Since the Australian Refugee Association (ARA) was first created as the Indo-China Refugee Association in 1975 it has expanded its work to include people escaping persecution in any country. We use a broad definition of a refugee to include others such as asylum seekers, their families, and migrants in need. ARA assists people to move forward from the refugee experience, rebuild their lives and t
heir community, live in dignity and become contributing members of the Australian community. We also work with the Australian public, deepening their understanding of the refugee experience and involving people in practical ways such volunteering, donations and advocacy. While ARA has received various grants and funds to carry out programs in accordance with government policy, it relies on private support for much of its work. ARA places a high priority on its advocacy role for individual cases and its contribution to developing refugee policy. ARA is governed by a Board of Management whose members are elected from the community. We provide services using both paid staff and volunteers. There are currently over 200 active volunteers working for ARA. A third of these volunteers are active in the Family Support Program which links new arrivals with members of the community to provide support and assistance. Our Walk-in Service is also staffed by volunteers and provides advice, information and referrals plus material and financial assistance for those in need. ARA is a non-government organisation and registered charity. As the longest serving organisation assisting the settlement of refugees in South Australia, ARA has evolved and adapted over time to meet the many and varied challenges created by each new refugee crisis around the world.
