At a Refugee Week event in Western Sydney, the story of one Syrian family stood out as a powerful reminder of what true welcome looks like. Source: Catholic Outlook.
After years of hardship fleeing conflict in Syria and enduring life in a refugee camp in Jordan, the Safour family arrived in Australia with no sponsors, no relatives, and no access to formal settlement services.
But thanks to Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains and the compassion of local faith communities, they were not alone for long.
Rather than each parish working alone, parishioners from St Anthony of Padua, Toongabbie, and Our Lady of Lourdes, Seven Hills, teamed up – together with the Uniting Church in Blacktown – to form a new model of refugee sponsorship through Catholic Care’s Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) program.
“I had approached both parishes several times, but we couldn’t form a separate group in each,” Rita Hakkoum, Catholic Care’s Community Outreach Worker for Migrants and Refugees, said.
“Then someone suggested, ‘Why not do it together?’ So, they did.”
What they created was something unique. Parishioners, other Church members and people in the wider community were welcomed into the effort, offering not just funds but hands-on help.
They promoted the program during Mass, shared flyers, and gave everyone real responsibilities.
“They did everything for the family,” Ms Hakkoum said.
“They were deeply committed – school enrolments, Centrelink, bank accounts, groceries, even the right Arabic coffee. They thought of everything.”
When the family arrived, they were greeted with balloons, toys for the children, and a warm, home-cooked dinner that blended Australian and Arabic dishes.
As for the Safour family – officially welcomed by Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting at a Refugee Week event in Mt Druitt on June 20 – they now have more than shelter. They have a community.
FULL STORY
Syrian family welcomed in Blacktown with open arms (Catholic Outlook)
