What’s on

Online Welcome Session with our New CEO - Elijah Buol

Join us for an Online Welcome Session via Zoom with our new CEO, Elijah Buol! This is your chance to meet him via Zoom in a friendly online meeting.

Date: Thursday, 14 August 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Zoom link: The Zoom link will be sent to your inbox prior to the session.

To let us know you’ll be attending the Zoom session, please complete our form: RSVP Form.

If you have any questions to Elijah, you can also send them to us in advance.

We look forward to seeing you online!

BBQ at Newtown Neighbourhood Centre

Free BBQ Activities and more to recognise Homelessness Week.

When: Thursday 7th August 2025 2pm – 4:00pm

Where: Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, 13 Darley St Newtown

Organiser: Newtown Neighbourhood Centre

More information and direction to the place HERE.

Free family fun day of science (with a dinosaur!)

A free and fun event exploring science – for all ages!

Meet a life-sized dinosaur, see live science shows, try hands-on experiments, see native animals, join bug hunts, and more activities.

When: Sunday 10 August 2025, 11am to 3pm

Where: Lizard Log Amphitheatre, Western Sydney Parklands

Organiser: Greater Sydney Parklands

Learn more HERE.

Baby and Me time Group

Parents and Babies group learning songs, movement, and storytelling. Sessions will help you have fun with and learn about your child’s growing. Morning tea provided and childcare available on site.

When: Thursdays from now until 18 September, 10:00am to 11:45am

Where: 37 Colins Street, Pendle Hill NSW 2145

Organiser: Cumberland Child Protection Interagency

For bookings email: RUTH@SAGECOMMUNITY.ORG.AU

More information HERE.

Community Lunch

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.

Sewing classes

Fun and simple sewing classes | All supplies provided | Bring something to fix or your own project

When/Where: Every Tuesday and Fridays (10:30am-12:30pm), Upstairs at ASC Newtown

To join the sewing group email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

Centre Support Services

Help with everyday needs like transport, forms and technology. See all help options  here.

The desk is open Mondays to Fridays from 10am to 2pm.

Arts and crafts sessions

Do you want to do some drawing, painting or other creative projects? Join our relaxing weekly art projects! 

When: Every Wednesday 1pm – 2.30pm

Where: Upstairs at ASC Newtown

Book a spot by emailing ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au More information HERE.

ASC English classes

Learn English at Auburn and Newtown. We can tell you about other places too. Classes for beginners to advanced students.

For more information and to book email: ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

LGBTQIA+ Peer Group

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.

Talk to an ASC University Advisor

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.

University Scholarships

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  

University of Newcastle closes 13 Oct
Scholarship for Asylum Seekers Program (SASP)

UNSW closes 30 Oct
Sanctuary Scholarship for People Seeking Asylum and Refugee Students (UGCE1420) 

Western Sydney University closes 16 Nov
Scholarship for Asylum Seekers
Humanitarian Scholarships

University of Notre Dame Open timeline VC’s Humanitarian Scholarship
Conditions here
Application here.

University Open Days

Visit universities at open days to learn more about the university, courses on offer and the campus

16 August 2025: Macquarie University Open Day and University of Newcastle Open Day

30 August 2025: University of Technology Sydney Open Day and University of Notre Dame

7 September 2025: UNSW Sydney and Australian Catholic University (North Sydney) 

Free Online HSC Study Sessions

Run by Western Sydney University for Year 12 students. Educational and interactive. 

Includes deep dives into content and syllabus areas, study tips, and the chance to sit a practice exam and get it checked by pros.

To register, click HERE.

English and computer classes

You can join other organisations who are also giving FREE English and Computer classes.

Computer and English class at Auburn: Wednesdays, 9:00am – 3:00pm

For more information on Computer and English classes at Auburn visit this LINK.

English classes at Newtown Community Centre: Mondays 10.30 to 12pm and Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3pm

For more information on English classes at Newtown visit this LINK.

Fee-Free Courses at TAFE

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

TAFE online courses

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 English courses

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:

• Certificate I in Fundamental English 
• Certificate II in Basic English 
• Certificate II in Routine English for Speakers of Other Languages
• Certificate III English for Further Study
• Certificate IV English for Academic Purposes  

In class & TAFE Digital online.

Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons for Adults on Monday Nights.

Where: Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, 458 Harris Street, Corner William Henry Street Ultimo

Bookings via this FORM.

Affordable/free swim and ocean safety classes for men

Where: Various Locations – Auburn, Roselands, Liverpool

Booking: Information and booking HERE.

Free 10 swimming lessons organised by Jesuit Refugee Services. All female classes available.

Where: Seven Hills and Gregory Hills

For bookings email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

Street Soccer

Street Soccer for 16+ all abilities. Free, inclusive social soccer in multiple locations. Get exercise, have fun and meet others.

When (Date and time)/Where:

• Mondays – The Rocks – KGV Rec Centre – 2.30 – 4pm
• Tuesdays – Mt Druitt – Town Centre Reserve – 1.00pm – 3.30pm – basic skill level
• Thursdays – Parramatta – Robin Thomas Reserve – 3.30pm – 5.00pm

No need to register – just turn up – email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au if you have any questions. More info HERE.

