Support programs for people newly arrived in Australia.

Our Asylum Seeker Support Programs can help you settle into your new community by providing newly arrived people with essential services, and the opportunity to build social connections.

New arrival support

Support when you need it most.

Our Asylum Seeker Programs provide essential services for people newly arrived in our community.

We provide support with:

Food and essential items
Housing
Financial assistance and counselling
Guidance with immigration issues
Access to legal advice
Referrals to employment, education, health and counselling services

Our programs encourage people to participate socially, to build social and community connections.

Our Melbourne programs

The Welcome Centre

The Welcome Centre is a safe and welcoming community space for people seeking asylum in Melbourne.

We offer activities and opportunities for inclusion and socialisation.

English, computer and creative art classes are held at the centre.

A community meals program brings people together to prepare food and share their cultural cuisine with their new community.

The centre also organises excursions for asylum seekers, and their families, to experience Melbourne and beyond - the beach, cinema, zoo and parks.

We offer referrals to services and provide access to practical assistance with food, material aid and transport if needed.

Women's group

The Women's Group provides a women's only class for English as an additional language, along with a monthly gathering.

A playgroup worker provides supervision of young children, so mothers can fully engage in any given activity.

This safe and harmonious space is for women from all cultures to feel at ease and enjoy each other's company.

LGBTIQ+ peer support group

The LGBTIQ+ peer support group provides a formal, resourced platform for peer-to-peer activities and relationship building, as well as facilitating connection to the broader LGBTIQ+ community.

It brings people seeking asylum together, increasing the ability for individual and group advocacy around the challenges faced by members.

It is a safe and supportive space offering advocacy and a feeling of belonging.