Sky's the Limit

Australian Story profiles volunteers in the government's Community Refugee Integration Sponsorship Program.

When a group of Australian Jewish friends decided they would support a newly arrived Muslim refugee family, all their lives would change.

The mother and son from Somalia had been prepared to embark on their new lives in Australia alone.

But when they landed at Melbourne airport last June, Naima Ali Farah and Feisal Abdi Sugal were greeted by a welcoming party who would help them settle into their new country. Over the year, the group has formed a remarkable bond, bridging religious and cultural differences.

"We are one big family," Naima tells Australian Story. "In our group, no Jews, no Muslim." They were brought together by the Federal Government's Community Refugee Integration Sponsorship Program, which matches everyday Australians with refugees.

"Every time I see them, I see aunts, I see uncle, I see grandmother," Feisal says. "They fill the spot in my heart that was empty."

Together they've celebrated religious occasions, shared stories and learned about each other's pasts, including Naima's incredible story of survival and resilience.

"There's been a real sort of cultural exchange," says volunteer Nicole Schlesinger. "It gives you hope that you can meet people from a different culture, that you can build bridges."