Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre
www.aswc.org.au
Australia’s Migration Program
Skilled67.5%
Fam ily32.3%
M igration progam170,000
Refugees Offshore6000
O ther (onshore and SHP)7750
Hum anitarian Program13,750
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
Programs and Projects
Dinner program
Saturday Lunch
English classes
Computer classes
Photography and Art programs
Conversation sessions
Social and recreational activities
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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