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Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre

Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre. www.aswc.org.au. Australia’s Migration Program. Refugees and Asylum Seekers.

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Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre

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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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