Justine Coleman leads the Southside Welcome Crew - part of CRISP (Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Project).
Justine explained how the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Project works. Simply put a team of about 5 people, all volunteers come together to form a support team for one refugee family arriving into Australia. The family remains under the "care" of the team for 12 months during which time they will be assisted to find schools, Centerlink support, work, housing etc etc.
Since the Program's formation in 2022 about 130 families have been supported. It has involved the contribution of over 1000 volunteers. The families have come from a variety of some 15 countries. Until recently, the program was still in a pilot phase but has now been classified by the Department of Multicultural Affairs as a permanent program.
Each group comprises about 5 people, all volunteers from a variety of backgrounds., Once accepted into the program they undergo training. The time commitment for the combined group is around 15 hours per week. The group receives no direct government support and is responsible for their own fundraising. Including donated items this amounts to about $15,000 as minimum
.
The program follows a path beginning with a warm and friendly welcome into our country. Many, if not all, of these people have spent up to 10 years in refugee camps outside their country of origin so shock of arriving in Australia is significant.
Justine's group expect their family to arrive in June and are well on their fundraising journey of raising $20,000. Accommodation and employment will be their two major challenges - Justine asked members to consider any ways they may be able to help.
Contact Info and Fundraising:
Shout for Good - to donate cash
