OIU news caught up with Nick Greiner (OR63) on his family history and why the CRISP program for Refugee settlement represented a real sense of giving back. 

"I discovered that my mother had been a refugee twice during World War Two, once going into Hungary from Czechoslovakia and once the other way. She was sent to a work camp, and when the war was over, she got back to Budapest and met my father again. My father was then put in jail by the Communists. He made three attempts to escape from Hungary, and in each case, was helped by what we would call people smugglers. The first attempt to escape, the truck got shot at and the guy opposite my father in the back was killed. The second attempt he was recaptured, and on the third attempt, they swam across the Danube and got to Vienna, where my mother and I were waiting. We eventually came to Australia, not as refugees, but as migrants. So, because of this experience, I decided that I would focus on trying to help refugees in Australia. I'm on the board of the Refugee Council of Australia, which is like the umbrella body for all the groups like the Jesuit Refugee Services. There are hundreds of such groups in Australia, all small, all struggling for money and resources". 

The Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) is a government sponsored program where groups commit to help resettle a refugee unit for twelve months. 

Launched in mid 2022, the program gives groups of locals the opportunity to welcome refugees into their community, supporting them from day one of their Australian journey. In May 2024, the government extended the pilot to mid 2026, before committing to making the CRISP permanent in February 2025 (with effect from mid 2026). This is testament to the wide range of benefits of this community-led approach for refugee newcomers, local communities and the everyday Australians who put their hands up to welcome a newcomer. Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia (CRSA) trains and deploys community groups under the program, to help refugees needing urgent resettlement as identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). 

Speaking to local CRISP co-ordinator and former Riverview Parent Anne Nesbitt, it is clear the programs mandate and ethos are aligned with the School's values. 

"Because Riverview requires the boys to complete community service, what better activity than to get a few families together to form a group and welcome a refugee family. Whilst the parents need to sign a deed of commitment for the first 12 months, students can help in many ways. Welcoming a refugee family is enjoyable, rewarding and transformative for all concerned." 

It's clear from talking to Nick that the CRISP program is up and running but needs more support groups in the community. 

Greiner added "these are refugees here with the government's blessing. It could be a single person. It could be a single mother with four children. They've often been in camps for many years. You get a small group, normally around five people, to help them with understanding the healthcare system, education, transport etc. We're keen to get some more groups involved to grow this program". 

OIU news concluded by thanking Nick for his efforts. "It's wonderful to have you as part of our community, Nick, to shine a light on this program, making such a difference to peoples lives. Thank you." 

For more information on the CRISP program click here or contact Anne Nesbitt, CRISP coordinator on 0407090228.