Kids in the Kitchen
Pizza perfection and fruity fun. Kids can create their own pizzas and yoghurt fruit salad cups, then enjoy a shared lunch.
When: Monday 14th April 11am – 1pm
Where: ASC Newtown
Sign up HERE.
Most recently added
Newest events
Merchant Workshops - Financial Literacy & Digital Literacy (Free)
Attention merchants (or aspiring business owners) who are refugees and seeking asylum in Australia! If you would like to improve your financial and digital skills in order to grow your business, then these workshop series are for you.
The workshops will happen every two weeks workshop, starting on Wednesday 30th April and will finish on Wednesday 9th July 2025. The workshops will run online on Zoom, from 6pm-7pm.
The workshops will include the following topics: How to write a business plan, How to write an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding), Digital safety and security in business, Professional email communication tips, How to do an invoice, and more!
You don’t have to attend all of the workshops, just choose the ones you are interested in. You must book your spot.
Bookings via this LINK.
If you have any questions email: hello@welcomemerchant.com
Welcome Meeting and Lunch
As a new member of our community, we’d love to invite you to our Welcome Meeting and Community Lunch at the Asylum Seekers Centre. At the meeting, you’ll hear about the different services we offer and how you can access them. It’s also a great chance to meet others, ask questions, and feel more connected to the community.
After the meeting, we’ll come together to enjoy a warm and delicious community lunch.
When: Wednesday, 7 May,11:00 am – 12:25 pm (Lunch from 12:30 pm)
Where: ASC Newtown
Bookings via this LINK.
Employment Program for Women
FREE 3 week program helping women to manage their own mental health while working or finding work
When and where
- Thursday 1st, 8th and 15th May 10am – 12pm at Cumberland Council Building, 16 Memorial Avenue, Merrylands – 8min walk from station
- Tuesday 6th, 13th and 20th May 10am – 12pm at Tom Collins Hall next ot Guildford Library, Railway Terrace Guildford – 4 mins walk from station
Bookings via this LINK.
Featured
Hot lunches at the Asylum Seekers Centre
Share a free hot lunch with the Asylum Seekers Centre.
Delicious and healthy lunches are available in Newtown on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 12:30pm and in Auburn on Wednesdays at 12:00pm.
Catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Community life
Arts and community
Youth creative arts competition
Bring your kids aged 5-12 to watch a movie at the Campsie Library and Knowledge Centre.
Popcorn and juice provided. Adults, please make sure you book a ticket for yourself.
When:Wednesday 16 April, 10.30am-noon
Where: Campsie Library and Knowledge Centre
For more information and bookings click HERE
Some School Holiday Programs for 12-24 year olds
Find a list of fun and educational school holiday programs for different areas for 5-12 year olds.
When: Different days and times in the April School Holidays 14th – 24th April
More information via this LINK.
Find a list of fun and educational school holiday programs for different areas for 12-24 year olds.
When: Different days and times in the April School Holidays 14th – 24th April
More information via this LINK.
Workshop: Helping your child’s speaking and communication
The workshop will help you with skills to be a big part in your child’s language and learning. Learn ideas to support communication and play. For families with children under 5.
*Childcare provided
When: Will run for 3 months. (March-June 2025). Time is flexible (Message Sarah).
Where: Auburn Centre for Community
For more information and bookings: Call, text, or email Sarah: sabartlett@csu.edi.au or 0414 727 247
Community Cafe Outreach Service Store
The Cafe service that provides FREE food, pantry items, toiletries, vegetables, fruit, bread, meat, meals and cold items such as milk eggs cheese etc. They also provide clothing, shoes, and all other household items and white goods.
When: They are open 3 Days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 11am to 4pm.
Where: 54 Celebration Road Sadleir 2168
For more information call 0493 048 650 or visit this LINK.
Sewing group at Auburn and Newtown
Be part of a fun and creative sewing community, learn new skills and have a good time. Bring in your mending or any sewing project you are working on. We will provide all supplies, equipment, and a supportive and friendly learning environment.
