Ballina Region for Refugees has joined with the Australian Government in a new refugee settlement campaign, 100 Groups, 100 Days.
So far, 64 new groups have committed Australia-wide in the lead-up to World Refugee Day on June 20.
The campaign is being run by Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA). The hope is that passionate people in the community will come together to form a support group to provide a warm welcome and a soft landing to refugee newcomers.
There are an estimated 32.5 million refugees in the world, and the government intends to gradually increase its community sponsored and other complementary places to 10,000, as stated at the 2023 Global Refugee Forum in Geneva.
In February this year, 220 community groups were registered and 115 refugee households were matched with the groups. The households were settled in locations across all states, 50percent in rural areas and 50percent in metropolitan areas.
The CRSA team is in contact with a new wave of UNHCR-referred refugees – families and individuals currently overseas that are waiting to be matched with local support groups.
Groups are made up of five or more adults from a local area who can commit to supporting a refugee household for the first 12 months of their resettlement.
So, how can you get involved?
- Contact Ballina Region for Refugees to learn more about joining a group and supporting a refugee household.
- Find other people in your community who want to form a group with you. Check out this ‘find a group’ Facebook page if you need help with this.
- If you have formed a group and are ready to get involved, submit an intention to apply and start preparing to welcome!
Taking the next step is simple, and the CRSA team will guide you through each step of the way.
Ballina Region for Refugees can help with any local support your group needs to form a group and welcome a refugee household.
This is your moment to make a difference to the global refugee crisis through meaningful and rewarding local action.
For more information email BR4R President Marilyn Leeks