Community Garden Day
A free, fun-filled morning of gardening, learning and fun. Everyone is welcome!
When: Tuesday 20th of January at 10.30am
Where: Alfalfa House Community Garden. Meet at Newtown Station.
More info and bookings HERE.
Most recently added
Newest events
Welcome Meeting and Community Lunch
If you’re new to the ASC community, we warmly invite you to our Welcome Meeting and Community Lunch at the Asylum Seekers Centre.
You’ll learn about our services, how to access them, meet others, and ask questions in a friendly space.
We’ll finish by sharing a delicious community lunch.
When: Wednesday 21 January 2026 at 10:30 am to 12:25 pm. Lunch is at 12.30 pm.
Where: ASC Newtown
To attend, register HERE or send an email to novela.corda@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Bus to Cronulla Beach (Canterbury-Bankstown Residents)
Enjoy a day at the beach with a FREE dedicated bus service direct to Cronulla Beach. Available for Canterbury-Bankstown residents. Registration is essential.
When: 14th, 17th, 21st, and 24th January 2026
More information and registration HERE.
School Holiday Programs (Activities and Workshops) - Various LGAs
Check out various FREE School Holiday Programs across Sydney, including arts and crafts sessions, sports workshops, camps, excursions, and more!
More info HERE.
School Holiday Events - Summer 25/26
Check out various FREE events for families and all ages, in Sydney CBD and closeby, this summer School Holidays!
Click HERE.
Organised by Asylum Seekers Centre
Activities at 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Organised by Asylum Seekers Centre
Activities at Auburn Community Centre Hub
Community Lunch
Delicious and healthy lunches at the Auburn Community Centre.
Wednesdays at 12:00pm.
Women's Afternoon
Activities for women including workshops, sewing, cooking and fun. Childcare is provided. You do not have to have children to attend.
Every Wednesday 12:45pm to 2pm at the Auburn Community Centre.
To join, email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.
Children’s Activities
Fun and educational activities are available for children. School holiday programs also available.
Time: Wednesday afternoons with the women’s groups and in school holidays
Opportunities
Training, work and education
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 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
Study at TAFE for free
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:
Health and activities
Exercise
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
Supports and information
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.
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.
Community life and activities
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.