The Byron-based Ingrained Foundation has granted NRFR $10,000 to develop a training program and resource kit to help Community Supporter Groups and the refugee families they support.
The Ingrained Foundation was set up by the original Stone & Wood Brewing as a Public Ancillary. This has continued through ongoing donations and support of Stone & Wood (Lion Pty Ltd).
NRFR is one of nine local not-for-profits to share in the $184,000 Grants Program for 2025. NRFR vice president Isabelle Borrelli said: “The refugee networking project will support successful resettlement by providing the tools for Community Supporter Groups (CSGs) and newly arrived refugees to identify important pathways in education, employment, health and friendship within their supportive communities.”
The project will complement the existing training for CSGs provided by Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Australia.
The project is in the initial phase of developing the materials to identify regional resources. The grant means NRFR can use the graphic design skills of one of the locally settled refugees. The project will also draw on the experiences of all CSGs in our region.
In addition, this training will be made available free of charge to any CSG across the country and to Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia on their website.
Some of the grant will be used to prepare a hard copy booklet to be presented to CSGs before the arrival of the settlement family, together with a constantly updated online tip sheet. NRFR’s Community Welfare student, John Omtha, will assist with the project.
