A legacy of care with Professor Mark Harris

A legacy of care with Professor Mark Harris

It’s rare to find someone who has dedicated a quarter of a century to volunteering — and yet, Professor Mark Harris has done just that at the Asylum Seekers Centre. 

For 25 years, Mark has selflessly provided vital medical care to people seeking asylum, many of whom face enormous challenges accessing healthcare. 

His commitment has improved the wellbeing of countless individuals and has also helped shape the compassionate healthcare legacy that the Asylum Seekers Centre is proud of today. 

How it all began

Mark’s journey with the Asylum Seekers Centre started in May 2000 after years of volunteering internationally and working in refugee health. 

Mark shares, “I needed somewhere to keep my general practice clinical skills in use,” and thanks to a suggestion from his wife, Liz, he found his way to the Asylum Seekers Centre. 

“At that time, neither state nor federally funded services provided free care for people seeking asylum, so I started a clinic in collaboration with a part-time nurse.” 

This clinic was the beginning of something vital—a place where those excluded from mainstream services could find care.

What keeps the commitment strong?

“The GP clinic has met a clear need, and it has been rewarding to see patients, whose health might become severely compromised by common preventable and treatable acute and chronic conditions, able to access care and maintain their health and wellbeing.”

Marks adds that mental health care is just as important, given the trauma many have experienced. 

Another aspect that inspires and motivates Mark is team spirit.

“I enjoyed working as part of the health team, especially with the nursing staff who remained committed despite having to deal with challenges experienced by our patients often more intensely and for longer periods than me.”

Stories that leave a mark

Mark recalls the profound impact of caring for people seeking safety detained offshore on Manus Island and Nauru. 

“The histories that they gave of their refugee experience, treatment in detention and impact on their mental and physical health were truly devastating to listen to.”

“Perhaps most disturbing was that this was the result of our own government’s policy.”

Mark shares that doctors from around Australia including the GPs working at the Asylum Seekers Centre interviewed patients and wrote reports which resulted in some of the refugees being transferred to Queensland for medical treatment.  

Collective action and barriers

Mark has witnessed the changes in the healthcare landscape for people seeking asylum. Key collaborations have been crucial in improving access.

Over the years, the Asylum Seekers Centre has secured ongoing collaborations with St. Vincent’s Private Hospital for imaging and Douglas Hanly Moir for pathology tests. In 2013, agreements with the Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) enabled specialist referrals and discounted medications through the hospital pharmacy. Electronic medical records were also introduced with help from the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network.  UNSW and Teachers Health Federation supported optometry appointments and free glasses for patients, while Australian Dental Association and SLHD / Western Sydney Local Health District supported free dental pathways.

Health advocates have also been introduced to act as advocates for patients.

Despite progress, Mark notes that there are still barriers. 

“Many are still ineligible for Medicare rebates or subsidised medications, which adds to their marginalisation and delays integration into the community.”

A legacy of care and hope

Mark encourages others to join the ASC community. He acknowledges the challenges of limited resources but stresses the rewards. 

“You can make a difference in the lives of the people you care for. And you might find that you look forward to your time volunteering in the Centre, like I do.”

The Asylum Seekers Centre is deeply grateful for all the healthcare workers who have walked this path with us—together creating a community rooted in hope, dignity, and unwavering care.

Interested in volunteering at the Asylum Seekers Centre? Visit our volunteer page now.