Our vision
To welcome, respect and support refugees and people seeking asylum.
To promote the acceptance and integration of refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia, by thinking globally and acting locally.
What we do
Volunteers across the Northern Rivers coming together to:
Refugee resettlement
Welcome refugees to settle locally and support them to access health, education and other services. >>
Raise awareness
Educate and inform the community on the need to care for people seeking asylum. >>
Fundraise
Fundraise and organise events, markets stalls and donor functions to achieve our vision. >>
Get involved
There are many ways you can act to change a refugee family’s life! You really can make a difference, one family at a time!
Refugee family welcome
- Join or start a support group.
- Undergo training & link with other local groups.
- Mentor a refugee family and change their lives.
Volunteer at events
- Get involved in local fundraising activities, or organise an event.
- Commit ad hoc or more often.
- Skilled and unskilled opportunities.
- Join our volunteer register.
“Truly, I am very grateful for your presence in my life and the life of my family, which has finished its first year in Australia. My family and I are enjoying a new life filled with love, friendship and happiness in every sense of the word.”
Foaad Makansi
Celebrating his first anniversary in Australia, supported by NRFR volunteers.
Latest news
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NRFR refugee network gathering
Read more: NRFR refugee network gatheringPlenty of valuable first-hand information about settling refugee families was shared at the recent NRFR network gathering in Ocean Shores. Attendees came from Lismore, Tweed, Byron and Ballina and brought…
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NRFR awarded Ingrained Foundation grant
Read more: NRFR awarded Ingrained Foundation grantThe Byron-based Ingrained Foundation has granted NRFR $10,000 to develop a training program and resource kit to help Community Supporter Groups and the refugee families they support. The Ingrained Foundation…
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SCU student placed with local refugee family
Read more: SCU student placed with local refugee familyWhen John Omtha’s family was fleeing persecution by the brutal military regime in Myanmar, little did they know that one day John would be helping other refugees settle in Australia.…
Notices
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Urgent support needed for Afghan artists and journalists at risk
Read more: Urgent support needed for Afghan artists and journalists at riskA funding appeal has been launched to help three Afghan creatives in danger of being deported from Pakistan into the hands of the Taliban. Ocean Shores woman Sara Gloede has…
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10th anniversary party
Read more: 10th anniversary partyCome celebrate the 10th anniversary of the creation of what was then Ballina Region for Refugees (now Northern Rivers for Refugees) and all we have achieved since then.
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Cup of Kindness coming your way
Read more: Cup of Kindness coming your wayWe are excited at the upcoming launch of our major fundraising campaign for 2025 – the Cup of Kindness. And you hardly have to do anything to help make it…
Latest events
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School students engage with refugee stories
Read more: School students engage with refugee storiesLindisfarne Anglican Grammar School Year 10 Geography students participated in an outstanding session as part of the ‘Changing Places’ unit. The event, delivered by NRFR, brought along a local CSG,…
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Meet our new Events Coordinator
Read more: Meet our new Events CoordinatorRachel Bracken has been deeply engaged in community life since arriving on the Northern Rivers last year, and has stepped into a volunteer role as Events Coordinator for NRFR. Rachel…
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A concert to inspire
Read more: A concert to inspireA concert to inspire hope and unity, celebrating community, culture, and compassion in support of refugees and their journeys to safety.
Keep up-to-date
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