When/Where: Every Wednesday at ASC Auburn (12:30pm-2:15pm) and Fridays at ASC Newtown (10:30am-12:30pm)
Booking: To join the sewing group please email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.
Creative life
Sewing group at Newtown
When: 10:30am – 12:30pm every Friday.
Where: ASC, 43 Bedford Street, Newtown
To join the sewing group: email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
LGBTQIA+ Peer Group
The ASC supports a safe space for our clients who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The group meets regularly, providing opportunities for social connection with access to events, dinners, nights out and guest speakers.
For more information you can contact our LGBTQIA+ Community Coordinator via this email.
Free Homework Help (During School Term)
The Cumberland Multicultural Community Services (CMCS) and Merrylands Youth Centre (MYC) Homework Support program has recommenced at Merrylands Youth Centre. The homework help is for children aged 12-18 years old.
When: Every Monday from 3-6 pm at the Merrylands Youth Centre,
Where: Address, 289 Merrylands Road,Merrylands
Bookings: To register please call Erick from CMCS on 9637 7600 or Seini from MYC on 9637 1535
Addi Road Food Pantry
Visit Addi Road Food Pantry for very low cost groceries. Once you spend $5 or more, you receive free fruit, vegetables and bread.
When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 12 noon – 4 pm and Wednesday 12 noon – 7 pm
Where: Addison Road Community Centre 142 Addison Road, Marrickville
or
When: Monday to Saturday 12 noon – 4 pm
Where: 31 Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Camperdown
For more information visit this LINK.
Auburn Food Pantry
When: Every Tuesday
Where: 18‐24 Kerr Parade, Auburn NSW 2144
Time: 12.30PM-2.30PM
Opportunities
Training, work and education
School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)
The School Student Broadband Initiative is providing one year of free NBN access to eligible participants.
- To qualify families and carers must:
- Have a school age student at home (full or part time), enrolled in an Australian school
- Not have an active NBN network internet service at your current residential address now or in the past 14 days
- Live in a premise that can access the NBN network through a standard connection
Families can directly contact the National Referral Centre (1800 954 610) to check if they qualify or be referred by a participating nominating organisation.
The organisation Think + Do Tank can also provide assistance to apply. You can contact Think + Do Tank via this LINK.
Talk to an ASC University Advisor
Do you want to apply for University and Scholarships for 2025? If so, you can get help applying for university courses and tuition fee scholarships.
Contact us at employment@asylumseekerscentre.org.au to talk to a University Advisor at ASC.
TAFE online courses
Explore TAFE online courses. Study anywhere anytime.
TAFE Digital offers a wide range of nationally recognised, online study options, across a range of modern industries. You can study online and enjoy flexible learning to fit your lifestyle, with our online short courses, certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
More information here.
TAFE - Book to talk to a career counsellor
TAFE offers hundreds of courses to choose from. Many courses up to Cert IV may be fee-free for people seeking asylum.
TAFE NSW provides free counselling about education and careers to current and future students.
TAFE counsellors can help you to:
- clarify your career goals;
- find a course that meets your needs;
- identify obstacles you may be facing – and help you to deal with them; and
- develop skills to manage your career into the future.
Call TAFE on 131 601 (Option 5, then Option 2) to make an appointment with one of the TAFE Counsellors.
For more information click here.
Study at TAFE
Semester 1, 2025 is now open for enrolments.
TAFE offers flexible study options, industry experienced teachers and nationally recognised courses to ensure you are job-ready.
There are many courses up to Certificate IV offering government subsidies – talk to a TAFE Career Counsellor today!
Scholarships for asylum seekers
University Humanitarian Scholarships
Limited full-fee undergraduate scholarships for people seeking asylum are available in a number of universities in NSW.
Current open scholarships
University of Notre Dame
Vice Chancellor’s Humanitarian Scholarship
Undergraduate
Open application.
