Australian Red Cross celebrates Refugee Week ’Finding Freedom: Diversity in Community'

Over the past financial year, Australian Red Cross has provided direct humanitarian support to more than 23,600 people from 129 countries, delivering vital assistance to those facing crisis, displacement, and hardship.

Key highlights included:

• 7,694 temporary visa holders from over 100 countries received emergency financial assistance through our Safety Net and Family and Domestic Violence Financial Assistance programs.
• 4,268 refugees from 48 countries were supported to establish new homes in Australia, receiving help with housing, health care, and community integration.
• 275 survivors of human trafficking or forced marriage accessed intensive case support to rebuild their lives with safety and dignity
• 99% of refugees in our Humanitarian Settlement Program locations reported feeling welcomed in Australia.
• 781 cases were managed through Restoring Family Links searching for 1,643 people, a core service of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement that helps people find family members who are missing due to crisis.

Australian Red Cross Migrant Support Worker Sabia joined our Restoring Family Links (RFL) Community Leader’s program in 2021 after moving to Australia. Sabia’s family fled Afghanistan in the 1980s, born in Quetta, Pakistan Sabia was raised in Hazara Town where a 2013 bomb blast claimed many lives in her community.

Sabia said this tragedy inspired her to dedicate her time to helping others. In 2021 during the Afghan crisis, she supported her community through the National RFL Telephone Hotline and supported families with missing family members.

“No matter where you start, with support, determination, and a willingness to grow, you can make a difference – both for yourself and others,” said Sabia.

“I’m proud to volunteer with the Australian Red Cross because its humanitarian mission reflects my own beliefs: that everyone deserves access to essential support – food and shelter, safety and education, hygiene and advocacy,” Sabia said.

This Refugee Week, Australian Red Cross is proud to recognise and celebrate the stories, resilience, and strength of people seeking asylum and refugees, as well as their invaluable contributions to our local communities. Sabia’s story is one of many and is not just about courage; it highlights the power of community and giving back. Her message to others facing similar challenges is one of hope and determination:

For media enquiries and interviews with Sabia please contact: Australian Red Cross Media media@redcross.org.au or 1800 733 443