What’s on

School Holiday Ideas

Museums and art galleries in the city that have fun kids activities in the city.

Find info HERE.

ASC Activities Month!

In late October and November ASC will host many activities at the Centre. We are excited! More infomation to come!

Email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au to get reminders and more information

Restart a Heart Day - Workshop

Be part of Restart a Heart Day  – a free, hands-on community event where you’ll gain lifesaving CPR and water safety skills, connect with others, and leave ready to act in an emergency.

When: Thursday, 16 October 12:30PM-1:30PM

Where: Fairfield

More info 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.

Drop-in Employment Support in Newtown

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

Centre Support Services at Newtown

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.

Arts and Crafts at Newtown

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

No booking required – come when you can! More information HERE.

Sewing classes

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

When/Where: Every Friday 1230pm – 2.30pm. Upstairs at ASC Newtown

ASC English classes

ASC Online class: Tuesdays 10.30-11.30am
ASC Newtown Class: Thursdays 11.00am – 12.30pm

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
Humanitarian Scholarships

UTS closes 2 Dec
Humanitarian Scholarship

Australian Catholic University closes 11 Jan 2026 (opens 1 October)
Humanitarian Scholarship

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

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.

Soccer

Click THIS LINK to find out about different places to play soccer for free.

Swimming Lessons

Click THIS LINK to see information about the swimming classes we offer.

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.

Parents and Carers Support

Acitvities and resources to help you support your children of all ages.

Click HERE.

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 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.

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. Mon, Wed, Fri – 1pm to 5pm

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

More information via 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

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.

AskIzzy (Resource)

Website that provides information on many supports around Sydney. For example – where to find food, accommodation and financial assistance.

Click 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.

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a free program suitable for infants and children aged up to five years old. Encourage your child to develop a love of reading, while opening up the world of language and stories to help develop the skills needed for success at school and beyond.

Visit your local Cumberland City Council Library branch to pick up your free starter pack.

When/Where: Cumberland City Council Libraries (Various Locations)

More information HERE.

Men's Sheds

Men’s Sheds are a great place to connect, make friends and learn new skills.

Where/when: Various locations/time

Find a shed HERE.

Merrylands: meal, tea and coffee

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.