A decade of welcome with Patricia

A decade of welcome with Patricia

What does it take to create a world where people from all backgrounds feel safe, heard, and valued? 

For Patricia Thorn, it starts with something simple yet powerful—a genuine welcome.

Patricia’s journey 

After retiring from a long career in IT, Patricia sought volunteer work that would allow her to interact with many people. 

She discovered the Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) through local media and felt drawn to the mission.

“In the years prior to starting at the Asylum Seekers Centre, there was much written and discussed in the press regarding people seeking asylum. Many citizens, including me and some of my friends, were concerned about their plight,” Patricia shares.

She started volunteering at the Newtown Centre in Welcome and Registration.

First point of welcome

Patricia has been the first person people see when they come through the doors of the Asylum Seekers Centre, every Wednesday, for the past 10 years.

“I think it’s a privilege to simply be able to sit there and ask, ‘How can I help?’”

Patricia opens the Centre’s doors and greets people as they arrive, checks them in, and directs them to the appropriate services like employment, health, or family support. She also helps with paperwork and provides Opal top-ups.

“It’s a very worthwhile thing…. Everybody here works so hard towards doing what we can for people seeking asylum. It’s very sad that they have to wait so long for resolutions and things like that. So, whatever we can do to help!”

The impact of welcome

Patricia shares one of the memorable experiences she’s had as a volunteer.

“I remember a man who came in very frightened. He had just arrived in Australia and was terrified of being sent to an island. He was anxious,” she recalls. 

Over the years, Patricia saw him while the Asylum Seekers Centre helped him access life-changing services.

“Over time, he came back many times and grew more confident. You could see him calm down. He used to say to me, ‘I can still remember the first day I came in here….’ So I think it does matter, the welcome, that really does matter.”

Safe spaces for all

For Patricia, working at the Welcome and Registration desk is about creating a safe, inclusive space.

“I think it’s  essential, really, because none of us should really judge people from the way they look or whatever, should we, or the way they speak.”

“I choose welcome over racism because in my opinion, if you don’t try and embrace everyone, you miss out on so much.”

“Everyone has something to contribute, and meeting people from different backgrounds enriches your life.”