The Australian federal government has announced that the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) will become a permanent part of the country’s humanitarian resettlement program.

Initially launched in mid-2022 as a three-year initiative, CRISP connects local community groups with refugee families nominated by the United Nations refugee agency, offering them crucial support for the first twelve months of their resettlement in Australia.

One of the beneficiaries of this program is Juan Santamaria, a former criminal lawyer who fled Venezuela in search of safety.

Arriving in Australia in 2023, Mr. Santamaria received assistance from local community groups in various aspects of settling into his new life, including registering for Medicare and finding accommodation.

He expressed gratitude for the support he received, emphasizing how vital it was for individuals arriving alone in a new country.

During his time in the program, Mr. Santamaria was connected with a Jewish community group, through which he formed lasting friendships, notably with a member named Guy Abrahams.

Federal Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill described the CRISP program as both cost-effective and beneficial.

In his remarks, he noted the positive feedback from communities across Australia and highlighted the transformative impact the program has had on the lives of refugees.

Minister Hill conveyed the rewarding experiences shared by volunteers from various states and territories involved in welcoming newcomers to the country.

Initially set to conclude in June 2025, the pilot program received an additional $1 million in funding, enabling its extension until June 2026. However, the government has now taken steps to make CRISP a permanent fixture within Australia's broader humanitarian framework, allowing for ongoing support and planning for future refugee arrivals.

Lisa Button, the chief executive of Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia, which coordinates the CRISP program, expressed aspirations to expand its capacity as it transitions to a permanent program.

She mentioned that while the current scale of CRISP is modest, there are significant ambitions for the program moving forward, particularly since its efficacy has been demonstrated.

According to Ms. Button, there is a considerable interest from Australians wishing to engage with the program, and future efforts will explore how this model can address various humanitarian crises, including those from the evacuations in Afghanistan, arrivals from Ukraine, and ongoing situations in Gaza.