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Women’s Voices: A Group Discussion for Women Seeking Asylum

The Asylum Seeker Centre invites you to take part in a group discussion for women who are seeking asylum and are part of the ASC. We want to hear about:

  • The challenges you face as a woman seeking asylum.
  • The support you find most helpful.
  • Your ideas on how ASC can better support you and other women, including activities we could introduce or continue.

$20 gift voucher and an ASC GIFT as a thank you for your time. Refreshments provided.

When: Wednesday, 21 May, 10.30 a.m to 12.00 pm

Where: Auburn Centre for community, 44A Macquarie Road, Auburn

To join click this FORM.

Man's hand playing the guitar

Back to Guildford Festival

Enjoy live entertainment, children’s activities, and food trucks at the Back to Guildford Event on Saturday 24 May. This is a street festival running along Guildford Road in Guildford; entry is free!

When: 24 May, 4pm to 9pm

Where: Guildford Road

For more information visit Cumberland City Council’s website.

HSC and Careers Expo (Randwick)

The HSC and Careers Expo is a major annual event supporting students, jobseekers, and career changers with HSC preparation, tertiary education pathways, careers, and employment opportunities.

Enjoy: 

  • Information & resources for the HSC
  • Career and study advice
  • Learn more about universities, TAFE and training colleges

When: Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 May, 9am-3pm

Where: The Winx Stand, Royal Randwick Racecourse, Alison Rd, Randwick

For more information click HERE.

An adult's hand holding a child's hand.

Free program for parents

Cumberland City Council is offering 20 local parents the opportunity to take part in the award-winning, evidence-based program: Bringing Up Great Kids (BUGK). What you’ll gain from the program:

  • Build confidence in your parenting style
  • Learn effetive, mindful ways to communicate with your child
  • Encourage your child’s positive self-identity and emotional development

When: Thursdays in June: 5, 12, 19, 26 June, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Where: via Microsoft Teams

To register, visit this LINK.

Young Migrant Women’s Forum

This free, full-day event is designed to support and empower young women from migrant, Pasifika, Maori, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds through leadership, identity and career development workshops. Connect with mentors, join inspiring discussions, and gain tools for personal and career growth.

When: Wednesday 9 July

Where: Western Sydney University, Parramatta City Campus

Submit an expression of interest HERE.

Featured

Hot lunches at the Asylum Seekers Centre

Share a free hot lunch with the Asylum Seekers Centre.

Delicious and healthy lunches are available in Newtown on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 12:30pm and in Auburn on Wednesdays at 12:00pm.

Catch up with old friends and make new ones.

Volunteer shares free hot lunch to a person seekinga sylum
Community life

Arts and community

Community Cafe Outreach Service Store

The Cafe service that provides FREE food, pantry items, toiletries, vegetables, fruit, bread, meat, meals and cold items such as milk eggs cheese etc. They also provide clothing, shoes, and all other household items and white goods.

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.

Sewing group at Auburn and Newtown

Be part of a fun and creative sewing community, learn new skills and have a good time. Bring in your mending or any sewing project you are working on. We will provide all supplies, equipment, and a supportive and friendly learning environment.

When/Where: Every Wednesday at ASC Auburn (12:30pm-2:15pm) and Fridays at ASC Newtown (10:30am-12:30pm)

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

Creative life

Sewing group at Newtown

When: 10:30am – 12:30pm every Friday.

Where: ASC, 43 Bedford Street, Newtown

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

LGBTQIA+ Peer Group

The ASC supports a safe space for our clients who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. The group meets regularly, providing opportunities for social connection with access to events, dinners, nights out and guest speakers.

For more information you can contact our LGBTQIA+ Community Coordinator via this email.

Free Homework Help

Free Homework Help (During School Term)

The Cumberland Multicultural Community Services (CMCS) and Merrylands Youth Centre (MYC) Homework Support program has recommenced at Merrylands Youth Centre. The homework help is for children aged 12-18 years old.

When: Every Monday from 3-6 pm at the Merrylands Youth Centre

Where: Address, 289 Merrylands Road,Merrylands

Bookings: To register please call Erick from CMCS on 9637 7600 or Seini from MYC on 9637 1535

Addi Road Food Pantry

Visit Addi Road Food Pantry for 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

For more information visit this LINK.

auburn food pantry promotional poster

Auburn Food Pantry

When: Every Tuesday

Where:  18‐24 Kerr Parade, Auburn NSW 2144

Time: 12.30PM-2.30PM
Opportunities

Training, work and education

A woman with black hair and wearing a white coat smiles at a man

Employment Program for Women

FREE 3 week program helping women to manage their own mental health while working or finding work

When and where

  • Thursday 1st, 8th and 15th May 10am – 12pm at Cumberland Council Building, 16 Memorial Avenue, Merrylands – 8 min walk from station
  • Tuesday 6th, 13th and 20th May 10am – 12pm at Tom Collins Hall next ot Guildford Library, Railway Terrace Guildford – 4 mins walk from station

Bookings via this LINK.

University of Notre Dame Open Day

Notre Dame’s Open Day is your chance to explore what university life is all about! You’ll discover study options, career pathways and their student support services. Plus, you’ll experience an exciting program filled with activities for future students.

Whether you’re in Year 10, 11 or 12, or a graduate thinking about postgrad study, the Open Day is open to everyone.

When: 24 May, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Where: University of Notre Dame

Register via this LINK.

 

 

See an ASC volunteer for support with applying to university.

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.

Study at TAFE for free

Fee-Free Courses at TAFE

TAFE offers flexible study options, industry experienced teachers and nationally recognised courses to ensure you are job-ready.

There are many courses up to Certificate IV offering government subsidies – including English courses, Cert III in Individual Support and Cert IV in Community Services!

