What’s on

Complete your Census today

The Census is happening today Tuesday 11 August. You will complete the Census online. Some households will get a paper form. The census counts every person and home in Australia. The Census form asks questions about your age, country of birth, cultural background, living situation, work and education.

Taking part in the Census helps governments and community organisations understand what people and communities need. This includes planning services like health care, housing, education, transport and support for migrants, refugees and people seeking asylum.

Your Census information is private and confidential. It is protected by law and is not shared with Immigration, Home Affairs or the Police.

By taking part, you’re helping build a clearer picture of our communities so services can be planned where they are needed most.

More information Here

Sewing at ASC

Remember we have fun and relaxing sewing classes at ASC Newtown and Auburn!
For Newtown see flyer here.

Register here

FREE activities with ASC

Please click the links below to learn  about different programs

ASC WEEKLY SCHEDULE – (10 August to 14 August) All the classes and activities you can join

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

Guitar/bass beginner & intermediate group lessons

Free 10 week ongoing guitar/bass course for beginners and intermediates organised by Last Minute Productions & Music Studio and Redfern Community Centre.

All levels are welcome to drop in every Wednesday.

• Beginner group – 3pm to 4:15pm
• Youth/tweenies – 4:15pm to 5pm
• Advanced group – 5pm to 6pm

More information and registration here.

Art Session @ ASC

New art session starts on 27 August!

It will happen the last Thursday of every month from 1:15: to 2:15pm

When: The last Thursday of each month – 27/8, 25/9, 29/10

Where: ASC Newtown.

Drop in or Register Here

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

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.

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.

Western Sydney University Webinar

2026 University Open days

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

Australian Catholic University Open Day
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

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 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:

Western Sydney University – Asylum Seeker Scholarship

Open now until 16 November

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

Study guide and info for HSC students

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

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.

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:

• Certificate I in Fundamental English 
• Certificate II in Basic English 
• Certificate II in Routine English for Speakers of Other Languages
• Certificate III English for Further Study
• Certificate IV English for Academic Purposes  

In class & TAFE Digital online.

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.

Events/Worksops for Families and Children

Click HERE for events for families and children.

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.

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.

Taronga Zoo Pass

We have a Community Pass from Taronga Zoo for clients of ASC to attend for free. Please fill this form if you would like to attend. ASC will then be in contact.

Click Here.

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.