also sends essential items such as clothing, personal care items and food.

Funds are also sent via various people and agencies to both Manus Island and Nauru for such things as medical needs, food, clothing, phone credit, legal aid etc.

Get Involved

BR4R’s goal is to promote the acceptance and integration of refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia, by thinking globally and acting locally.

We do this via four main strategies:

  • Direct Support
  • Awareness Raising
  • Community Engagement
  • Fundraising & Administration.

You can help

Upcoming Events

(click on the event for more information)[ecs-list-events]

Our Vision

The vision of Ballina Region for Refugees is to welcome, respect and support refugees and people seeking asylum.

Our goal is to promote the acceptance and integration of refugees and those seeking asylum in Australia, by thinking globally and acting locally.

WELCOME- RESPECT- SUPPORT

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Acknowledgement of Country

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