RISE had its humble beginnings in the library of RMIT in January 2009 and was officially launched in March 2010. RISE is the first refugee/asylum seeker support organisation in Australia that is entirely governed by refugees, ex-detainees and asylum seekers.

The initial brainwave came from Ramesh Fernandez who negotiated with different community organisations and groups to increase refugee and asylum seekers’ participation to enable refugees to build new lives by providing advice, engaging in community development, enhancing opportunity, and campaigning for refugee/asylum seeker rights. Soon after, many young community ambassadors and youth leaders joined the RISE team.

RISE’s growth made it necessary to move; informal use of RMIT library facilities had distinct limitations. In March that same year, RISE was able to secure office space at Ross House, right in the heart of the CBD. Computers and office equipment were generously provided by different organisations and refugee community groups.

The RISE team developed a strategic response, establishing a series of outreach programs designed to cater for their specific needs and implemented using their own knowledge, experiences and expertise. The result was the creation of projects and services that encouraged fellow refugees and asylum seekers to participate fully and productively in our new land.

By creating pathways of opportunity, RISE team have helped to sustain a more cohesive refugee community in Australia. It is with this passion and perseverance that we believe that RISE services have the potential to further enrich the lives of those seeking a new life in Australia. There is every indication that this work will not only continue but flourish in the future.