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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CRSA Awards: Northern Rivers Shines
Read more: CRSA Awards: Northern Rivers ShinesThe Community Refugee Settlement Australia (CRSA) awards night and gathering took place in June during Refugee Week, and our region made a massive impact. Two of our hard-working refugee supporters…
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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…
Notices
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Can you help Fatima?
Read more: Can you help Fatima?Fatima is a young Hazara woman who has an opportunity to escape Taliban persecution in Afghanistan, but she needs your help. A farmer born in the ancient city of Bamyan,…
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You can help sick refugees
Read more: You can help sick refugeesA new campaign is encouraging people to write to politicians, requesting that seven seriously ill refugees and asylum seekers in Papua New Guinea be urgently evacuated to Australia for medical…
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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…
Latest events
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Charity Concert: Emily Lubitz Live in Support of NRFR
Read more: Charity Concert: Emily Lubitz Live in Support of NRFRMark your calendars for an unforgettable evening of music and community spirit! On Friday, 19th September 2026, the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club will host a special charity concert featuring Emily Lubitz,…
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Book now for Sex, Drugs and Handrails
Read more: Book now for Sex, Drugs and HandrailsBook your tickets now for a celebration of life in Sex, Drugs and Handrails, a fabulous Baby Boomer musical journey into what ageing means. Friday August 21 at the Drill…
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Bangalow market stall
Read more: Bangalow market stallOn the fourth Sunday of the month, NRFR’s Bangalow Market fundraising stall is going from strength to strength! The stall is a valuable fundraising opportunity and it helps spread the…
Keep up-to-date
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