Welcome a refugee family into the Northern Rivers

Australians can sponsor and welcome refugee families into their local communities through community sponsorship.

The Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) enables groups of five+ locals to welcome and support a refugee family as they arrive in Australia and for their first year.

Seven refugee families are (or have been) supported in the Northern Rivers – between Lismore to Tweed. Most, but not all of them, with the support of Northern Rivers for Refugees (NRFR).

About the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP)

  • A group of five or more adults form a group to provide12 months of practical, hands-on support to a refugee family.
  • Groups are trained and supported by CRSA, who will match them with a refugee household referred to the CRISP.
  • Refugee participants have been identified by the UNHCR and been granted permanent visas by the Australian government.

Your group will help with

  • local orientation, including meeting at the airport
  • securing temporary and long-term housing
  • opening bank accounts
  • initial income support (first 7-2 weeks)
  • registering for Centrelink support
  • enrolling in TAFE for English lessons
  • enrolling children in school
  • accessing social opportunities and emotional support
  • getting a driver’s license
  • finding a job or starting a business.

We’ll be by your side!

  • NRFR can help with any local support your group needs to form a group and welcome a refugee family.
  • Our successful fundraising can take that pressure off your group!
  • Groups who have already welcomed a family can answer any question you have along the way, and share their tips.

This is your moment to make a difference to the global refugee crisis through meaningful and rewarding local action.

For more information email NRFR and one of the local coordinators will answer all your questions and share their experiences.

Read about some of our local families

Big day celebrating our community

Driving to independence

Six month on, a family update

Mary’s family

Essam and Douua’s Family