Hind’s story: “It’s a life”
A great beginning When Hind and her family first arrived in Australia, one of the very first places they visited… Read More
At the Asylum Seekers Centre we lead with hearts and humanity. We push back against cruel policies to build a fairer, more welcoming Australia.
We would not be able to this without our volunteers who give their time and skills to walk alongside people as they navigate a complex and confusing system, deal with trauma, and are faced with impossible choices each day.
As we celebrate International Volunteer Day, we thank them for their generosity.
Volunteer powered since day one
Since the Asylum Seekers Centre opened in 1993, volunteers have shown up to offer meals, English lessons, conversation, and community to people seeking asylum.
Today, our Centre is larger, our services broader. Volunteers now support our community across all our frontline and community services, including healthcare, food support, casework, digital access, family support, employment, recreational activities, and more.
Whether it’s five hours or five hundred contributed, every moment matters.
Some have given more than moments—they’ve given decades. Professor Mark Harris has provided pro bono medical care every week for 25 years. The Jews for Social Action have served community lunches for two decades. Others, like Eve and Michael Reed, and Susan and John Balint, have supported our community for over a decade with quiet, unwavering dedication.
“I witness the same extraordinary enthusiasm and dedication every day when I watch volunteers nimbly move throughout our building, addressing client needs with seriousness and compassion,” says Charles, ASC’s Volunteer Coordinator.
The reasons why — and the impact they make
Charles knows firsthand the impact of volunteers. Once accessing the Asylum Seekers Centre’s Employment Service himself, he remembers being struck by the generosity of strangers.
“I asked someone at reception if they worked here. They said they were volunteering!”
“I was surprised that people in Australia give their time on a weekday to support strangers like me. I was deeply touched”
Today, as Volunteer Coordinator, Charles sees that same spirit in the people who continue to give their time.
“Our volunteers are driven with passion, generosity, and professionalism… They have a deep commitment to human rights and fair treatment for people seeking safety.”
Each volunteer also brings their own unique and inspiring journey.
Sophie, a Client Services volunteer who leads our Arts and Crafts workshop, for example, speaks about connection and awareness:
“It has made me better informed and given a face, or rather many faces, to a group of people that often get treated as faceless in our society.”
Patricia, a Welcome and Registration volunteer, shares:
“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. So, whatever we can do to help!”
James, a Centre Support Desk volunteer, adds how he is driven by the value of fairness:
“There’s a bit of a myth in Australia about everyone getting a fair go… It assumes we all start from the same point, but we don’t”
“I’m probably most passionate about everyone getting to start from the same place…building them up so they can actually take those opportunities.”
James and every other volunteer that walks our halls are doing exactly that – helping people seeking safety access opportunities to rebuild with dignity.
Thank you for choosing humanity
All our volunteers are vital to what we do.
Together, we are easing the burdens people seeking asylum are forced to carry. We are a space of welcome where humanity shines. Where someone is always there to open the door, offer help, or simply say, “You’re not alone.”
To our volunteers: thank you.
