House Concert for Refugee Support: Paco Lara & Paul Searles

Join us for a rare, intimate, high-energy house concert featuring world-renowned flamenco guitarist Paco Lara alongside extraordinary pianist and composer Paul Searles.

This special event is held to prepare for a family of three soon arriving in Newcastle through the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP).

Proceeds will directly fund the family's housing when they arrive—specifically covering 6 weeks of initial rent and the bond (~$6000). Any extra will go towards essential move-in supplies as they get established in our community.

Please join us and donate to support this family to feel welcomed when they arrive into the Newcastle community.

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EVENT DETAILS

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📅 Date: Sunday, 22 November 2026

⏰ Time: 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

📍 Location: Merewether Heights House, Merewether Heights NSW (Address provided upon ticket purchase)

🎟️ Capacity: Strictly limited so get in fast!

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ABOUT THE ARTISTS

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PACO LARA

Regarded as one of the top flamenco guitarists in the world, Paco Lara brings authentic Jerez-style flamenco to Newcastle. In 2026, Paco toured Europe with Los Delinqüentes for their major reunion tour, performing to crowds of up to 15,000. He regularly performs at national and international guitar festivals and has graced the stage at the Sydney Opera House.

PAUL SEARLES

Paul Searles is an award-winning composer, producer, and pianist. He toured the world in the '90s with Sony-signed funk band Skunkhour, and has performed with legendary artists including Bob Dylan, Jimmy Barnes, Jenny Morris, The Reels, and The Sleepy Jackson. For many years, Paul served as composer and sound designer at The Gunnery, one of Asia’s leading audio houses. Having recently returned to Newcastle from Singapore, he is currently focusing on personal projects, including an upcoming album featuring members of the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO).

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ABOUT THE CAUSE

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We are a group of Newcastle locals coming together through the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Program (CRISP) to welcome a refugee family to our region.

Over their first 12 months in Australia, we will walk alongside the family to help them secure long-term rental housing, enrol in schools and English classes, access healthcare, and connect with local employment and community networks.

To help this family rebuild their lives with dignity, 100% of event proceeds will go toward the immediate financial hurdles of settling in Newcastle. Specifically, we are seeking your support to fund:

• Rental Bond & Initial Housing: Covering 6 weeks of initial rent (~$3,600) and a 4-week rental bond (~$2,400).

Any additional funds will be used for initial set up costs: groceries, utilities setup, essential household goods, and initial living support while Centrelink and employment pathways are established.

Thank you for your support in extending a warm welcome to our new neighbours!

🔗 Learn more or make a direct tax-deductible donation here:

https://donate.refugeesponsorship.org.au/groups-preparing-to-welcome/caitria-reid

Please note: In the unlikely event that any funds are not used, they will be returned to Community Refugee Settlement Australia to support their work welcoming refugees across Australia.