Refugee sponsorship for Australia

My New Neighbour:

a people-powered campaign for better community sponsorship

What is community sponsorship for refugees?

The Australian Government has recently introduced a community sponsorship program. It allows people in Australia to put their hand up and ‘sponsor’ a refugee to come live here.

The program means that organisations like a local government, church group or business can choose to ‘sponsor’ a refugee, and maybe even their family, to rebuild their lives in Australia. 

Community sponsors help with the costs of bringing the person to Australia, help them find housing and employment and make them feel welcome in the community.

It’s time for a community-led solution for refugees that really works, is fair and accessible.

What are the benefits?

When implemented properly, community sponsorship:

• creates more opportunities for refugees to find safety and rebuild their lives; 
• provides newcomers with an established network, helping them adapt to their new life
• brings diversity and valuable skills into our communities.

In the last 40 years, Canadians have welcomed over 280,000 refugees into their neighbourhoods through community-led sponsorship. These people arrived in Canada in addition to their government’s annual humanitarian intake, thanks to the efforts of community groups, families and individuals.

It is crucial any sponsorship program be in addition
to Australia’s current humanitarian program

Meet the champions for refugee sponsorship

Amnesty International Australia’s Refugee Advisory Group guides our work on refugee and asylum seeker rights.

Having overcome the difficulties of escaping their homelands and resettling in Australia, they now generously share their expertise on supporting and empowering refugees who have experienced, and may still be experiencing, traumatic and challenging situations.

Read more: Meet Amnesty’s Refugee Advisory Group.

Ready to get involved? Sign the petition or Meet more supporters.