Ballina Region for Refugees (BR4R) believes in welcoming, respecting and supporting refugees.

In August 2022, BR4R welcomed their first family to the Ballina/Byron Shire region under the Community Refugee Integration and Support Program (CRISP), a second family arrives in October.

Having fled Syria, these families are being supported to build lives in Northern NSW.  Refugees who are supported through community programs have been shown to settle into their new country more successfully, because of the friendship, care and networks offered to them.

BR4R hopes to welcome up to 5 families to the region in the next 2 years, with the families offering a richness of skills, experience and friendship to Northern NSW.

Funds raised will go towards supporting families in their first 12 months in Australia.  This can include covering the cost of establishing a household,  initial bills and expenses as well as supporting their integration into life in Australia, such as learning to swim.