It takes a village: Honouring our volunteers

At the Asylum Seekers Centre, we believe it takes a village — to welcome, to support, to heal, to empower. A community where acts of kindness echo for years. Where compassion can become the foundation for a new life.

At the very heart of this village are our volunteers. 

This National Volunteer Week, and every day, we thank them for their generosity.

Standing with people seeking asylum

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, 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 — a record that inspires us all. 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 at our Auburn hub, 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!”

Ian, another Client Services volunteer, adds that aside from supporting people seeking asylum, volunteering has also made him and his mum closer:

“My mum has been volunteering for so many years and I didn’t really know what that looked like… But now I really really see it. It’s been beautiful. It’s been really fun.”

Giving back while being held

Many who come to the Asylum Seekers Centre for support also give back — offering their time, skills, and heart.

Through our Lunch and Learn program, community members prepare and serve meals while sharing beloved recipes and traditions from their home countries. 

Others volunteer through our Community Health Navigator program, helping fellow community members attend medical appointments and navigate complex health systems with dignity and care.

At events, community members also contribute music, art, and performance — sharing their stories and their spirit.

The Asylum Seekers Centre is truly alive with community spirit.

Thank you for being part of the village

All our volunteers are vital to what we do.

Together, we are the space where people find dignity and belonging. Where someone is always there to open the door, offer help, or simply say, “You’re not alone.”

To our volunteers: thank you. You are the village supporting people seeking asylum.