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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The Kankoun family – blossoming in Ballina
Read more: The Kankoun family – blossoming in BallinaThen – March 2025 The Kankoun family from Syria did not have an easy beginning to their new life in Australia. A visa problem in Iraq delayed their scheduled departure…
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Local refugee appointed to Minister’s Student Council
Read more: Local refugee appointed to Minister’s Student CouncilMullumbimby High School student Sana Bloudani has been appointed to the Minister’s Student Council, which is a direct voice for students to the NSW Education Minister. Sana, 14, is the…
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It’s all about the people
Read more: It’s all about the peopleTwo refugee families from vastly different troublespots – Syria and Venezuela – found new lives thanks to settlement in Tweed Shire. To mark Harmony Day, they share their feelings with…
Notices
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Act to stop erosion of our human rights
Read more: Act to stop erosion of our human rightsLet’s celebrate Refugee Week June 15-21, initiated in Australia 40 years ago and now observed worldwide. This year A Million Stories is the theme in Australia, recognising that we have…
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There is light amidst the gloom
Read more: There is light amidst the gloomIt is so easy to become overwhelmed by the cruelty asylum seekers and refugees often experience at the hands of the Australian Government and the increasing racist behaviour from some…
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Time to protect human rights
Read more: Time to protect human rightsFollowing the appalling shootings at Bondi on December 14, 2025, the plight of refugees and asylum seekers has slipped further under the radar. Since then, the politics of division seems…
Latest events
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Join us for a pickleball marathon
Read more: Join us for a pickleball marathon🎾 Pickleball Marathon + Community Fundraiser – July 19! Get ready for a full day of fun, friendly competition, and community spirit in Goonellabah. The Northern Rivers Pickleball Club is…
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Major fundraiser and fun night out
Read more: Major fundraiser and fun night outMajor Fundraiser of the Year Thursday 11 June | 8 pm Presented by Ballina Players Theatre Funny, heartfelt and refreshingly honest, A Chorus Line follows 17 dancers competing for a…
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Inspiring film to start Refugee Week
Read more: Inspiring film to start Refugee WeekA special screening of the film We Are Not Powerless, featuring a Q&A with directors Muzafar Ali and Jolyon Hoff will start Refugee Week in Murwillumbah on Sunday June 14.…
Keep up-to-date
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