News & Stories
Stories from the community and what we’re working on.
Plain-English updates on policy, service changes and things that matter to the people we work with.
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Flavours of Hope
Flavours of Hope 2026 was an outstanding success, bringing together supporters, partners, volunteers and community members for a memorable afternoon celebrating the work of RAILS and the communities we serve. Guests enjoyed an exceptional culinary experience curated by Matt, with the menu receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback and contributing to the warm and vibrant atmosphere of…
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Deva’s Long Road to Permanent Residency
After 13 years of uncertainty, Deva and his family are finally permanent residents of Australia. Deva and his wife, Nila, grew up in a refugee camp in India, where they married and raised two children. When they attempted to return to Sri Lanka, they faced persecution and harassment. In 2012, they came to Australia seeking safety and…
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From Volunteers to Paralegals: Claire and Cynthia’s Journey at RAILS
Claire joined RAILS in July 2025 as part of her university law clinic, working in the Refugee Family Reunification team and assisting with visa cancellation matters. “I was helping people reunite with their families by guiding them through the legal process of bringing loved ones from dangerous situations,” she says. Cynthia began her journey in…
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CPD: Orphan Relative Visas
In this CPD session, RAILS Senior Solicitor, Sadia Azizi and Solicitor, Michelle Hua will explain the law and policy around Orphan Relative visas, share tips from their practice, issues to be aware of and how to overcome commonly encountered obstacles. CPD points: This session will run for one hour and carries 1 point (substantive law)…
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CPD: Family Violence Provisions Evidence
In Family and Domestic Violence Awareness month, RAILS Senior Solicitor, Emma Fell and Solicitor, Sarah Ward will discuss the family violence provisions of the Migration Regulations with a particular focus on optimizing the non-judicial evidence practitioners provide. CPD points: This session will run for 90mins and carries 1.5 points for Queensland solicitors. For migration agents,…
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CPD: Ministerial Intervention
RAILS Senior Solicitor, Mu Shwe and Solicitor, Elle Ko look at the ss 48B and 351 Ministerial Intervention powers and the new Ministerial Instructions. Focusing particularly on clients who have received Protection Visa refusals, they will discuss emerging issues, challenges and trends. CPD points: This session will run for 90mins and carries 1.5 points for…
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CPD: Family and Domestic Violence as Protection Visa Claims
This CPD session will be presented by RAILS Senior Solicitors, Alyce Boemia and Stephanie Towns. They will discuss the issues and complexities that arise in presenting these types of claims, and how to provide trauma-informed assistance in this area. CPD points: The session will run for 90 minutes and carries 1.5 points for Queensland solicitors.…
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Reuniting Families: Partner, child and orphan relative visas and sponsorship: a refugee perspective.
We explore the law and practical strategies around sponsoring partners, children and orphan relatives in refugee situations. Presented by senior RAILS lawyer Noel Reeves. This webinar brings CPD points for migration agents and lawyers subject to the rules of your state law society. Migration agents please note that the session will change from a Category A…
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Music, dancing & community, how a bush dance raised funds for RAILS
A huge thank you to David De Santi and the team at Good Tunes for hosting a charity Bush Dance for RAILS! We’re so grateful to the dance callers and musicians who generously donated their time to make the night such a success. It was a fantastic evening of fun, music and community spirit, and we’re so…