Five things to know about our Auburn Hub according to Meg

Left to right: Denise (volunteer), Mahtab (chef / volunteer), Meg (ASC Community Participation Coordinator), Felicia (ASC Complex Caseworker), Jamie (Community Resources Coordinator), and Shristi (volunteer)

Five things to know about our Auburn Hub according to Meg

Every Wednesday the Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC) brings its warmth, support, and community spirit to Western Sydney through a satellite hub at Auburn Community Centre. 

Staff and volunteers serve lunch, run workshops, and provide practical support to members of our community.

Meg MacCallum, Community Participation Coordinator at the ASC, is a regular at Auburn. She sees firsthand how welcome, friendship, and community come together in action.

Here are  five things Meg wants people to know about our Auburn hub:

1. Location and knowledge is unique

“The Auburn hub provides another pathway for serving our community at  the Asylum Seekers Centre,” Meg explains. 

By having a presence in Western Sydney, our team of staff and volunteers are able to connect with people who might not otherwise access support.

“We often see clients who drop-in just before going home to bed after a night shift or after dropping their kids to school in the area.’

“We also capture the knowledge and culture of the location. It enriches our knowledge on the support people need.”

2. Friendships and support networks grow here 

One wonderful thing about our Auburn hub is the friendship it nurtures, especially among women and mums. 

Activities ranging from sewing classes to yoga, beach safety lessons to energy bill workshops, are opportunities for many women to learn from the facilitator and from each other.

“This community of women care deeply and come regularly.

“Our women’s afternoon brings together women from many different backgrounds. We see this group’s connection go outside the weekly hub hearing stories of support, friendship and care’.

Meg shares the unforgettable story of Nurul, who says the space has become her second home. When a tragic fire damaged Nurul’s home, a friend from Auburn provided her with invaluable comfort.

It was a life-saving friendship nurtured through the Auburn hub.

3. Meals that nourish body and soul

“Every meal here is made with care,” Meg says. 

Meals are cooked by community members past and present, as well as volunteers. 

“Our cooks chop, fry, marinate and wash with joy and are joyful in serving it. That’s quite special.”

The shared meals reflect the cultures and stories of those who prepare them. They allow for moments of connection where conversation, laughter, and comfort happen naturally, often for people who might be experiencing isolation or stress.

4. Local partnerships make it possible

Our Auburn hub thrives thanks to strong local partnerships and collaboration. Cumberland City Council provides the space at a discounted rate, and staff are always ready to help. The Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS) is present just beside the ASC hub, which allows community members to seek legal support.

Childcare provided by Choice Childcare strengthens support for families. 

“The free childcare every week helps children to socialise, play and be creative, allowing a small reprieve for mums as they connect  and participate in activities like sewing, educational workshops or yoga.,” Meg explains.

5. ASC in action, all in one room

Meg describes the Hub as “a microcosm of ASC Newtown”.

“It’s the buzz of Newtown, compressed into one small space.”

“You come in and you’re in the lunch hall, you’re at the front desk, you’re in the centre support area… it’s all there.”

“ASC is about people coming in, receiving welcome,  support and care… Auburn is doing that all within one room” Meg says.