A Celebration of Welcome, Connection and New Beginnings

On 14 February, Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia together with Catholic Mission and Catholic Care hosted a joyful picnic gathering for participants in the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) program at St Patrick’s Cathedral Hall in Parramatta. More than one hundred people attended, including sponsored families, parish volunteers and community supporters.

The hall was filled with laughter, conversation and an impressive spread of multicultural dishes generously prepared by each group. Children played safely in the enclosed courtyard while adults shared stories, experiences and encouragement. Interpreters in Arabic and Farsi were present, helping families connect more easily and feel at home.

Families from Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran and Venezuela gathered alongside parish groups from across Sydney and beyond, including the Blue Mountains and Ulladulla. The afternoon offered a valuable opportunity to strengthen friendships, reflect on the challenges and joys of resettlement, and learn from one another. The strength of this growing network brings real hope, creating a circle of support where families and volunteers feel encouraged, connected and confident about the future. While some families continue to face hurdles, particularly around language and health, the shared commitment and solidarity on display were clear signs that no one walks this journey alone.

Encouragingly, several attendees expressed interest in forming new CRISP groups, a hopeful reminder that more communities are ready to step forward and offer welcome.

It was a vibrant celebration of welcome, community and shared responsibility, with hopes to make this Sydney gathering an annual event.