The first refugee families participating in the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP), which is trialling an additional approach to the settlement of refugees, will be welcomed by regional communities in Victoria and New South Wales this week.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles MP, said this new community-based settlement initiative provides a dedicated pathway for refugees, who are referred to Australia for resettlement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and who do not have family links in Australia.
"We know that at this time, there are more people displaced globally than ever before." Mr Giles said.
"This Government is committed to ensuring that in the future, sponsorship programs such as this will become additional to our existing refugee intake numbers."
"There has been great interest from community groups to directly help those in need, and this pilot creates a great opportunity for those communities to welcome refugees into Australia and directly support their settlement journey."
"Through this program, refugees will be welcomed into communities across Australia such as Gosford in New South Wales and Wonthaggi in Victoria." he said
Community groups taking part in the Pilot undergo training so they have the capability to provide the support refugees need to successfully settle and participate fully in Australian society.
The three families from Syria arriving in Australia this week are the first of up to 1,500 refugee visa holders that will be resettled through the CRISP up until the 30 June 2025.
Further information about CRISP can be found on the Department's website here.