Women's street soccer

Play soccer. An opportunity to get active, make new friends and seek support in a fun and safe environment. Equipment and Coaches provided. For women only.

When: Wednesdays 2:30pm-4:30pm

Where: King George V Recreation Centre, Cumberland St, The Rocks New South Wales 2000

Bookings via this LINK.

Free Gym Access

Join other ASC community members at the King George the 5th (KGV) gym in the rocks for free use of the facilities with help from the KGV staff.

When: Wednesdays 4pm – 6pm

Where: The KGV Centre | 15 Cumberland St, The Rocks

Bookings: email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

For more information click HERE.

School Readiness Program at Auburn

Get Your Child Ready for School!

Is your child 4 or older? Cumberland City Council, in collaboration with the Samah Project,  has a free fun and friendly School Readiness Program. Each week, kids will learn letters, numbers, and build confidence through games and play.

When: Every Monday, 28 July – 22 September 2025, 10:00am to 12:00pm
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44A Macquarie Road

For bookings and more information click HERE.

Mental health phone support for new and expecting parents

Are you a new or expecting parent who needs mental health support?

Call ForWhen Mental Health Support. They will help with wellness and offer advice.

When: 09:00 – 16:30 Mon to Fri – phone 1300 24 23 22

More information HERE.

Tuning in to Kids Parenting Program

Botany Family & Children’s Centre is running a free, evidence-based parenting program supporting all parents/carers to build stronger emotional connections with their children. The program is run by qualified Early Childhood Educators and Parenting Coaches.

When: Dates: 30th July, 6th August, 13th August, 20th August, and 27th August (Wednesdays), 6PM to 8PM

Where: Online, link will be sent to attendees upon registration.

For bookings email adminassist@bfcc.org.au

For more information click this LINK.

Free Counselling Sessions for Palestinians aged 18 years and over

Community Based Mental Health Program offers Free Counselling Sessions for Palestinians aged 18 years and over.

Face to face and online options available. Service offered in Arabic and English.

For bookings follow this LINK.

FREE HOTLINE - Support for people affected by overseas conflicts

Witness-to-War Multilingual Hotline is a FREE national phone service for people affected by conflicts overseas.

Call 1800 845 198. Monday to Friday 10am – 7pm– except public holidays

When you call, someone will ask what language you speak. They’ll connect you with a worker who speaks your language, or arrange an interpreter if needed.

Whether you’re worried about loved ones, feeling stressed, need help finding information about useful services and support, or just need someone to talk to, you can call.

ASC Marketplace

The ASC Marketplace is now open!

It is where you can see a list of various items that are available for FREE if you need them. What to do:

• Browse through the list of items in Marketplace
• Fill out and submit the form
• We will be in touch to organise pick up – you will pick up at ASC Newtown

The list will be regularly updated as more items are added over time.

Please visit the Marketplace in the link HERE.

Community Cafe

Offering FREE clothing, homewares, produce, cold/fridge items, meat, meals, pantry and more. FREE to all during hours listed!

CABRAMATTA OUTREACH SERVICE STORE

When: Ongoing. Monday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Wednesday 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Friday 11:00 AM to 16:00 PM

Where: Outreach Service Store. 64 Cabramatta Ave, Miller 2168

More information via this LINK.

CELEBRATION ROAD SERVICE STORE

When: They are open 3 days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 11am to 4pm.

Where: 54 Celebration Road Sadleir 2168

For more information call 0493 048 650 or visit this LINK.

Food Pantries

ADDI ROAD

Addi Road Food Pantry offers very low cost groceries. Once you spend $5 or more, you receive free fruit, vegetables and bread.

When: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
12 noon – 4 pm and Wednesday
12 noon – 7 pm
Where: Addison Road Community Centre,
142 Addison Road, Marrickville
or
When: Monday to Saturday
12 noon – 4 pm
Where: 31 Pyrmont Bridge Rd, Camperdown

AUBURN FOOD PANTRY

Community Directory

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.

Learn about Refugee Laws and definitions

Learn about Refugee Laws. To get a temporary or permanent protection visa in Australia, the government must look at your case and decide if you are a refugee or if you qualify for something called ‘complementary protection’. Learn about some information provided by RACS.

Read HERE.

Legal situation for people seeking asylum

Things you need to know about the process of seeking asylum and your rights, and more information on the Current Legal Situation For People Seeking Asylum in Australia prepared by RACS.

Read HERE.

Supported Playgroups Across Sydney

Children’s Playgroups

Join a Supported Playgroup to connect with your child, build confidence, and meet other families! Simply use the links provided to find groups in Sydney, and be sure to register first as many require it.

When/Where: Different dates and locations

Find information at the links below

Fairfield LGA

Liverpool LGA

Parramatta/Cumberland 

Newtown

Eastern Suburbs

Bankstown, Fairfield and Liverpool areas organised by Karitane Linking

Discovering Me: FREE Art Workshop 12-25 y/o

Unleash your inner artist at our FREE art workshop where self-discovery meets creativity for ages 12-25!

When: Thursday 7th August, 4pm – 5:30pm

Where: The Granville Centre (Gallery)

Spots are limited. Get your tickets 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.