CRISP to be permanent?

CRISP to be permanent?

It’s now been two years since the first refugee households arrived in Australia under the CRISP (Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot). Almost 500 refugees from 125 households have been welcomed to Australia. The anniversary was celebrated at a special...
Big multicultural party

Big multicultural party

About 100 adults and children from around the Northern Rivers enjoyed a multicultural party at Ballina’s Kentwell Community Centre on October 19. The event was organised by the Multicultural Forum steering committee to help immigrants and refugees make connections and...
Life-changing experience

Life-changing experience

Ever since the horrible Tampa boat ‘incident’ I’d felt quite disempowered about the state of refugees, that is until a chance encounter about 18 months ago. I was walking my dog on the beach and I met a newly arrived Syrian refugee family (it was their second day in...
Bunnings BBQ sizzles

Bunnings BBQ sizzles

Our doughty sausage sizzlers had a great day at the recent Bunnings BBQ in Ballina, raising $1957 – a stunning effort. Meg Pickup said the takings included $90 in donations. “It’s the first time we’ve had a donations box,” she said. “The response was more than I...
Foaad’s special day

Foaad’s special day

By Foaad Makansi One of the most beautiful, elegant and wonderful celebrations ever for you is the one that friends and family organise for you. Nothing lasts in your imagination like these memories.In these shots. on this day, I turned 40 years old.  It is my first...
Leen catches the singing bug

Leen catches the singing bug

Young Leen has only been in Australia a year but she’s well and truly caught the performing bug after singing a duet at the sold-out Finding Freedom concert recently at Mullumbimby. Leen, 10, is now part of children’s choir that has recently been set up by Emily...