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Announcement

The Asylum Seekers Centre will be closed on Monday 6 July 2026. 

We will re-open at 10:00am on Tuesday 7 July 2026.  

Most recently added

Newest events

Donate material goods - such as nappies, food vouchers, school supplies, toiletries, etc - for asylum seekers in Sydney.

Free Clothing Event

ThreadTogether has new donated clothing from many brands. Book to try some clothes and take 5-6 pieces home to keep.

When:Wednesday 8 July, 10am-11am

Where: ASC Auburn, Auburn Centre for Community 44A Macquarie Rd

Make a booking HERE.

a group of children smiling

School Holidays @ Auburn

Join us at Auburn for fun games and art for kids, workshops and activities for parents.

Food provided.

When:Wednesday 8 July and 15 July, 11am – 2:30pm

Where: ASC Auburn, Auburn Centre for Community 44A Macquarie Rd

See the flyer HERE.

NAIDOC Celebration

Come to Carriageworks in Redfern with us for food, music and to learn about First Nations culture.

When: Thursday July 9th

Where: Meet at Redfern Station at 9.30am

Bookings HERE.

Family Fun Day at the Art Gallery

Join us on for a family day of art, fun and food at the beautiful Art Gallery of NSW.

When: Sunday July 12th

Where: Meet at St James Station at 10.45am.

Register HERE.

University & Scholarship Info Night

Are you a current year 12 student or an adult looking to study at university?
This event will provide information on how to apply for University & Scholarships.

Bookings are essential. Food will be provided.

When:6-8 pm Tuesday 14 July

Where: Asylum Seekers Centre, 43 Bedford St, Newtown

Book your spot HERE.

Are you an Artist?

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre is running an art exhibition and needs your input.

Expressions of Interest Due the 31st of July

See more information HERE.

FREE activities with ASC

Please click the links below to learn  about different programs

ASC WEEKLY SCHEDULE – (29 June to 3 July) All the classes and activities you can join

COMING UP – Find out about the future activities you can join

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.

a man and two women in a class

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.

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 at the Knit and Nourish initiative cooking a meal

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.org.au

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

2026 University Open days

Click the name of the university for more info and to register:

Western Sydney University Open Day 
Parramatta South campus: Sun 5 July 2026, 10am to 4pm

Australian Catholic University Open Day
Blacktown: Sat 25 Jul 2026, 10am to 2pm
Strathfield: Sun 16 Aug 2026, 10am to 2pm
North Sydney: Sat 5 Sep 2026, 10am to 2pm
Canberra: Sat 12 Sep 2026, 11am to 2pm

Macquarie University Open Day

North Ryde: Sat 15 Aug 2026

University of Technology Sydney Open Day
Sat 29 Aug 2026, 9am to 2pm

University of Sydney Open Day
Sat 29 Aug 2026, 9am to 4pm

University of Notre Dame Sydney (Broadway)
Sat 29 Aug 2026

UNSW Open Day

Kensington campus: Sat 5 Sep 2026

 

Over all info, including regional universities

https://uac.edu.au/future-applicants/open-days

 

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.

A young woman holds a laptop in a university library.

University Scholarships

Limited full-fee and partial 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 full-fee scholarships:

Australian Catholic University (ACU) – ACU Refugee Scholarship

Open now until 1 July 2026

University of New South Wales (NSW)Humanitarian Scholarships
Open now until 18 June 2026

University of Notre Dame – VC’s Humanitarian Scholarship
Open timeline – Conditions 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

Free Tafe English classes

Randwick Tafe is offering free classes for all levels of English.

When: Tuesday 30th June 10am for testing day

Info HERE

Book HERE

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, 2026 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.

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.

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.

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

Fairfield Free adult learn to swim program

Project Elevate – Adult Learn to Swim Classes at Fairfield Leisure Centre is now open for enrolment! Open to adults with limited or no swimming experience.

When: Wednesdays 12:00pm-3:00pm, Thursdays 10:00am-1:00pm

Where: Fairfield Leisure Centre, 44 Vine St, Fairfield 2165

Enquiries & Enrolment: swimandsurvive@royalnsw.com.au or(02) 9634 3700

More information HERE.

Supports and information

An asylum seeking family.

Events/Worksops for Families and Children

Click HERE for events for families and children.

Parents Workshop - Children & Youth's Mental Health (Arabic & Farsi)

Learn more about supporting children and youth’s emotional wellbeing as a parent or carer, through face-to-face workshops with the Transcultural Mental Health Centre. Workshops available in Arabic and Farsi.

Free activities and child minding provided for children/youth at the workshop, and lunch provided from 12PM to 1PM.

Various Dates and Times
20 June 2026 @ 10AM (Children’s Mental Health in Arabic)
20 June 2026 @ 1PM (Youth’s Mental Health in Arabic)
27 June 2026 @ 10AM (Children’s Mental Health in Farsi)
27 June 2026 @ 1PM (Youth’s Mental Health in Farsi)

Where: Auburn Community Centre

AskIzzy (Resource)

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

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.

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.

Parents and Carers Support

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

Click 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.

A little boy eating lettuce

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.