Share a free hot lunch with the Asylum Seekers Centre.
Free hot lunches are available in Newtown on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 12:30pm and in Auburn on Wednesdays at 12:30pm.
Catch up with old friends and make new ones.
Packs are available for parents and school kids who live in Newtown electorate to collect.
Each pack contains a backpack, pens, highlighters, sharpie, ruler, pencils, notebook, pencil case, markers, eraser, sharpener, antibacterial wipes, and tissues.
Packs are available for collection from the Newtown office at 383 King Street – just call ahead on (02) 9517 2800 to make sure they still have some available for you.
An introduction session for new clients to learn about our services, ask questions, and connect with other members of the community.
When: Friday, 7 February, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, followed by a community lunch
Where: ASC Newtown
Bookings via this FORM.
Visit the State Library for a FREE family event to welcome the year of the snake.
The Learning Centre will be full of fun activities for children of all ages – make shadow puppets, fortune cookies, snakes, lanterns and more. Join us for bilingual storytime. Make sure you catch the Lunar New Year Lion Dance at 11am!
Suitable for the whole family.
When: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm, Sun, 9 February 2025
Where: State Library of New South Wales
Bookings are free via this LINK.
ID Support NSW are holding a webinar to empower you to safeguard personal information and recognise potential threats online this Valentines Day.
During this 60-minute live session, you will discover: Tips for safe online dating; How to recognise and respond to romance scams; Real-world case studies and red flags to watch out for; The importance of your personal data; Where to seek assistance if you’ve fallen victim to fraud.
When: 11:00am – 12:00pm, Friday, 14 February 2025.
Where: Online
Book your online ticket via this LINK.
Drivers and riders are invited to attend a free 2 hour workshop to increase their safety, knowledge and confidence.
The session will cover: What the major types of crashes are and how to avoid them, the most misunderstood road rules, how to stay ‘Under the Radar’, and how to become a safer driver using safe driving strategies. Additional questions answered by NSW Police Highway Patrol officer.
When: Wednesday, 19 February 2025, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Auburn Town Hall
Bookings: To book email rso@cumberland.nsw.gov.au using the subject line “UTR Workshop”
Whether you’re seeking support or exploring career opportunities, this is your chance to meet professionals, build relationships, and learn more about available services. Afternoon tea and lucky door prizes will be provided.
Discover a wide range of services and opportunities, including:
When: Wednesday 5th March, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Where: Level 11 255 Elizabeth StreetSydney NSW 2000
Booking: clinic@acap.edu.au or this LINK.
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.
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: Every Tuesday (1:30pm-3pm) and Friday (10:30am-12:30pm)
Where: ASC Newtown
Booking: To join the sewing group please email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.
When: 10:30am – 12:30pm every Friday.
Where: ASC, 43 Bedford Street, Newtown
To join the sewing group: email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
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.
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
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.
The School Student Broadband Initiative is providing one year of free NBN access to eligible participants.
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.
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.
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 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:
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.
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!
Limited full-fee undergraduate scholarships for people seeking asylum are available in a number of universities in NSW.
Current open scholarships
University of Notre Dame
Vice Chancellor’s Humanitarian Scholarship
Undergraduate
Open application.
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.
Royal Life Saving NSW and Surf Life Saving NSW are hosting a FREE Community Water Safety Day to empower people in Greater Western Sydney with essential water safety knowledge and lifesaving skills.
Who: Adults and children in Greater Western Sydney
Where: Penrith Beach
Castlereagh Road, Castlereagh NSW 2749, Australia
When:
Cost: FREE (includes lunch!)
Get tips on how to stay safe, hydrated and healthy this summer. Read through resources below:
Come join Cumberland City Council, Reclink Australia and Barnardos for a fun-filled day of outdoor activities at the Auburn Centre for Community! This event is perfect for kids aged 6-12 years looking to have a blast playing games like tag, relay races, dodge ball and more. It’s a great way to make new friends and get some exercise in the fresh air. We encourage a packed lunch for an afternoon picnic.
When: Mon, 20 Jan 2025 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44A Macquarie Road Auburn, NSW 2144
For more information follow this LINK.
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.
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
AUBURN
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn view on Google Maps
Beginners
When: Wednesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 PM
NEWTOWN
Where: ASC Newtown, 43 Bedford St Newtown view on Google Maps
Upper Beginner
When: Thursday 11:30 -12:30pm
Intermediate
When: Thursday 10-11:30pm
ONLINE (your teacher will send a link before each class)
Upper Beginner
When: Wednesday 6 – 7 pm
Intermediate
When: Tuesdays: 10 -11 am
When: Wednesday 11 am -12 pm
Advanced
When: Tuesday 6 – 7:30 pm
When: Wednesday 6 – 7:30 pm
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.
Computer class run by Cumberland City Council
| When: | Wednesdays 9:30AM- 12:00PM |
| Where: | Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn |
| To book: | No booking required |
English conversation class run by Cumberland City Council
| When: | Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm |
| Where: | Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road Auburn |
| To book: | No booking required |
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’
