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<strong>Hot lunches at the Asylum Seekers Centre</strong>

Hot lunches at the Asylum Seekers Centre

Share a free hot lunch with the Asylum Seekers Centre in Auburn on Wednesdays at 12:30pm and in Newtown on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 12:30pm. Catch up with old friends and make new ones.

ASC closed on 13 October

ASC closed on 13 October

The Asylum Seekers Centre will be closed on Friday, 13 October. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Canterbury Bankstown, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Liverpool

School Holiday Activities

Find out about school holiday activities 25th September – 8th October in your local council area in Western Sydney. Click on Read More.

 

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Canterbury Bankstown Council

Check out a range of events for all ages at council run centres and libraries here.Includes HSC Study Support Sessions at your local library, free  Family Movie Time at Chester Hill, Campsie, Riverwood and Bankstown Arts Centre School Holiday Workshops. 
Find out about CB PCYC activities here.

Camden

Search for a range of school holiday workshops and other events Camden Council’s event calendar here.

Campbelltown

Check out a range of great events for all ages run by Campbelltown City council here.

Find out about PCYC Campbelltown activities here.

Fairfield  

See the range of school holiday activities offered by  Parks Community Centre at Wetherill Park here.
Search for events including Lego, Arcade games, Sports, Family Movie Time offered by Fairfield City council here.
Find out activities for young people at Junction Works here.
More information about activities at PCYC Fairfield/Cabramatta here.

Liverpool

Find out about school holiday activities run by Liverpool City council here. Search for school holiday activities at Liverpool Library here.
WOW Festival for Children and Young People at Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre. Find more information here.
Check out what’s on for young people at the street university here.
Find out about the School Holiday Program for kids big and small offered by Western Sydney Airport here. 

 

 

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Community life

Arts and community

WOW Festival for Children and Young People

This family festival is back with a jam-packed program celebrating birds, flight, and the transformative power of imagination. There are a bunch of free events, plus some paid program with minimal costs. 

When: Thursday, Friday and Saturday 5-7 October 2023

Where:Casula Powerhouse at 1 Powerhouse Road, Casula 

Booking: Bookings are required for all events, even the free ones. Book here.

 

BIG DAY OUT - Family fun school holidays activities

Come along for a family fun event brought to you by the Canterbury Child and Family Interagency.

Free activities include Zumba, Arts and crafts, Slime for kids and sugar scrub for parents, Balloon twisting,Interactive reptile display, Sports and Community information.

When: Wednesday, 4th October 2023, 10am -1pm
Where: Hampden Park Public School – 39/75 Hampden Rd, Lakemba NSW 2195
Booking: Here

Fairfield Children's Week event

The Fairfield Child & Family Interagency invites you to a FREE Fairfield Children’s Week event. Activities to keep the little ones entertained include face painting, free BBQ, arts and crafts, interactive games, and much more. Parents can relax and enjoy the day, knowing that their children are in a safe and welcoming environment.

When: 5th Oct, 2023

Where: Fairfield Youth and Community Centre.
Fairfield Youth & Community Centre 55 Vine Street Fairfield, NSW 2165

Booking: Families are encouraged to register here.

Free clothing and goods event -Gamble Aware Week

Prosper Project Australia is holding a free clothing and goods event. Free items available include clothing, nappies, toiletries, linen and more.

When:  Thursday 19th October, 9am – 1pm

Where: Rotary Community Centre, 34 North Parade, Campsie (1 Block From Campsie Train Station).

Bookings: You must register to attend. 

Please choose an appointment time (between 9am and 1pm) at the time of registration.

Register for an appointment here.

 

Cumberland’s Biggest Playgroup

To celebrate Children’s Week 2023 Cumberland Council is holding the Cumberland’s Biggest Playgroup event for families with children 0-5 years.

Where: Central Gardens Nature Reserve, 71 Paton Street, Merrylands West

When: 10am-12:30pm on Tuesday, 24 October

Booking: No bookings required, just come along on the day.

