What’s on

Human Rights Day Celebration

Join us for our annual ASC Human Rights celebration!

Human Rights Day is one of our biggest community events of the year — a time where we come together as a community to celebrate diversity, honour each other’s stories, and raise awareness of the rights and dignity of all people. Enjoy food, music, games and more.

When: Saturday, 13 December, 12:45 PM – 4:30 PM
Where: Auburn Centre for Community
In partnership with: Cumberland Council & The Galaxy Foundation

More info and registration HERE.

Form Filling Services Directory

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.

Start School Strong - Support for parents

Start School Strong is offering this free information session for mums, dads, carers and grandparents with children up to the age of 6 years. Practical tips and helpful advice on how to give your toddlers the best care and guidance including easy tools for managing and reducing toddler tantrums

When: Wednesday 03 December 2025 | 9.30am – 11.30am

Where: Karitane 138-150 The Horsely Drive Carramar NSW 2163

More info and registration HERE.

Online Story Time (EarlyEd)

Join weekly, interactive online story time sessions! Great early childhood education experiences for children aged 1-6 years old.

When: Every Thursday, 10AM – 10:30AM

Where: Online

To join and know more visit this LINK.

3 Week Coding Workshop

Interested in coding? Apple Foundation UTS is offering a 3 week coding program in January 2023.
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.

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

ASC English classes

Beginners: Tuesdays 1pm
Intermediate: Thursdays 11am
Intermediate: Online – Tuesdays 11am

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

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.

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: Wednesdays at 1pm
Where: ASC Newtown

Email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au for more information.

Sewing classes

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.

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  

Macquarie University 7 Jan 2026 (opens 8 December)
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.

Computer Classes

Click HERE to find information about Computer Classes at ASC and in Sydney.

English Classes

Click HERE to find information about English Classes at ASC and in Sydney

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 members at a gym in The Rocks. Click here for more information.

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

RACS Information Sessions

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.

AskIzzy (Resource)

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

Click HERE.

Parents and Carers Support

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

Click HERE.

ASC Marketplace

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.

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.

Food Supports

Click here for information about food support across Sydney.

Mental Health Supports

Click here for organisations that can help with counselling and mental health.

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.