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.

Our Palm Sunday rally was cancelled this year due to weather. Now on Sunday 25 June 2pm in Refugee Week. GWH/Somers St, Lawson All welcome

Stay Informed

SUBMISSION: Migration Amendment (Evacuation to Safety) Bill 2023.

The Bill would require the Australian Government to offer people who are trapped in offshore detention the chance to be transferred to Australia, to receive the support and care they need.

Read 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

Ruby Tomka of Smiths Hill HS, Wollongong.

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

Equal 2nd New Beginning. Hannah Brown NCAPAHS

See more Posters on the Student Video and Poster page

News and Events

Autumn Fundraising Raffle

This year winning is even better. The 1st drawn can take their pick of all the prizes, the 2nd the second pick and so forth till all 7 are gone.

Despite the happy news that 19,000 refugees can apply for permanent visas thousands of equally deserving people are still in limbo unable to study, work or contribute and become part of society. BMRSG volunteers help with navigating this new world.

BUY TICKETS NOW

Pathway to Permanency to TPV/SHEV holders.

Some very positive news for refugees and asylum seekers with the Government’s announcement that they will provide a pathway to permanency for TPV/SHEV holders.
The new visa will be called a Resolution of Status visa (subclass 851) RoS.

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