PRISM Research Project

The PRISM (Project researching the Impact of Separated and Missing) Family project is inviting refugees and asylum seekers with either missing or separated family to take part.The study involves completing a survey 4 times over the next 2.5 years. Participants will receive a $25 Coles electronic shopping voucher after completing each survey. This project aims to understand how having a missing or separated family member impacts wellbeing and how people think and feel across time.

Find information about the project here. You  can also email  prism@unsw.edu.au or phone (02) 9385 0006.

Auburn Friendship Garden Club

Cumberland Council has partnered with Reclink to offer a range of free activities including gardening and gentle exercise. Come along and meet fellow garden enthusiasts.

When:Wednesday Garden Club 9am to 4pm and Thursday Garden Club 9am to 4pm
Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie Road, Auburn

For more information and to visit Cumberland city council web page here.

Mums & Bubs Mondays at Auburn

ASC offers a weekly women’s group at the Auburn Centre for Community. There will be morning tea and activities for young children provided by Choice Preschool Kindergarten, and workshops for women.

When: Every Monday, 10.30am-12pm.

Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44A Macquarie Road, Auburn (5 minutes walk from Auburn Station)

Booking: Please email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au to let us know if you’re coming

Sewing group at Newtown Tuesday and Fridays

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.org.au

When: 10:30am – 12:30pm every Friday.

Where: ASC, 43 Bedford Street, Newtown

To join the sewing group: email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

Live Music

Enjoy live music performances in Marrickville. Free tickets are available to ASC clients, but tickets are limited. Enjoy free live music, mainly soul, jazz, funk, blues, indie pop and socialise with one another.  Discounted food and drinks.

When: Every Monday and Tuesday night, doors open at 7pm until late.

Where: Marrickville

Booking: For more information and reserve a spot email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

Scholarships for asylum seekers

University Humanitarian Scholarships

Limited full-fee scholarships for asylum seekers are available in a number of universities in NSW.
For more information, please visit our webpage here.
Click on the read more link for university scholarship application deadlines.

Read more
A young woman walks through the grounds of Macquarie University in Sydney.

University of Western Sydney – Humanitarian Scholarship for Asylum Seekers*
Find more information here.
Deadline 26 November 2023

University of New South Wales – Sanctuary Scholarship for People Seeking Asylum and Refugees with Temporary Protection
Find more information here.
Deadline 30 November 2023

University of Technology Sydney – Humanitarian Scholarship
Find more information here.
Deadline 1 December 2023

Australian Catholic University – Refugee Scholarship
Find more information here.
Deadline 15 January 2024

University of Notre Dame – VC’s Humanitarian Scholarship
Find more information here.
Open Timeline

University of Newcastle – Scholarship for Asylum Seekers Program (SASP)
Find out more information here.

Less information
Opportunities

Training, work and education

A young woman works on her laptop.

University Applications Early Bird Fee deadline

HSC students need apply to the University Admissions Centre (UAC) for a place at a university. The Early Bird Fee of $78 finishes on 29 September. If you miss the UAC Early bird deadline the fee goes up to $215. More information on the UAC website here.

1000 books before school launch

Do you have a child aged 0-6?  Join the official launch of Canterbury-Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centres’ 1000 Books Before School program! This easy program is designed to encourage and support parents to read regularly with their child before they start school.

Following the launch there will be an opportunity to sign your children up to the program. With special guest performers, ARIA award-winning children’s band, The Vegetable Plot.

When:    10.30am-noon, Thursday 12 October

Where:    Bryan Brown Theatre, 80 Rickard Road Bankstown

Register: cb.city/1000books – FREE Event

SSI Allianz Refugee Education Scholarship Program

SSI is offering a program providing one-off scholarships of up to $5000 to students preparing to undertake study or have their existing skills recognised in New South Wales, Queensland or Victoria.

Applications for the 2024 academic year are open NOW and close on the 2nd October 2023

Find out more here.

