Ballina Region for Refugees was founded to support both onshore and offshore refugees. It commenced with a small group meeting in a Lennox Head cafe and has now grown to over 80 members.

In June 2024, the name was changed to Northern Rivers for Refugees in acknowledgement of expanded activities.

The initial efforts delivered mobile phones and the capacity to have an online presence for refugees far from their homes and families.

Later the support enlarged to also provide respite accommodation for refugees in our region. This has now expanded to the support of five families in Ballina, Ocean Shores and Mullumbimby.

The vision of Northern Rivers 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 people seeking asylum in Australia, by thinking globally and acting locally