Asylum Seekers Centre

At the Asylum Seekers Centre, we provide a community supporting the most vulnerable asylum seekers. At crisis point, we provide food assistance, health care, and referral services for vital needs such as emergency housing, financial assistance and legal advice. To break the cycle of poverty, we offer opportunities that build on the capacities and strengths of asylum seekers through employment assistance and our development program which includes English classes and computer training. To connect asylum seekers with each other and the wider community, we create opportunities for people to come together and build the relationships that are crucial to our sense of belonging, our sense of purpose, and our sense of self worth. For many of our clients leading an uncertain existence in a strange and foreign country, the Asylum Seekers Centre is their only safehaven.

Like many of our clients, Ahmed* approached the Asylum Seekers Centre damaged and destitute.

Ahmed was a doctor in Sudan. He had been working in the main hospital in his country. But when he became concerned about the inequality of healthcare in his country and sought to assist those in poorer areas, he was arrested and put into prison. He was tortured in prison for two years, and was only released after a cousin bribed the guards. Fearing for his safety, Ahmed fled the country, making the difficult decision to leave behind his wife and two young children.

When Ahmed presented to the Centre, he was living on the streets, scared, and suffering complicated health problems. The team at the Asylum Seekers Centre responded quickly and assisted Ahmed with emergency accommodation, financial assistance, and healthcare.

Once Ahmed's situation was stabilised, the team helped Ahmed receive legal assistance and connected him with the Centre's programs, including English classes, employment skills training and cultural excursions. Ahmed is a quiet and private man. It was only after some months of participating in the Centre's activities, that he has gradually become more open about his experience. He is now slowly regaining the strength and courage to hope for a positive outcome on his visa application, and of one day being reunited with his family to build a new life together in Australia

Every asylum seeker has a unique story to tell. But they are bound together by the common experience of isolation, destitution, and uncertainty. Each year we reach out to over 500 asylum seekers in crisis and desperate need of assistance. And we can only do this with your support.

Please give generously at this time and help us continue the vital emergency practical support and advocacy work that asylum seekers rely upon. Together, we can support asylum seekers, like Ahmed, to realise their dreams of becoming contributing members of this country.

Our heartfelt thanks for your support.