Spring reading challenge for children Oct - Nov

Spring reading challenge for children with Inner West Library. Log your reading to earn a set of colourful digital badges and go into the major prize draw. The challenge starts Monday 2 October and ends Thursday, 30 November.

There are 3 major prizes:
5-7 years: $50 Gleebooks Voucher
8-10 years: $50 Gleebooks Voucher
11-12 years: $50 Gleebooks Voucher

Join Beanstack, an easy-to-use online platform that will keep track of the books  you read. To sign up to Beanstack you must be a member of Inner West Council Libraries. Sign up here.

Pre school Readiness Program

Prepare your child for kindergarten at this 8 week program. Is your child starting Kindergarten in 2024? This 8-week pre kindy readiness program aims to assist with preparing your child in a classroom like environment. Children will work on a prepared booklet introducing them to the alphabet, comprehension and cutting skills.

When: Monday, 9 October 2023 to Monday, 27 November 2023, 10:00am to 12:00pm

Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44A Macquarie Road, Auburn

Bookings: Please register here.

Meet with a University Advisor

Are you (or your child) a person seeking asylum wanting to study at university in 2024? Come along to meet with a University Advisor and learn about course options, scholarship applications, and general tips on university in Australia. Advisors can help you with the process and answer any questions you may have about studying.

When: Sessions available between 1:30 – 4pm every Wednesday (starting 9 August).

Where: Auburn Centre for Community, 44a Macquarie St, Auburn.

Booking: Email employment@asylumseekerscentre.org.au if you are interested in attending

Survive the HSC with Cumberland Library

Cumberland City Council is holding the Survive the HSC program for Year 12 students with HSC Study Help at Auburn, Merrylands and Granville Libraries and online mental health talks via Zoom.

For more information on available session times and days click here.

Western Sydney University - News

Campus Tours: Find out first-hand what programs are on offer with a tour in September 2023. Register your interest here.

WSU’s HSC True Reward early offer program provides students with an early offer into most university degrees based on their Year 11 or Year 12 results. Find more information here.

HSC Study Guide

The Sydney Morning Herald and NSW Education Standards Authority have produced a study guide for year 12 students and their parents.

Find the Guide here.

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.

Musicians

Looking for musicians to perform

ASC is searching our community for musicians who would be interested in performing at an event to celebrate our 30th anniversary. You don’t need to be professional musician and you can perform just a couple of pieces in a casual atmosphere. We are looking for a variety of instruments and performers. 

When: Thursday 23 November, 6pm
Where:  Seymour Centre, Chippendale

If you want to know more or you would like to be involved email us at comms@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

Two musicians performing on a stage. One singing and one playing guitar.
Wellbeing

Exercise and Family Wellbeing

Go4Fun Program Term 4

Go4Fun healthy lifestyle program for families and children aged 7-13 is returning at 9 locations across south western Sydney in Term 4 from Monday 9th October.

You can register by phoning 1800 780 900 or visit go4fun.com.au

Multi-Sport Program for Children 2-5 Years

Cumberland City Council have organised a multi-sport program for children 2-5 years, giving them an opportunity to get active. Registration required.

When: Starting Monday 16th of October 2023, running every Monday for 6 weeks, 1:30pm-2pm
Where: Greystanes Community Centre
Bookings: here

 

Dance Fit Class For adults 18 years and over

Cumberland City Council and Reclink Australia have teamed up to bring you an exciting and engaging Dancefit class. This class aims to inspire participants to push their boundaries and try out fresh techniques, all within a secure and welcoming atmosphere. Class is held every Thursday in term 4 for 7 weeks.

When: Thursday, 26 October 2023 to Thursday, 7 December 2023, 5:00pm to 6:00pm

To book click here. 

