Local volunteers help Congolese family settle in Orange through permanent CRISP scheme

After fleeing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Alain Mukungu, his spouse and their seven children were met at Sydney Airport by volunteers from Orange who belong to the Hearts and Hands group. The volunteers drove the family to the regional city, where Mukungu initially worried about job prospects but later found work in social support services, obtained a driver’s licence and bought a car. Their successful settlement is part of the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP), which pairs local volunteers with refugee households for a 12-month period.

The federal government has now turned the four-year trial, which helped over 950 refugees, into a permanent scheme. A University of Queensland review found that regional refugees in the program enjoy comparable or better outcomes, including notably higher employment rates, though they can feel isolated due to fewer cultural services. Program leaders say the model is replicable across Australia, emphasizing community connection and shared cultural exchange.