Who we are

Established in 1993, the Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) is the first organisation in Australia to open its doors to specifically welcome and support people seeking asylum. We provide practical and personal support for people seeking safety in Greater Sydney, and advocate for fair and humane policies at every level.

The ASC was established by a community of people with human rights values which still underpin our work today. We are:

• Compassionate and connected
• People-centred
• Collaborative
• Innovative.

We are a not-for-profit organisation with a voluntary Board of Directors. We rely on philanthropic grants, individual donations, some state government support, a dedicated team of professional staff and a network of hundreds of volunteers to undertake our work.

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Our vision

Australia opens its heart to people seeking asylum, affirming their basic human rights to freedom from persecution, violence and fear. Recognising our shared humanity, we extend our welcome, respect and support. We are a stronger and more vibrant country as a result.

What we do

• Connect people to support and services: Our services include accommodation, financial relief, health care, employment assistance, education, food, material aid and recreational activities.
• Engage community: The ASC builds and harnesses the good will in the community towards people seeking asylum. We create opportunities for people to provide practical support as well as to advocate for political change.
• Influence policy and legal change: We draw on the direct daily experience of people seeking asylum to develop and promote campaigns to improve public laws and policies, working with other services to bring about needed change.