What’s on

Workshop: Helping your child’s speaking and communication

The workshop will help you with skills to be a big part in your child’s language and learning. Learn ideas to support communication and play. For families with children under 5.

*Childcare provided

When: Will run for 3 months. (March-June 2025). Time is flexible (Message Sarah).

Where: Auburn Centre for Community

For more information and bookings: Call, text, or email Sarah: sabartlett@csu.edi.au  or 0414 727 247

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

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 (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

School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)

The School Student Broadband Initiative is providing one year of free NBN access to eligible participants.

• To qualify families and carers must:
• Have a school age student at home (full or part time), enrolled in an Australian school
• Not have an active NBN network internet service at your current residential address now or in the past 14 days
• Live in a premise that can access the NBN network through a standard connection

Families can directly contact the National Referral Centre (1800 954 610) to check if they qualify or be referred by a participating nominating organisation.

The organisation Think + Do Tank can also provide assistance to apply. You can contact Think + Do Tank via this LINK.

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.

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 - 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.

Study at TAFE

Semester 1, 2025 is now open for enrolments.

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 – talk to a TAFE Career Counsellor today!

Enrol Now

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.

Parenting session: Building Blocks for School Readiness

The Start School Strong program at Fairfield Public School is holding a free session on helping your child manage big feelings and handle emotions for successful learning. In Arabic and English.

When: Monday 5 May, 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm

Where: 68-82 Smart Street, Fairfield (Preschool Entrance – Gate B)

Booking: Places limited, book HERE.

Free Vision Clinic

If you’re struggling to see clearly you can get a free eye test. If you need glasses, they’ll be provided at no cost.

When: Tuesday 6 May

Where: Auburn Salvation Army, 116/170 South Parade entrance on Park Rd

Booking: Email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au and we will call you to make an appointment

Royal Lifesaving Adult Swimming Classes

For adults from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who have had limited access to swimming lessons. It provides a safe, welcoming environment to build confidence, swimming ability, and water safety skills.

When: Starting from Monday 4th May. The pool staff work with you to find the best time.

Where: Seven Hills Aquatic Academy, 78 Best Rd, Seven Hills OR Denistone East Aquatic Academy, 47 Lovell Rd, Denistone East

Bookings via this LINK (limited spaces).

Women's water safety workshop

Learn essential water safety knowledge with a famous Bondi Rescue lifeguard. Morning tea provided, no swimming experience required. Note there will be no swimming – just information.

When: Thursday 19 June 2025 10:30am – 12:30pm

Where: Swimz Guildford, 12 Carrington Rd, Guildford. 15 minute walk from Guidlford Station

Bookings via this LINK.

Yagoona: Playgroup Picnic Day

Families can pack their own picnic and have a fun-filled morning with plenty of activities for children aged 0-6 years old!

When: Thursday 1st May 10am – 12.00pm

Where: Ron Whitehead Place, 176D Cooper Rd, Yagoona, 2 minutes walk from Yagoon Station

Bookings via this LINK.

Mums and Bubs Yoga

Enjoy relaxation with your baby helping with postnatal recovery, mental wellbeing, bonding and baby development. For babies up to 0 – 1 year olds.

When: 1st May – 3rd July, Thursdays 1 – 2.30pm

Where: Bankstown Women’s Health Centre, 24-26 Jacob’s Streetm Bankstown, 11 minute walk from Bankstown Station

Bookings by phone 9790 1378

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.

Free breast and cervical screening

Get your FREE cervical and breast screening.

As women grow older, the risk for cervical and breast cancer increases.

Early detection through FREE screenings can help you check possible problems so you can stay healthy.

Cervical screen is eligible for women over 25 years old
Breast screen is eligible for women over 40 years old

To discuss booking an appointment email: health@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

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.

Free Swim Program

Impowerfull is proud to announce the launch of SwimHER.. This 10-week, fully subsidised learn-to-swim program is designed exclusively for multicultural women to break down barriers to water safety and swimming education.

SwimHER provides a culturally safe and inclusive environment, including:

•  Female-only lessons with female instructors
•  Private indoor facility
•  Free rash shirts, goggles & swim caps
•  Translated educational resources
•  Essential water safety workshops

To learn more or register, visit: www.impowerfull.com.au/swimher

Yoga in the Park (Free)

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 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.

TAFE English courses

Do you want to study English full-time? You may be able to study Certificate I-IV English for free at TAFE. You will need to have study rights and be on a bridging visa. Register your interest in the courses listed under ‘English for Further Study’