In April of 2021 Asylum Seekers Centre put out feelers for a volunteer Content Creator. I leaped at the opportunity to offer my skills to this local organisation which provides practical and personal support for people living in our community who are seeking asylum.

Becher House in Newtown, is a hard building to miss, its colourful exterior stands out against Newtown’s tightly packed town houses. I was in awe of this place from the moment I stepped through the front door. The humdrum of the centre as people prepared food and conversed in the centres food hall filled me with such a strong sense of connection and community. The centre had at the time recently recommenced serving hot lunches for those in need within the asylum seeker community.

This centre provides a wide range of services including emergency accomodation, a on premises health clinic, employment programs, educational aids and financial support. The centre also utilises the many varied skills of over 400 active volunteers who are always ready to step up to lend a hand.

There are many challenges facing those seeking asylum in Australia. To remain in limbo for prolonged periods whilst awaiting one’s protection status is made much harder by the fact that one can not hold a job, pursue their education or access government support. As a result this at risk community must rely on in kind support from organisations like The Asylum Seekers Centre.

The latest lockdown in Greater Sydney has been challenging for people seeking asylum and there is likely to be more hardship ahead. The centre has reported a 60% increase in demand for support during this time.

The stories captured over the last few months aim to document the centre’s workers, volunteers and people within this community. These are stories of resilience, of hard won triumphs in the face of incredible odds, stories of uncertainty, of lived trauma, of yearning for a future, for connection and a sense of belonging.

The Asylum Seekers Centre provides the welcome to this country everyone deserves, a chance to connect with a community that cares and wants to see you not only survive but thrive.