Hot lunches at the Asylum Seekers Centre
Share a free hot lunch with the Asylum Seekers Centre.
As of Wednesday February 21st, we have launched hot lunches in Newtown. These Wednesday lunches are prepared by members of the ASC family.
This lunch is in addition to the hot lunches already provided, meaning free hot lunches are available in Auburn on Wednesdays at 12:30pm and in Newtown on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 12:30pm. Catch up with old friends and make new ones.
ASC 2024 Iftar dinner in Auburn - RSVP required
– Date: Thursday, April 4th, 2024
– Time: Doors open at 6:00 PM
– Location: Amity College, 27 Queen Street, Auburn
– Link to register: Click here
RSVPs are required by March 30th, 2024.
To book your place at the dinner, complete this form. Please RSVP by March 30th, 2024 to secure your spot.
Arts and community
TAFE NSW Ceramics Course (Free for adults)
Auburn Friendship Garden Club
Cumberland Council has partnered with Reclink to offer a range of free activities including gardening and gentle exercise. Come along and meet fellow garden enthusiasts.
When:Wednesday Garden Club 9am to 4pm and Thursday Garden Club 9am to 4pm
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road, Auburn
For more information and to visit Cumberland city council web page here.
Sewing group at Newtown Tuesday and Fridays
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: Every Tuesday (1:30pm-3pm) and Friday (10:30am-12:30pm)
Where: ASC Newtown
Booking: To join the sewing group please email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.
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
Live Music
Enjoy live music performances in Marrickville. Free tickets are available to ASC clients, but tickets are limited. Enjoy free live music, mainly soul, jazz, funk, blues, indie pop and socialise with one another. Discounted food and drinks.
When: Every Monday and Tuesday night, doors open at 7pm until late
Where: Marrickville
Booking: For more information and reserve a spot email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.
Auburn Food Pantry
Ramadan Nights Lakemba
Most Blessed Nights Street Food Market
School Holiday Activities - Cumberland Council Library
Cumberland Council libraries have organised a variety of enjoyable activities for Children and Youth to join in and have fun.
Click here to see a full list of activities.
Learn MoreTraining, work and education
Advice for University enrolment & scholarship
Are you (or your child) a person seeking asylum wanting to study at university in 2024? Learn about course options, scholarship applications, and general tips on university in Australia. Advisors can help you with the process and answer any questions you may have about studying.
Call reception (02) 9078 1900 or email employment@
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 - Enrol now for Semester 1, 2024
Semester 1, 2024 is now open for enrolments, with hundreds of courses to choose from. TAFE offer flexible study options including complimentary courses, industry-experienced teachers and hands-on skills for a successful career.
More information here
University Humanitarian Scholarships
Limited full-fee undergraduate scholarships for people seeking asylum are available in a number of
universities in NSW. For more information, please visit our Work and Training page.
Applications for the 2024 academic year are now closed, except for Notre Dame, please see
below.
Scholarship applications for the 2025 academic year will open around October-November 2024. ASC will hold an information session around June 2024.
Please watch this page for information.
Read moreUniversity of Notre Dame – VC’s Humanitarian Scholarship
Find more information here.
Open Timeline
Exercise and Family Wellbeing
Martial Arts in Parramatta
Boxing (Youth and Family)
Dance Fit Class (Free for adults)
Miniroos (Free)
Free Yoga and Pilates at Andrew Boy Charlton Pool
Yoga in the Park (Free)
Tennis Lessons (Adults)
Join free tennis coaching lessons every Friday at Olympic park organised by Reclink.
Coaches and equipment provided.
When: Every Friday morning 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Where: Olympic Park
For more information and to book: Email Josh at
josh.tildesley@reclink.org or phone 0423 375 442
Street Soccer by The Big Issue
The Big Issue is offering free weekly sessions to participate in street soccer. It’s an exciting opportunity for adults to get active, connect with others and have fun in a safe environment.
When: Parramatta Park, West Domain, near corner of Park Ave and Railway pde, Parramatta (10 min walk from Parramatta Station)
Where: Thursday 3:30pm-5:30pm
English language help
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 class: Wednesdays, 9:30am – 12pm
English conversation class: Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
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 |