Free swimming lessons adults and children above 5

  • Monday night 7pm at Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre, Ultimo – Program structure: Adult beginners lesson

  • Wednesday night 7pm at Cook + Phillip Park Pool, Sydney – Program structure: Adult beginners lesson

  • Saturday afternoon 12pm at Cook + Phillip Park Pool, Sydney – Program structure: a half-hr kids Learn to Swim lesson

Booking: please email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

Free Activities Western Sydney

Join a free recreation activity in Western Sydney run by Reclink from July to October. Locations and activities include Zumba at Riverstone and Elara, Dance Fit at Seven Hills and Toongabbie, Taekwondo at Wenty, Auburn and Toongabbie, Boxing at Auburn and Football Fives at Rooty Hill.

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

Zumba
When and Where: Mondays 9AM – 10AM at Riverstone – Zumba Gold
Mondays & Wednesdays 1PM – 2PM at Elara
Thursdays 1PM – 2PM at Riverstone

Taekwondo
When and Where: Mondays 4PM – 6PM at Wenty
Tuesdays 4PM – 6PM at Auburn
Wednesdays 4PM – 6PM at Toongabbie

Dance Fit
When and Where: Tuesdays 11:30 – 12:30PM at Seven Hills
Fridays 9:00AM – 10AM at Toongabbie

Garden and Games
When and Where: Wednesday & Thursdays 10:00- 12:00 PM at Auburn

Boxing
When and Where: Tuesday 4PM – 6PM at Auburn

Football fives
When and Where: Tuesday 2PM – 4PM at Rooty Hill

Free activities - South West Sydney

Join a free recreation activity in South Western Sydney run by Reclink from July to October. Locations and activities include Dance Fit, Table Tennis and Yoga at Berala and Pop In Basketball and All-Abilities Basketball at Liverpool.

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

Dance Fit
When and Where: Tuesdays 9:30 – 10:30 AM at Berala
Wednesdays 9:30 – 10:30 AM at Berala

Table Tennis
When and Where: Wednesdays 4PM – 6PM at Berala

Yoga
When and Where: Fridays 9:30AM – 10:30 AM at Berala

Pop In Basketball
When and Where: Wednesdays 5PM – 6:30PM at Liverpool

All-abilities Basketball
When and Where: Thursdays 5PM – 6:30PM at Liverpool

Free Activities -CBD & Inner West Sydney

Join a free recreation activity in the CBD or InnerWest Sydney run by Reclink from July to October. Program activities include Pop In Basketball, Gym Fitness and Touch Rugby.

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

Gym Fitness
When and Where: Mondays 2PM – 4PM at KGV The Rocks

Pop In Basketball
When and Where: Mondays 4PM – 5PM at KGV The Rocks

Touch Rugby
When and Where: Wednesdays 10:30PM – 12:30PM at Trumper Oval

Tennis
When and Where: Mondays 12PM – 2PM at Camperdown
Fridays 11AM- 1PM at Olympic Park

Tennis Lessons (Adults)

Join free tennis coaching lessons every Friday at Olympic park organised by Reclink.
Coaches and equipment provided.

When: Every Friday morning 11:00 am to 1:00 pm

Where: Olympic Park

For more information and to book: Email Josh at
josh.tildesley@reclink.org or phone 0423 375 442

Street Soccer by The Big Issue

The Big Issue is offering free weekly sessions to participate in street soccer. It’s an exciting opportunity for adults to get active, connect with others and have fun in a safe environment.

When: Parramatta Park, West Domain, near corner of Park Ave and Railway pde, Parramatta (10 min walk from Parramatta Station)

Where: Thursday 3:30pm-5:30pm

Improve your English

English language help

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

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

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 class: Wednesdays, 9:30am – 12pm

English conversation class: Wednesdays, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

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

Blacktown Conversation Cafe

Practice English speaking skills  at a Conversation Café which is a free, open, hosted conversation at your local library.
When: Saturdays 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Dates: Started 12 August Finishes 4 November(break 30 Sep– 7 Oct)
Where: Max Webber Library Alpha Street Blacktown, NSW 2148
Bookings: Email ASC Events here.