Help for Visa holders living in the community
Life can be very tough for families and children are released from immigration detention, and for other refugees and asylum seekers living in the community. All of them face difficulties overcoming the effects of past trauma, in their country of origin. Many of them are also overcoming further trauma caused by their detention in Australia. Their visa conditions are yet another burden for them to cope with.
If they are on bridging visas, they are thrown on the mercy of friends and non-government welfare groups to support them. In May 2004, the Catholic Commission for Justice Development and Peace has accused the Federal Government of discriminatory policy and practice in relation to thousands of asylum seekers living in the community. People on Temporary Protection Visas also have restricted rights, for example, they cannot bring their family to join them in Australia, nor can they travel to visit their family without forfeiting their right of entry to Australia.
If you are on a bridging or temporary protection visa, or helping someone who is, the information below may assist you.
Bridge for Asylum Seekers Foundation
You can help asylum seekers on bridging visas living in the community. They are not given any government benefits and are not entitled to Medicare cards. In addition, they are not permitted to earn any money or to work for a community group. The "Bridge for Asylum Seekers Foundation" has been established to assist them to live with dignity in the community.
Campaign for Permanent Protection for refugees on TPVS
Oxfam Community Aid Abroad have launched an urgent campaign in June 2003, seeking the grant of permanent protection for all refugees now on temporary protection visas (TPVs). ChilOut urges you to participate in this campaign by contacting your local MP and other parliamentarians. Read more...
TPV Holder Rights
If you are on a TPV, or helping someone who is, please check out the Know Your Rights Guide for people on TPVs (52 pages PDF).
Employment Services Initiative for Refugees
JOBfutures, Australia's only national network of community based employment service providers, is launching a pilot project to provide essential help to some of the estimated 8 000 plus refugees on TPV's. Currently TPV holders are not eligible to access the full range of Job Network services even though government policy allows them to work. JOBfutures pilot program aims to bridge this gap.
The TPV Employment project will provide the following services to its clients:
- Creating an effective resume for each client
- Communication with employers
- Australian work culture
- "Reverse-marketing" clients to suitable employers
We also plan to provide some additional services such as Basic Computer Skills courses and some special workshops. However, this will depend on the availability of volunteers and resources.
In addition to job placements and instances-of-service, our Project will endeavor to raise awareness about opportunities to integrate TPV holders into the wider community. In this way, we hope to positively contribute to the quality of life of TPV holders. We are receiving no funding from either the Australian or NSW Government and the program is being entirely funded
by us as a contribution to social justice.
About the JOBFutures and the Inner West Skills Centre (MS Word)
About our clients (MS Word)
How we work with our clients (MS Word)
Contact: Inner West Skills Centre, Auburn (a member of JOBfutures)
17 Mary Street, Auburn NSW 2144
Ph. 02 9749 5894
Asylum Seekers Centre - Surry Hills, Sydney, NSW
"The Asylum Seekers Centre is first and foremost a referral base and hospitality centre for asylum seekers. It aims to raise awareness of the needs of asylum seekers within the community and offers a variety of services including English classes, health care assistance, a job skills program and other survival and cultural activities that asylum seekers are not able to access in the mainstream social system. The Centre provides access to services and information without prejudice and aims to avoid duplication of any other services "
Address: 38 Nobbs St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia
Telephone: +612 9361 5606
Fax: +612 9331 6670
Email:
Please contact if you can offer pro bono legal/dental/psych/medical assistance, gifts
of clothes, books, furniture, etc., want to teach English, sport etc.
House of Welcome - Carramar, Sydney, NSW
The House of Welcome is a project of the NSW Ecumerical Council, helping refugees and asylum seekers settle into Australia. The House of Welcome helps people who:
- are on Temporary Protection Visas
- are are Asylum Seekers on Bridging Visa E's within a legal process
- are on Habeas Corpus Court Orders
Download: HouseOfWelcome.pdf
Address: House of Welcome, 140 Wattle Ave, Carramar. (opposite Carramar station)
Telephone: (02) 9727 9290
Email:
Please contact the Volunteer Coordinator by phone or email, if you can offer pro bono legal/dental/psych/medical assistance, gifts of clothes, books, furniture, etc., want to teach English, sport etc.
