Our Story
In March 2023, Claudia, Liz, Bernd and Norm made the decision to establish a new refugee support group - Tweed Welcomes Refugees (TWR) - that would focus on resettlement of refugees coming from the camps run by the UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) under the new government CRISP program (Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot).
Eric came on board as the treasurer to complete the minimum requirement of 5 community members to enter the CRISP program. Liz became the first President with Claudia as Vice President. Norm took the role of Secretary and Public Officer with Bernd handling the setting up of our communications networks.
TWR registered its name and became an incorporated community association, Tweed Welcomes Refugees Inc. A tax file number and ABN was granted and we became registered as a Not-for-profit Charity with the ACNC (Australian Charities and not-for-profits Commission).
Next came the formation of the TWR Resettlement Group - the community members who will be working closely with the refugees from the minute they arrive at the airport (hopefully) sometime later this year.
Recently, we welcomed Christine, Sarah and Stephen to join with the five original committee members to make up this resettlement group, with the on-line training modules now being completed.
