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Support Services for Asylum Seekers at the Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre in Australia

The Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre (ASWC) provides a safe and supportive environment for asylum seekers in Australia. Operating under a community development model, it offers essential services that include housing support, employment assistance, language classes, and social integration programs. The ASWC caters to asylum seekers and former clients who have achieved permanent residency, fostering community connections through various activities. With approximately 40 clients at any given time, the centre helps individuals navigate the complexities of the refugee status determination process, enabling them to build new lives in Australia.

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Support Services for Asylum Seekers at the Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre in Australia

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  1. Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre www.aswc.org.au

  2. Australia’s Migration Program

  3. Refugees and Asylum Seekers • A refugee is someone who is… ‘outside their country of origin… is unable or unwilling to return… due to a well-founded fear of persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership of a particular social group’ • This is a legal definition, defined as part of the United Nations Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees

  4. The Humanitarian Program • Offshore component – found to be refugees outside Australia; then helped to settle here • Refugee program - UNHCR • Special humanitarian program – family • Onshore component – apply for protection after arriving in Australia; must ‘prove’ they are refugees before here – i.e. Asylum Seekers • Irregular arrivals (detention) • Community-based asylum seekers

  5. Asylum seekers – the facts • It is legal to seek asylum in Australia, irrespective of mode of arrival • Nearly all asylum seekers who arrive by boat are found to be genuine refugees. • Asylum seekers make up less than 5% of Australia’s annual immigration. • Those arriving by boat make up less than 2% of Australia’s annual immigration.

  6. Real stories – Mau • Christian minister in village in Burma • Persecution based on religious practices • Fled to Thailand / Bangkok • Temporary visa – visit friend • Applied for protection upon arrival

  7. Real stories - Chaman • Of Hazara ethnic minority, Afghanistan • Taliban – recruiting, killing boys / young men • Lost family members • People smugglers to Indonesia, Australia – Nauru for three years • Protection. Settled in Brisbane.

  8. The Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre The Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre aims to create a safe and welcoming place for asylum seekers and provide a range of support services relevant to their needs. The Centre operates on a community development model, with a strong emphasis on social support and programs designed to foster community connection.

  9. The ASWC’s clients • Asylum seekers living on the community • Former asylum seekers (continued support after permanent residency attained) • Approx. 40 clients at any one time

  10. The Refugee Status Determination Process • Multi-stage process: complex, lengthy, unpredictable. Can be re-traumatising. • Visas, entitlements and access to support services change at different stages • New language, culture • Asylum seekers are often separated from family • Socially isolating

  11. Client Support • Computer and phone access • Welcome, social support and community • Variety of programs designed to foster community • Support with housing, employment, education, emergency relief, etc.

  12. Programs and Projects • Dinner program • Saturday Lunch • English classes • Computer classes • Photography and Art programs • Conversation sessions • Social and recreational activities

  13. Funding and Support • Auspiced by Broadmeadows Uniting Care • Support from Brunswick Uniting Church • Good Shepherd and Mary McKillop sisters • Moreland City Council • Victorian Multicultural Commission • Other funding sources • Grants • Fundraising • Private donations

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