Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group Inc

Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group was founded in 2001, twenty years ago. We are a group of ordinary Australians who remain united by the vision of a compassionate Australia where people seeking refuge and asylum are treated with justice and compassion. We are all volunteers. BMRSG has no particular religious or political affiliation except a commitment to common decency.

Friendship and support

We offer friendship and practical support for refugees and those seeking asylum.

Enabling Self Help

We enable refugees to thrive, not just survive as they develop their skills, activities and businesses.

Education and advocacy

We provide community education on refugee issues and advocate for government policies which reflect the spirit of the 1951 Refugee Convention

Achievements

During 2022-23 financial year two areas of assistance stood out, rent relief and food assistance as cost of food and rentals increased.

445

Christmas presents to refugee children

$150,930

Spent on rental assistance

40+

Smart phones & laptops provided

These achievements are only possible due to our wonderful volunteers. Visitors who stay in contact with those seeking asylum in the community and in detention, those who organise and support our Cars for Refugees program, the mentoring and English conversation volunteers, employment assistance team and fundraisers are just some who bring hope to so many.

Take Action

Every Palm Sunday at Lawson people gather from faith groups, unions, community groups to demonstrate with placards along the highway with messages in support of Peace and Justice for All, especially Refugees.

Stay Informed

SUBMISSION::The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights Inquiry June 2023

Australia’s adoption of a Human Rights Act would transform our community by ensuring the values we all share of kindness, respect, fairness, dignity and equality will be at the heart of our legislation and legal system.

DOWNLOAD: BMRSG’s submission

Donate

Many of the refugee households supported by BMRSG are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and food on their table.In July 2022, $4,504.48 was given to refugee families for food support. This increased to $6,200 for January, 2023 – just under $1,700 more.
The most significant increase, however, has been in rental assistance. This has risen from $10,320 in July 2022, to $16,300 in January, 2023.

What we do

We offer friendship and practical support for refugees and people seeking asylum to enable refugees to thrive, not just survive as they develop their own skills activities and businesses

Young Supporters Spotlight

Make The Meaning Positive. Made by Emily Condell and Rachel Zhao of Smiths Hill HS.

for our 2022 Schools Video Competition.

See more Videos on the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group YouTube channel.

by Zac Thompson, Smith’s Hill High School

See more Posters on the Student Video and Poster page

News and Events

Refugees OFF PNG

Tell your MP that Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neil must evacuate the last refugees abandoned in PNG, so they can rebuild their lives here or in another safe country.

Email your MP

Pathway to Permanency to TPV/SHEV holders.

On 14 February 2023 the law changed allowing all holders of a TPV or a SHEV to be eligible for a Permanent Visa to remain in Australia. The visa they will be eligible for is called a Resolution of Status
Visa (Subclass 581) (RoS).
This information applies to you if you arrived in Australia before 14 February 2023 and you held or applied
for a TPV or SHEV before 14 February 2023

Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) have provided fact sheets with information about the
new visa and the process to apply for it: https://www.racs.org.au/tpv-shev-processing