‘CRISP’ program: the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot.

Local church communities anywhere in Australia can now sponsor and welcome a refugee family from overseas 

Finally, everyday Australians can help refugees in a practical, meaningful and satisfying way, through a new national ‘community sponsorship’ program. Based on the popular 40-year-old Canadian model, locals form a group to welcome and support a refugee household through this federal government-backed program.

They meet the new arrivals at the airport and help them settle into their new home and community. Ongoing support might include help with navigating Centrelink, driving lessons or or introducing them to a local business that you know is looking for staff.

Church congregations and faith groups have long been at the forefront of welcoming refugees to Australia. Now your congregation can take the next step and welcome refugees referred by the UNHCR into their hearts and lives. 

New federal program

After years of research and advocacy by concerned groups including the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce, in December 2021 the federal government announced its new ‘CRISP’ program: the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot. From 2022 to 2025, this four-year program will support 1,500 refugees referred by the UNHCR to the Australian government for resettlement. Under the ALP’s national policy platform, community sponsorship of refugees has the potential to enlarge Australia’s refugee resettlement quota in this term of government. Now is the time to get involved at a practical level to help a refugee family build a new life here and, while doing so, show the Albanese government that everyday Australians are willing and able to welcome more refugees when given a chance.

How you can help

Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) is delivering the CRISP program and is seeking  local groups of five or more adults to put their hands up community groups to welcome new refugees from overseas, with families starting to arrive from August 2022. Local clubs, businesses and faith groups can instigate the formation of these groups and support those individuals in this important work in a variety of ways. 

CRSA is asking local churches around Australia to make their congregations aware of this new program and encourage them to participate.

Please share information about the CRISP program and invite your parishioners to attend an online public information session or  watch the recorded information session to find out more.

	Welcome picnic		Picnic by the River Photo credit: © Annie Sakaab

Above: 4 images courtesy of The Australian Women’s Weekly by photographer Alana Landsberry.

Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce (ACRT) is an activity of the National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA).  

We believe our faith calls us to welcome the stranger and care for the people who find themselves displaced, marginalised or homeless, and those in need of protection. We want to see a compassionate and generous response to welcoming refugees into Australia.