Sue and Peter Hallam are honoured to receive the Order of Australia Medal for their work with refugees over 22 years, and would like to recognise the kindness and generosity of many in the wider Sanctuary community in welcoming and helping those who have lost so much as victims of war.

Refugees are settled through our network of 11 affiliated national centres, in both regional and metropolitan centres. Each Sanctuary organisation raises funds in their community to welcome a few approved refugee families, sponsored through the national Coffs Harbour office.

These “forgotten” refugees, mostly women and children, have spent years suffering in unsafe camps, without hope or future. It is a moment of great joy when they finally reach safety here, can eat regularly, and the children can go to school!

Sanctuary is a multi-award winning registered charity, working with integrity, ensuring that every dollar donated is used to help refugees on an interest-free loan basis, which is gradually repaid and ‘re-cycled’ to help others. We receive no Government funding, and rely on the generosity of the wider Australian community and business.

Without these regular donations,and ongoing support, Sanctuary Australia Foundation would not have been able to continue to expand this vital, lifesaving work across Australia. Thank you!