The Asylum Seekers Centre will be closed for the holiday period from 2:00pm on Tuesday 23rd December 2025. We will re-open at 10:00am on Monday 12th January 2026.
Please CLICK HERE to contact other agencies during this time if you need help.
Join Cumberland City Council’s special holiday workshop for adults. Create your own beautiful DIY Christmas decorations and crafts that you can take home.
When: Friday, 12 December 2025, 10:00am to 11:00am
Where: Merrylands Library, Miller Street, Merrylands
More information HERE.
Gather your loved ones at Parramatta Park on for a FREE Christmas concert featuring singalongs, family fun activities and festive cheer.
When: Saturday, 13 December 2025, 3pm to 10pm
Where: The Crescent, Parramatta Park
More information HERE.
Help with everyday needs like transport, forms and technology. See all help options here.
Monday to Friday from 10AM to 4PM
Please make sure you arrive by 3:30pm so you are guaranteed to be seen. If you have any queries you can email centresupport@asylumseekerscentre.org.au.
Delicious and healthy hot lunches are available in Newtown on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 12:30pm.
Catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Beginners: Tuesdays 1pm
Intermediate: Thursdays 11am
Intermediate: Online – Tuesdays 11am
For more information and to book email:ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Do you want to do some drawing, painting or other creative projects? Join our relaxing weekly art projects!
When: Wednesdays at 1pm
Where: ASC Newtown
Email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au for more information.
The ASC provides a safe space for LGBTQIA+ clients to connect socially through regular events, dinners, and guest speakers.
For more information you can contact our LGBTQIA+ Community Coordinator via this email.
Drop in for support with job search, training programs, and scholarship opportunities. Limited one-on-one appointments are available for help with applications and resumes.
When: Thursdays, 10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Where: ASC Newtown
Fun and simple sewing classes. All supplies provided. Bring something to fix or your own project.
When: Fridays 10.30am and Tuesdays 1.30pm
Where: ASC Newtown
Email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au for more information.
Delicious and healthy lunches at the Auburn Community Centre.
Wednesdays at 12:00pm.
Activities for women including workshops, sewing, cooking and fun. Childcare is provided. You do not have to have children to attend.
Every Wednesday 12:45pm to 2pm at the Auburn Community Centre.
To join, email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.
Fun and educational activities are available for children. School holiday programs also available.
Time: Wednesday afternoons with the women’s groups and in school holidays
Interested in coding? Apple Foundation UTS is offering a 3 week coding program in January 2026.
Apply for your interest to join this free, 3 week program and learn to use the Apple programming language, Switch!
When: 9:30am – 2pm Monday-Friday (In-person), on 12-30 January 2026
Where: University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, Ultimo NSW
Applications close 15 December
Bookings HERE.
More information HERE.
Do you want to apply for University and Scholarships for 2025? If so, you can get help applying for university courses and tuition fee scholarships.
Contact us at employment@asylumseekerscentre.org.au to talk to a University Advisor at ASC.
Limited full-fee undergraduate scholarships for people seeking asylum are available in a number of universities in NSW. You MUST also apply to enrol in an eligible course at the university you are applying for scholarships.
Current open scholarships
Macquarie University closes 7 Jan 2026
Humanitarian Scholarship
Australian Catholic University closes 11 Jan 2026
Humanitarian Scholarship
University of Notre Dame Open timeline VC’s Humanitarian Scholarship
Conditions here
Application here.
Click HERE to find information about Computer Classes at ASC and in Sydney.
Click HERE to find information about English Classes at ASC and in Sydney
TAFE offers flexible study options and nationally recognised courses to ensure you are job-ready. Explore study and training options via this LINK.
Semester 2, 2025 is now open for enrolments.
Talk to a TAFE Career Counsellor today! They can help you find a course. Simply call TAFE on 131 601 (Option 5, then Option 2) to make an appointment.
The ASC can also help you to understand information, provide you with advice and guidance, and help to complete enrolment forms. Simply email employment@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
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 provides intensive English classes to all levels – usually offered full time, 4 days a week. The English courses listed under the Smart and Skilled Program are accessible for asylum seekers on bridging visas.
Courses:
Click THIS LINK to find out about different places to play soccer for free.
Click THIS LINK to see information about the swimming classes we offer.
Join other ASC members at a gym in The Rocks. Click here for more information.
Bookings: email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Need assistance filling out forms? View this directory of organisations across Sydney where you can get help in completing various documents and applications, with some language support available. Please call the numbers on the directory to book an appointment.
More information HERE.
RACS info sessions for protection applicants who have been refused at IAA or ART. These sessions are also for anyone in the Fast Track or Legacy caseload who does not hold a permanent visa in Australia.
When: 5:30-7pm, different dates
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44A Macquarie Rd, Auburn NSW 2144
Registration HERE.
Website that provides information on many supports around Sydney. For example – where to find food, accommodation and financial assistance.
Click HERE.
Acitvities and resources to help you support your children of all ages.
Click HERE.
Basic items for free from ASC!
-look at the list
-fill and submit the form
-we will contact you
-pick up is from ASC Newtown
The list is regularly updated. Visit the Marketplace HERE.
This is a directory of services that can help you. These are services offered by the ASC and by other organisations.
This includes information for services to support emergencies, paying bills, housing or government services, legal aid and more.
Click HERE for more information.
Note: The list of services from other organisations have their own eligibility criteria. This is only a guide.
Click here for information about food support across Sydney.
Click here for organisations that can help with counselling and mental health.
Men’s Sheds are a great place to connect, make friends and learn new skills.
Where/when: Various locations/time
Find a shed HERE.
The Wellbeing Project: Connect, Support, Care
Weekly outreach that offers a place to connect, enjoy a FREE meal and have a chat! They also provide tea, coffee, referrals to support services and access to computers
When: Thursdays, 11am
Where: Sarah Daniels Court, Corner of Finns Lane and McFarlane Street, Merrylands
More info HERE.
