Help refugees feel at home: Volunteers needed to form and coordinate local groups to welcome refugee newcomers into their communities.

Seeking a meaningful and direct way to make a difference? Join a global movement, inspired by Canada's impactful initiative, and become a welcoming face in your hometown for refugees. Whether you're in the bush or the big city, this program is for all Australians. We’re looking for more locals to lead in the formation and coordination of a group of 5 friends, neighbours or strangers, to welcome and support a refugee household in their first twelve months in Australia.

A Group Coordinator is...

• Enthusiastic, open and a good communicator
• Organised
• Consistent and confident in setting goals
• A team player who can work with different kinds of people
• An ally to refugee newcomers

Their tasks include...

• Forming a group – find a minimum of 4 others who want to welcome refugees to your area
• Assigning roles and responsibilities – delegate tasks to other group members
• Communication - facilitate group meetings, group chats, and circulate emails from CRSA
• Onboarding processes, including: background checks, training and communicating with the CRSA team regarding your group applicatiom
• Defining goals – regularly check in with the group to make sure you stay on track
• Developing a plan of action – lead on the development and submission of important documents

The whole group will commit to...

• An average of 10-15 hours per week, collectively
• Fundraising efforts that will be used by your group to support the refugee household in their first few weeks in Australia (noting that
• 12 months of holistic support to a newly arrived refugee household that your group will be matched with by Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA)

The group will help newcomers with...

• Local orientation, including welcoming at the airport
• Registering with Centrelink, Medicare and other government services
• Enrolling households in English language classes and children in school
• Securing long-term housing
• Using public transport, obtaining a driver’s license
• Providing help with accessing employment opportunities
• Extending social opportunities and emotional support

Uncertain about your abilities? Don’t be. Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA), the organisation leading this initiative, will be with you every step of the way, providing training, resources and support through your community sponsorship journey.

This is your chance to turn compassion into action, helping newcomers feel at home in your community. Be a part of this life-changing experience – both for yourself and for those seeking a new beginning.

Get involved today! Contact nat.medcalf@refugeesponsorship.org.au for more info.