Four Northern Rivers people, including a refugee, have been honoured with awards by Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA).
Brunswick Heads based Syrian refugee Walaa Al Lahham has won the CRISP Newcomer Volunteer Award. John Purssey and Judith Alcorn of the Mullumbimby Refugee Support Group (MRSG), won the Above and Beyond Award. Another local winner in the same category was Anne Tuart of Lismore Region Refugee Settlement.
The inaugural Community Sponsorship Awards were held as part of National Volunteer Week 2025.
Announcing the winners, CRSA said the awards recognised the outstanding contributions of individuals who go above and beyond to welcome and support refugee newcomers through the CRISP.
“It was an inspiring event, filled with powerful stories, smiling faces, and well-deserved recognition of the deep compassion and commitment that defines community sponsorship,” CRSA said.
“We heard first hand how individuals and groups are not only making a difference in the lives of refugee families but impacting their broader community through their compassion, dedication and quiet leadership.”
Caption:
Walaa Walaa Al Lahham, seated with her husband Ousama Bloudani. Standing are Jude Alcorn and John Purssey from MRSG.
