A renewed fight in dark times on Human Rights Day 2024
Last month, Labor’s three brutal migration bills became law. They are a devastating setback for the rights of people seeking… Read More
Last month I wrote to you asking you to share your views about the way the Government can support people seeking asylum to stop living in deep poverty.
Your passionate and thoughtful views were so interesting to us and we have been sharing them with all our supporters. You can read the details here.
Your commitment helps us to continue advocating for the changes we all want to see at the Federal level:
- Fairer policies for refugees and people seeking asylum
- A financial safety net that means people seeking asylum can meet some basic needs
- A permanent place to call home for people impacted by cruel offshore processing
- The right to stay in Australia for thousands of refugees on TPV/SHEV visas and people subject to the ‘fast track’ process.
After six months in power there has not been any action taken to change policy in support of refugees by the new Federal Government.
Recently ASC hosted a group of CEOs from refugee organisations in Sydney to meet with Federal Independent Allegra Spender MP. Allegra shared her views on refugee issues in the Wentworth electorate at a forum prior to the election, so it was interesting to hear how six months in Federal Parliament had shaped her views further.
Finally, we welcome last week’s commitment from the NSW State Government to extend $3.65 million in financial support for people seeking asylum until mid-2023. Although this support should clearly be coming from the Federal Government in the form of a reliable safety net, this commitment for six months of relief payments will help prevent people becoming homelessness and experiencing destitution in our local community. We are very grateful to the NSW Government for making this possible.
Thank you, as always, for your support.
Warm regards
Frances Rush OAM
Chief Executive Officer
Bring families joy and the life support they need
As people seeking asylum, Teyma and her family did everything the Government asked of them – filled out paperwork, found jobs and worked hard to keep their family safe and give their children an education and sense of security.
When an email arrived, telling the family to book an appointment for a health check – a big step forward in the long journey to a permanent visa – they felt hope, but then shock.
Your shopping can make a big impact
Visit our ASC Shop with Impact to choose great gifts, cards and wrapping that bring happiness to recipients and also to people seeking asylum.
One hundred percent of profit from the Shop with Impact goes towards providing health, food, community, employment and housing services. Check out the beautiful new products celebrating the colourful community inside our Newtown headquarters.
ASC proud to celebrate the launch of our RAP
This week we were honoured to welcome traditional custodian and artist Nadeena Dixon to launch our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan. As we extend our respect, provide support and say ‘welcome’ to people seeking asylum arriving in Australia, we do so in a deep acknowledgement and recognition of First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the lands in which people seeking asylum seek safety. Our Reflect RAP is an important step forward in our journey to reconciliation as an organisation and as individuals.
Nadeena Dixon is a Wiradjuri, Yuin and Gadigal (Dharug-Boorongberigal clan) Indigenous Multi disciplinary Artist. We were very fortunate to host artworks from the Boomalli Aboriginal Artists Cooperative including some of Nadeena’s stunning textile and painting works.
In case you missed it…
Last week Daniel Doody and the team from Studio 10 visited the Asylum Seekers Centre to showcase our donate-a-device program and community lunches. Our volunteers and staff talked about the need for these services and how they contribute to people being able to thrive in the community.