Talk to a TAFE Career Counsellor today!

Call TAFE on 131 601 (Option 5, then Option 2) to make an appointment with one of the TAFE Counsellors.

Semester 2, 2025 is now open for enrolments.

arabian and african american business people in headsets near digital translators and interpreter on blurred foreground

TAFE - Book to talk to a career counsellor

TAFE offers hundreds of courses to choose from. Many courses up to Cert IV may be fee-free for people seeking asylum.

TAFE NSW provides free counselling about education and careers to current and future students.

TAFE counsellors can help you to:

  • clarify your career goals;
  • find a course that meets your needs;
  • identify obstacles you may be facing – and help you to deal with them; and
  • develop skills to manage your career into the future.

Call TAFE on 131 601 (Option 5, then Option 2) to make an appointment with one of the TAFE Counsellors.

For more information click here.

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.

A young man wearing a blue shirt sits in a library with a pile of books in front of him. He is holding a book open and smiling.

English courses at TAFE

Learn to speak everyday English at home, in the classroom, in your career and in your community. Talk to others, prepare for further study and feel more confident using the language

Explore English TAFE courses HERE.

More information about TAFE

There are many ways to study at TAFE. Explore study and training options via this LINK.

The ASC can help you to understand information and make decisions about whether the training courses are the right choice for you. We can also provide you with advice and guidance, and help to complete enrolment forms.

For more assistance, contact us by email or phone at employment@asylumseekerscentre.org.au or call (02) 9078 1900).

University scholarships for asylum seekers

University Humanitarian 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 New South Wales (UNSW)

Scholarship for Asylum Seekers and Refugees

Mid Year 2025 Intake. Undergraduate and Postgraduate.  

Open 1 May. Closes 15 July. 

 

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

ACU Refugee Scholarship for Mid Year 2025

Open 1 June. Closes 4 July.

A young woman walks through the grounds of Macquarie University in Sydney.
Wellbeing

Exercise and Family Wellbeing

Sing and Grow workshop

For parents and their young children: Come to the ASC to sing, dance, and play instruments together.

When: Thursdays 10am – 11am. From the 15th of May to the 3rd of July

Where: ASC Newtown

Bookings via this LINK.

For more information, visit this LINK.

Kids Nature Play Resource

Practical ideas to spark outdoor exploration and build meaningful connections between you and your children.

View the resources HERE.

Mental Health First Aid training

Delivered by Lasallian Mission Services, this accredited 12-hour Mental Health First Aid course presented over two days educates community members to respond to people experiencing a mental health crisis, mental health problems or the early stages of a mental illness.

This is open to all Cumberland LGA residents over 18 years old.

When: 9:30am-3:30pm, Friday 30 – Saturday 31 May (Mandatory attendance to both days is needed to gain accreditation)

Where: Training will take place in Chullora,
address provided upon confirmed registration.

Booking: Registration is essential HERE.

Swimmer in water

Swim Brothers swimming classes

Affordable/free swim and ocean safety classes for men, breaking down barriers for men of all backgrounds.

When: Starting 24 April

Where: Various Locations – Auburn, Roselands, Liverpool

Booking: Information and booking HERE.

Liverpool Family Week

A time to celebrate the importance of family and children featuring Gogo the gecko, face painting and activities.

When & where:

  • Green Valley Plaza, Tuesday 13th May 10.30 – 12.00pm
  • Westfield Liverpool, Wednesday 14th May, 10.30 – 12.00pm

Find 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.

Swimmer in water

Adult Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons for Adults on Monday Nights.

When: Mondays starting the 17th of February, 6.40pm

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

Bookings via this FORM.

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.

 

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.

Yoga in the Park (Free)

When: Sunday 9:30am
Where: At the corner of Lower Fort Street and George Street at Dawes Point Park, right under the Sydney Harbour Bridge in The Rocks
No registration needed. More information HERE.
Improve your English

English language help

Three people sit around a table at the Asylum Seekers Centre, looking seriously at a laptop

ASC English classes - new dates and times

Learn English at Auburn and Newtown. Classes are available for a range of learner stages including basic, beginner, upper beginner, intermediate and advanced students.

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

English Classes

AUBURN
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn view on Google Maps

Beginners
When: Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 PM

NEWTOWN
Where: ASC Newtown, 43 Bedford St Newtown view on Google Maps

Upper Beginner
When: Thursday 11:30 -12:30pm

Intermediate
When: Thursday 10-11:30pm

ONLINE (your teacher will send a link before each class)

Upper Beginner
When: Wednesday 6 – 7 pm

Intermediate
When: Tuesdays: 10 -11 am
When: Wednesday 11 am -12 pm

Advanced
When: Tuesday 6 – 7:30 pm
When: Wednesday 6 – 7:30 pm

English and computer classes

Drop in to Auburn Centre for Community to join a Computer class or English class run by Cumberland City Council.

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

For more information visit this LINK.

Whats on

English Conversation Group - Auburn

Computer class run by Cumberland City Council

When: Wednesdays 9:30AM- 12:00PM
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn
To book: No booking required

English conversation class run by Cumberland City Council

When: Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn
To book: No booking required

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:

In class & TAFE Digital online.

Course details

Search here

Free references

Helpful resources

People at an information session

What is coercive control?

Coercive control is a type of abuse that can happen in relationships—it includes things like threats, controlling money, isolating someone from friends or family, and tracking where you go. It’s now a crime in NSW. The NSW Government has free information in many languages to help you understand your rights and get support – including English, Korean, Assyrian, Farsi,  Nepali, Punjabi and Filipino/Tagalog.

Translated information about coercive control is available on the NSW Government’s website for FREE.

Community Directory Information Pack

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.