Volunteer Spotlight: Sonia from Intake

 For Sonia, the drive to support people seeking asylum is a personal passion. 

Growing up next door to her Lithuanian grandparents, Sonia reflects, “It has never been lost on me that my grandparents fled their country of origin and were later ‘allowed’ to come to Australia by boat to resettle in 1950,” she says. 

“I have never understood why or how people can be treated any differently for seeking asylum in Australia. So, I enjoy playing any part I can in helping our community on their journey.”

After completing her student placement for a Diploma of Community Services at the Asylum Seekers Centre, she joined us as a volunteer. She’s now been part of our wonderful Intake team for close to three years.

The first connection

Sonia’s role within the Welcome and Registration team is a critical bridge for people arriving at the Centre. 

“After registering with the ASC, Intake is the next step for the people we support. 

‘My role involves obtaining details and assessing the needs of individuals and families referred to the ASC, to both determine their eligibility for the services provided at the Centre and to see how we can best support them. 

“We also provide information and referrals for other services, internally and externally, that may benefit clients.”

“If I need to, I consult with other teams at the Centre for advice or further client supports.”

Empathy and empowerment

Sonia’s role is critical in ensuring our community members are able to access the appropriate services within the Asylum Seekers Centre. It requires organisation, meticulous notetaking, and most importantly, empathy. 

“I hold a safe, welcoming space by actively listening to everyone and showing empathy. I give people as much time as I can, and I make sure I am honest about what we can and cannot provide for people – this is important to build trust.” 

She believes that the most vital quality for a volunteer is the ability to resist the urge to “fix” everything instantly. 

“I think for this role, you need to be able to sit with people in their pain and meet them where they are. 

“It’s important to listen to people and try not to rush into fixing mode. 

“Our goal is to empower and support people along their journey.”

Enriched perspectives 

Volunteering has provided Sonia with a clear-eyed view of the systemic hurdles people seeking asylum face.

“Whether it’s due to government policies, employers not understanding visa types or barriers to community supports, I have learned that it can be far more difficult for people seeking asylum than most people probably realise. It also hits deeper, after directly hearing people’s stories and the impact of all the above.”

When the work feels heavy, Sonia leans on the tight-knit team at the ASC. 

“When I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, I can go to Juliette [ASC Welcome and Registration manager] and Ekim [ASC Welcome and Registration coordinator] and they are very supportive and we are able to talk things through.” 

It is this collective dedication that gives her such confidence in the futures for the people she meets. 

“I do think about our community members after I meet with them, however, I also trust that they’re in the best hands to receive the support they need and we have provided them the best assistance we can”.

Looking ahead, Sonia’s hope is for a society that mirrors the warmth of the Asylum Seekers Centre. 

“My hope is that one day we won’t be needed – that all people will have the same acceptance, freedom of choice, movement, and opportunities within the community.”