Asylum Seekers Centre

The program is overseen by a part-time Volunteer Program Coordinator. Its various components include:

english classes  | other classes  |  nutrition  |  excursions  | open forum

English classes
English classes are an important feature of this program – and critical to the capacity of clients to best manage the extremely difficult circumstances often faced as they await a substantive immigration outcome.  Classes (held Monday to Thursday) are designed and led by volunteers experienced in delivery of English as a Second Language (ESL) programs. 

Other classes
Our English classes are supplemented by a range of other classes and activities. These have recently included:

• yoga

• art

• hydrotherapy

• soccer

• computer skills

• job seeking assistance (for those with permission to work)

• story-telling and mask-making workshops for children

Nutrition
Volunteers prepare nutritious (largely vegetarian) lunches and provide breakfast ingredients four-days per week for asylum seekers attending the centre. These meals are supplemented by regular donations  of fresh produce, pre-prepared meals and non-perishable food items from Oz Harvest, the Bourke Street Bakery and individuals, schools and other supporters. 

Excursions
Excursions provide a valuable opportunity for asylum seekers to discover new places and spend a day relaxing with friends. Volunteers have recently led excursions to the Blue Mountains, Sydney beaches, art galleries and museums.

Open Forum

This weekly one-hour session is open to all clients and volunteers who are at the centre at the time.  Open Forum is an occasion to overtly express ‘welcome’ to new and existing clients, to informally evaluate the centre’s services, and to exchange views and information. It provides an opportunity for people to: 

• meet and get to know each other

• provide feedback on and suggestions about centre activities and services

• hear about upcoming events or other centre-related news

• discuss any changes to government policy, issues canvassed in the media, or any other matter of interest or concern to those present