At our Special General Meeting on June 15, the required 75 per cent of members present voted to change our name from Ballina Region for Refugees to Northern Rivers for Refugees.
The new name reflects our expanded activity across the Northern Rivers – supporting the national Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP), community supporter groups, and networking with Tweed Welcomes Refugees and Lismore Region Refugee Settlement.
Our involvement with CRISP has increased our membership and volunteers who live in areas beyond the Ballina region. Our total membership is 83, the highest number to date, with half living in Ballina Shire and a third in Byron Shire.
A total of five CRISP community supporter groups have formed, welcoming and supporting the settlement of two families/households in Ballina and two in Ocean Shores. At the beginning of 2024 a new community supporter group formed in Mullumbimby (MRSG) and they will welcome a family in July. Two other community supporter groups are in formation – one in Ocean Shores completing CRISP training and the other group in Ballina gathering members.
Northern Rivers for Refugees (NRFR) more accurately describes the role that we are playing across the Northern Rivers.
You will still see the name Ballina Region for Refugees on our Bulletin and website while we transition and spread the word to our many supporters.