What’s on

Cafe Basics

Are you interested to work at cafes, gain skills for work, practise coffee making, teamwork and customer service, meet new people and practice your English skills?

Learn the basics of coffee making and customer service with an experienced barista trainer, free for ASC members!

When: 23 September 11:00am – 2:30 pm

Where: Parliament on King, 632 King St, Newtown

What: Basic hospitality training and introduction to coffee making

Places are limited. If interested, please email employment@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

The Sounds of Harmony - Entertainer Call Out

The Sounds of Harmony is in search for an Entertainer/s for a concert on 13 November to showcase the best of Sydney’s diverse musicians, singers, and dancers.

Acts will provide a fresh perspective on the link between contemporary and traditional music, and their ability to enhance community cohesion and harmony. All interested parties are encouraged to apply.

Entries close: 20 September 2024

Successful applicants: notified by 30 September 2024

For more information:

Visit their website: HERE.
Call: (02) 9321 6309
Email: office@movingforwardtogether.org.au

Multimedia Artworks

Join in the Cumberland City Council’s free event where you will create breathtaking canvas artworks using a range of multimedia resources.

This activity is suitable to ages 13-18.

When: Monday, 30 September 2024 Time: 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Where: Auburn Library, 1 Susan Street, Auburn

Bookings essential: Bookings will open on 23 September via this LINK.

For more information: visit their website HERE.

Ocean Sustainability Workshop for ages 5 to 12 years

Learn about sea creatures from the local Sydney area and how they interact with each other at this fun school holiday activity. For ages 5 to 12 years.

Touch and feel the remarkable specimens in the shell and fossil collection. Be amazed at the massive Megaladon teeth, huge Shark jaws, and more.

When: Thursday, 10 October 2024 Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm

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

Bookings essential: Bookings open 7pm on Monday 16 September 2024 via this LINK.

For more information: visit their website HERE.

Recipes for Connection - Cooking Workshop

The Older Women’s Network (OWN), Newtown is organising a free Cooking Workshop for women aged 50 and over.

This project offers an opportunity for older women to participate in a workshop (5 sessions per workshop ) to tell their stories through food and cooking. The participants will have to commit to attending all 5 sessions. They will be requested to submit 2 recipes that have cultural significance to them.

Morning tea is provided and a $20 voucher to cover transportation costs.

When: 24th October, 31st October, 7th November, 14th Nov and 21st Nov, 10 am -12 pm

Where: OWN NSW 8-10 Victoria Street Newtown

Bookings: If you would like to register, please send email to novela.corda@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

Cumberland’s Biggest Bush School

Cumberland’s Biggest Bush School is coming to the Auburn Botanic Gardens in 2024 to celebrate Children’s Week.

There will be fun nature play and environmental sustainability activities for children and their families. The event is free.

When: Friday 25 October 2024, 10am to 11:30am

Where: Auburn Botanic Gardens, 99 Chiswick Road, Auburn

Bookings: To register visit this LINK.

Free Homework Help

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

Youth Hub at Merrylands Library

Discover Cumberland Council’s latest initiative – a Youth Hub at Merrylands Library! The Youth Hub is a one-stop shop that will offer a range of free health, employment, counselling, digital literacy, English skills housing, and education services for youth aged 12 to 25 years old.

When: Sessions will be held on the first and third Thursday of each month, starting 16 May

Time: 2:00pm to 5:30pm

Where: Merrylands Library

For more information about Cumberland Council’s Youth Hub, visit: https://www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au/youth-hub

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.

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

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

Auburn Food Pantry

Go4Fun in Guilford (Free)

Youth Starts @ STARTTS After School Hours Program

School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI)

The School Student Broadband Initiative is providing one year of free NBN access to eligible participants.

• To qualify families and carers must:
• Have a school age student at home (full or part time), enrolled in an Australian school
• Not have an active NBN network internet service at your current residential address now or in the past 14 days
• Live in a premise that can access the NBN network through a standard connection

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.

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.

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 - Book to talk to a career counsellor

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:

• clarify your career goals;
• find a course that meets your needs;
• identify obstacles you may be facing – and help you to deal with them; and
• develop skills to manage your career into the future.

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.

HSC Study Guide for Year 12 students

Preparing for the HSC? Here are some useful events and resources to get tips, information and feedback!

Western Sydney University HSC Study Session

30 September – 4 October (online, by registration)

Access 24 live online study sessions covering 15 HSC subjects. Get expert study tips, help in covering the syllabus and sit a practice exam and receive feedback and advice!

Claim your seat and read more here –WSU Free HSC Study Sessions

Sydney Morning Herald HSC Study Guide

Get study tips, stories, resources and other useful information from the SMH HSC Study Guide.

First Hike Project For ages 18-25

Join First Hike Project for a FREE day hike on Sunday Sept 29th 2024 in the Blue Mountains. No hiking experience or equipment needed. Spaces are limited.

The First Hike Project supports people of refugee and migrant backgrounds to experience the great outdoors.

When: Sunday 29 September

Where: Blue Mountains

Bookings: To register please email sydneyvolunteers@firsthikeproject.org.au

Sydney Thunder Cricket Literacy Program

Join the team from Sydney Thunder for a fun session of cricket skills followed by a story at Granville Library. These sessions are for primary school children, aged 6 to 12 years old. Children can only attend one session

When: Wednesday, 2 October 2024. From 2.30pm – 3.30pm

Where: Granville Library, 1 Memorial Drive, Granville

Bookings: This event will be open for booking on 25 September 2024.

For more information: visit this LINK.

FREE Arrow Tag for ages 12 to 18

Join an exciting, free, and action-packed Arrow Tag event!

Arrow Tag combines the thrill of archery with the intensity of dodgeball, making it the perfect game for those who love adventure and friendly competition. This in-person event is exclusively for ages 12 to 18. Grab your friends and get ready for an epic battle.

Parents/guardian must accompany their child for the entire duration of the clinic.

When: Friday, 11 Oct 2024 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM AEDT

Where: Progress Park, 4 Wellington Road South Granville, NSW 2142

Bookings essential: Link HERE.

Special NCIE Membership for $10

Join NCIE Fitness and get started on your health and wellness journey.

The special reduced membership rate of $10 will get you access to a full range of NCIE’s facilities, group fitness classes, all indoor training areas, outdoor training areas, the stadium and 25m heated undercover pool, one free initial personal fitness consultation and more.

Interested? Simply email ce.staff@asylumseekerscentre.org.au

Swimming Lessons for Adults (free) in Sydney City

Where: Ultimo, near Central Station in Sydney City

Date: Monday evenings

Registration: Please email ce.events@asylumseekerscentre.org.au to register, and for more information

Free Yoga and Pilates at Andrew Boy Charlton Pool

Yoga in the Park (Free)

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 Community Street Soccer Program, known as Street Soccer, is a fun and exciting initiative of The Big Issue that uses the power of sport to change lives. Our free weekly sessions give participants an opportunity to get active, make new friends and seek support in a fun and safe environment.

Sydney City Street Soccer
Where: King George V Recreation Centre, Cumberland St, The Rocks
When: Monday 2.30pm – 4.30pm

Parramatta Street Soccer
Where: Robin Thomas Reserve
When: Thursday 3 – 5pm

ASC 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

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

TAFE English courses

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’