ABOUT RCAA

The Refugee Communities Association of Australia (RCAA) is an independent refugee-led, not-for-profit, non-partisan organisation established in 2019. Our membership is comprised of refugee communities, new and emerging communities, individuals of a refugee background and other organisations sharing our values, mission and objectives.

Our key strength is that our mission, direction, objectives and activity, are developed for refugees, with refugees, by refugees. We are the voice of Australia’s grass root refugee communities and work to empower these communities.

OBJECTIVES

RCAA works to empower and strengthen grass root refugee communities across Australia, supporting
them to be vibrant and active participants in Australian life. We work to build social cohesion and a sense of belonging and common vision among refugee communities, increasing their connections
to each other and the wide community and maximising their potential.

RCAA wants to see the diversity of refugee culture and heritage celebrated and shared with the wider
Australian community. We aim to ensure refugee communities receive the assistance and support they need from all levels of government and service providers.

WHAT WE DO

RCAA provides information, training, advocacy, lobbying and support to strengthen and further the interests of refugee and new and emerging communities across Australia. We build strong relationships with all levels of government, service providers and the private sector to improve outcomes for these communities and build the capacity of these communities. Some key issues we are responding to include housing, employment, education and addressing communication barriers. Where needed, we also step in to provide direct and practical assistance to communities in need.

  • Partner with settlement providers, governments and business to advance the issues of refugee
    communities
  • Advocate to create opportunities for refugee communities and provide a voice on refugee issues and issues of refugee communities
  • Promote and celebrate cultural diversity and cultural awareness of refugee communities to the wider Australian community
  • Represent refugee communities on policies and best practices directly with governments and their agencies
  • Research to develop a fundamental evidence base to underpin our advocacy and service delivery
  • Empower refugee communities to be active in representing their communities at local, national
    and international level and building resilient and strong communities
  • Collaborate with governments, government agencies, service providers, not-for-profits, non-government and community-based organisations to empower refugee communities

GOVERNANCE

RCAA is a national organisation with chapters in each state and territory. Top level governance is provided by the National Governing Board, supported by committees for each state chapter. Our elected
leaders come from refugee communities with diverse backgrounds, experiences and cultures. This structure allows our core objectives to be delivered in a way that meets the specific needs of local communities.

PARTNERSHIPS

We actively work to form partnerships with any individual and organisation that shares our mission and objectives and can work with us to advance the wellbeing and capacity of our communities.

ACHIEVEMENTS

  • RCAA has established relationships with all levels of government and service providers and is seen as providing the direct and authentic voice of refugee communities. We are increasingly seen as the
    organisation to go to on refugee issues.
  • RCAA hosted an Australian Citizenship Ceremony in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs, making the citizenship experience so much more meaningful for those celebrating attaining their Australian citizenship.
  • RCAA delivered over 20 tons of emergency food relief to new and emerging refugee communities
    during the COVID-19 pandemic. 10 tons of this food was donated directly by more established  refugee communities.
  • RCAA partnered with other community based organisations to supply much needed food and other essentials to refugees and asylum seekers in Australia.
  • RCAA was awarded the 2020 Victorian Multicultural Commission Multicultural Excellence Award (refugee category).
  • RCAA’s calibre, competence and dedication was recognised by receiving funding from the Victorian government to continue its work.
  • RCAA hosted a Gala dinner to honour COVID-19 champions, with over 600 delegates including
    government ministers, representatives from a wide range of agencies.
  • RCAA was represented in a number of national and international including the UNHCR-NGO Global Consultations on Refugees in Geneva.