Romero Centre - Buranda, QLD
E-mail Address:
Address: 40 O’Keefe St, Buranda Qld 4102
Phone: 07 3393 2500
Refugee Claimants Support Center - Windsor, QLD
Services provided by the Centre include a drop in centre, English language classes, emotional support, information and referral, no interest loans for employment purposes, limited emergency relief, computer skills, and assistance with accommodation, food, employment and health (including dental health).
The Centre also provides opportunities for group activities. At least twice a year refugee claimants, workers, volunteers and friends go camping for a weekend.
Telephone No.: (07) 3357 9013
Facsimile No.: (07) 3357 9019
E-mail:
Street Address: 12 Bonython Street Windsor QLD 4030 AUSTRALIA
Postal Address: PO Box 160 Lutwyche QLD 4030 AUSTRALIA
BRASHN - Brisbane Refuge & Asylum Seeker Health Network, QLD
Phone: RCSC Mon, Tue, Thu 07 3357 9013. (Other times, Rohan Vora 07 3368 2885)
Fax RCSC 07 3357 9019
Fitzroy Learning Network - Fitzroy, VIC
In August 2000, a young Hazara man approached Fitzroy Learning Network asking if the Network could teach English to people on Temporary Protection Visas. Happy to assist Australia's newest arrivals the Fitzroy Learning Network began teaching english. Many would arrive with only a pillow, a blanket and their luggage as they had no where to sleep that night. Soon the Network became a welcoming place for many refugees after their long journey and search for freedom. The Fitzroy Learning Network currently provides support, friendship, resources and information as well as classes in english, computers, the internet, sewing, cooking and literacy for refugees and asylum seekers.
Address: 198 Napier Street Fitzroy. Victoria, Australia 3065.
Telephone: +61 03 9417 2897
Fax: +61 03 9417 2663
Email:
Hotham Mission, Melbourne, VIC
The Asylum Seeker Project (ASP) is based at Hotham Mission in Melbourne, Australia and works with asylum seekers who have been denied access to any kind of income, the right to work, welfare payments or Medicare. Most present themselves to us when they become homeless or have been released from detention with no support available to them. We provide free housing and volunteer support, pay for emergencies and provide monthly cash relief.
Address: 2/579 Queensberry St, North Melbourne, 3051
Telephone: +61 03 93268343
Fax: +61 03 93267470
Email:
Website: http://www.asp.hothammission.org.au
The Refugee Advocate's Help Kit
http://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/html/resources/advocateskit.html
This advocacy kit has been developed by the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) on behalf of the Detention Working Group for use by advocacy groups and those working with refugees and asylum seekers in NSW.
Refugee Council of Australia's Helping Out Page
The RCOA 'Helping Out' page lists ways you can help their work or volunteer your time with a number of organisations in each Australian state and territory and Australia-wide. The page provides contact details for these organisations who provide assistance to refugees and asylum seekers.
Spare Lawyers for Refugees
http://www.sparelawyers.com/slfr.html
Spare Lawyers for Refugees is a non-profit support and advocacy network for people held in Australian immigration detention centres. The "Spare Lawyers" are members of Australia's legal community who donate their time and expertise to assist asylum seekers to Australia.
Fundamental to Spare Lawyers for Refugees is a belief in the rule of law. Founded by Julian Burnside QC, a Melbourne barrister, Spare Lawyers for Refugees has a support network of over 250 lawyers including barristers, solicitors and law students across Australia. Spare Lawyers for Refugees draws upon the strong culture of pro bono legal assistance within the Australian legal community.