Lindisfarne 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, Tweed Welcomes Refugees, which offered students a valuable opportunity to hear first-hand stories from refugee families, deepening their understanding of migration, displacement, and the realities behind global movements.
NRFR vice president Isabelle Borrelli led the session, outlining how refugee support unfolds locally, helping new arrivals find homes, access services, and feel connected to their new communities. Liz Waters from Tweed Welcomes Refugees highlighted the important work of volunteers and local groups in welcoming and integrating families.
The most moving moments came from guest speaker, Douaa, who arrived in Australia three years ago as part of the CRISP program. Douaa shared her own inspiring journey – fleeing Syria’s conflict, seeking safety in Iraq, and finally coming to Australia through the support of the United Nations. She described the pride she felt passing her Australian driving test, an achievement she could only have dreamed of in Syria.
Fatima arrived just three months ago with her sister and family. We learnt of the profound losses her family suffered, including the tragic deaths of relatives in Syria, and the strength it took to seek a fresh start.
The students engaged with insightful questions and learned that only about 20,000 asylum seekers gain full refugee status in Australia each year, underlining the challenges people face and the vital role of community support.
Organiser Nathalie Newton-Walters said the event was both informative and inspiring. “It gave the Geography students real-world context for their upcoming assessment on migration while fostering empathy and a deeper appreciation for the courage and resilience within our refugee community,” she said.
NRFR vice president Isabelle Borrelli leads the Lindisfarne session. With her is NRFR board member Liz Waters and members of local refugee families.