Wellbeing
Exercise and Family Wellbeing
Women's Street Soccer
Play soccer. An opportunity to get active, make new friends and seek support in a fun and safe environment. Equipment and Coaches provided. For women only.
When: Wednesdays 2:30pm-4:30pm
Where: King George V Recreation Centre, Cumberland St, The Rocks New South Wales 2000
Bookings via this LINK.
Free breast and cervical screening
Get your FREE cervical and breast screening.
As women grow older, the risk for cervical and breast cancer increases.
Early detection through FREE screenings can help you check possible problems so you can stay healthy.
Cervical screen is eligible for women over 25 years old
Breast screen is eligible for women over 40 years old
To discuss booking an appointment email: health@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Adult Swimming Lessons
Swimming lessons for Adults on Monday Nights.
When: Mondays starting the 17th of February, 6.40pm
Where: Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, 458 Harris Street, Corner William Henry Street Ultimo
Bookings via this FORM.
Free Counselling Sessions for Palestinians aged 18 years and over
Community Based Mental Health Program offers Free Counselling Sessions for Palestinians aged 18 years and over.
Face to face and online options available. Service offered in Arabic and English.
For bookings follow this LINK.
Street Soccer
Street Soccer for 16+ all abilities
Free, inclusive social soccer in multiple locations. Get exercise, have fun and meet others.
When (Date and time)/Where:
Mondays – The Rocks – KGV Rec Centre – 2.30 – 4pm
Tuesdays – Mt Druitt – Town Centre Reserve – 1.00pm – 3.30pm – basic skill level
Thursdays – Parramatta – Robin Thomas Reserve – 3.30pm – 5.00pm
No need to register – just turn up – email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au if you have any questions. More info HERE.
Free Swim Program
Impowerfull is proud to announce the launch of SwimHER.. This 10-week, fully subsidised learn-to-swim program is designed exclusively for multicultural women to break down barriers to water safety and swimming education.
SwimHER provides a culturally safe and inclusive environment, including:
- Female-only lessons with female instructors
- Private indoor facility
- Free rash shirts, goggles & swim caps
- Translated educational resources
- Essential water safety workshops
To learn more or register, visit: www.impowerfull.com.au/swimher
Yoga in the Park (Free)
When: Sunday 9:30am
Where: At the corner of Lower Fort Street and George Street at Dawes Point Park, right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge in The Rocks
No registration needed
Improve your English
English language help
ASC English classes - new dates and times
Learn English at Auburn and Newtown. Classes are available for a range of learner stages including basic, beginner, upper beginner, intermediate and advanced students.
For more information and to book: Email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
English Classes
AUBURN
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn view on Google Maps
Beginners
When: Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
NEWTOWN
Where: ASC Newtown, 43 Bedford St Newtown view on Google Maps
Upper Beginner
When: Thursday 11:30 -12:30pm
Intermediate
When: Thursday 10-11:30pm
ONLINE (your teacher will send a link before each class)
Upper Beginner
When: Wednesday 6 – 7 pm
Intermediate
When: Tuesdays: 10 -11 am
When: Wednesday 11 am -12 pm
Advanced
When: Tuesday 6 – 7:30 pm
When: Wednesday 6 – 7:30 pm
English and computer classes
Drop in to Auburn Centre for Community to join a Computer class or English class run by Cumberland City Council.
Computer and English class: Wednesdays, 9:00am – 3:00pm
For more information visit this LINK.
Whats on
English Conversation Group - Auburn
Computer class run by Cumberland City Council
| When: | Wednesdays 9:30AM- 12:00PM |
| Where: | Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn |
| To book: | No booking required |
English conversation class run by Cumberland City Council
| When: | Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm |
| Where: | Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn |
| To book: | No booking required |
TAFE English courses
Do you want to study English full-time? You may be able to study Certificate I-IV English for free at TAFE. You will need to have study rights and be on a bridging visa. Register your interest in the courses listed under ‘English for Further Study’