Get Help
Below is a list of organisations, government, non government, advocacy groups and non for profits which provide resources, practical information and help in emergencies. While some operate across Australia the focus is on what is available across the greater Sydney area.
If you find links which do not work or information which is no longer applicable contact us at socialmedia@bmrsg.org.au
COVID-19 Information for Refugees and People Seeking Asylum
This page from Refugee Council of Australia (RACOA) provides COVID-19 information for refugees and people seeking asylum about this crisis and the help you can get. They will update this page on an ongoing basis.
Download: COVID-19 Information
Support for refugees and asylum-seekers
Umbrella organisations
Refugee Council of Australia, https://www.refugeecouncil.org.au/
The Refugee Council of Australia has information on advocacy, campaigns and legal issues. It also provides a wide range of fact sheets on visas, housing and education.
SSI supports newcomers and other Australians to achieve their full potential.
Community organisations offering practical help
- Asylum Seekers Centre – Sydney
- Community Care Australia Get Help
- Refugee Council of Australia Service directories for refugees and people seeking asylum
- JRS Australia Get Help
- House of Welcome St Francis Social Services
Help for people recently released from detention
Two agencies are able to assist people recently released with Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS). These agencies will assess the asylum seeker and provide a caseworker to assist them.
Accommodation
- Asylum Seekers Centre Accommodation, Leg-l & Financial Support | Asylum Seekers Centre
- House of Welcome St Francis Social Services
- Housing and Homelessness in NSW – St Vincent de Paul Society – Good Works (vinnies.org.au)
- Ask Izzy A mobile website which connects people in crisis in need.
- ADRA Community Centre Blacktown
- Parramatta Mission Hope Hostel
COVID-19 Information
- COVID-19 and the border (homeaffairs.gov.au)
- Information in your language | COVID-19 In Your Language (homeaffairs.gov.au)
- SBS Language | Coronavirus information in your language
Education/English classes
- Adult Migrant English Program – Services Australia
- Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program – Department of Education, Skills and Employment, Australian Government (dese.gov.au)
- Education & Employment | New Arrivals to NSW | Multicultural NSW
- Pathways to education – Refugee Council of Australia
- Scholarships for people seeking asylum and refugees – Refugee Council of Australia
- Asylum Seekers Centre – Material Support, Education & Social Service | Asylum Seekers Centre
Emergency food
- Community Care Australia Get Help
- Asylum Seekers Centre – Material Support, Education & Social Service | Asylum Seekers Centre
- JRS Australia Get Help
- ADRA Community Centre Blacktown
Employment
- Settling in Australia (homeaffairs.gov.au)
- https://www.ssi.org.au/services/employment
- Asylum Seekers Centre Employment Assistance Service | Asylum Seekers Centre
Financial help and advice/payments
- Refugee Servicing Network – What it can help you with – Services AustraliaHelp for refugees, humanitarian entrants and new arrivals – Services Australia
- Refugee & Asylum Seekers | Life Without Barriers (lwb.org.au)
- Asylum Seekers Centre. Get support How we can help Housin, Finance
Language services
Legal
- Legal or migration advice – Refugee Council of Australia
- Asylum Seekers Centre Accommodation, Legal & Financial Support | Asylum Seekers Centre
- Refugee Advice & Casework Service (RACS) Legal support for refugees and people seeking asylum.
Medicare and general/mental health
- Refugee Servicing Network – What it can help you with – Services AustraliaHelp for refugees, humanitarian entrants and new arrivals – Services Australia
- Asylum Seekers Centre Health Service | Asylum Seekers Centre
- SWSLHD – NSW Refugee Health Service
- Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TMHC) – Transcultural Mental Health Centre (nsw.gov.au)
- How Startts Helps Clients
- Asylum Seekers Centre Health Service | Asylum Seekers Centre
Ombudsman
Transport
Visa information
- Visa list (homeaffairs.gov.au)
- Check visa conditions online (VEVO) (homeaffairs.gov.au)
- Information and factsheets for refugees – Refugee Council of Australia
Federal Government
Services Australia delivers payments and services, including Medicare and Centrelink
This website includes Federal Government advice and support for refugees, including learning English, grants and some work information:
NSW Government
This portal provides information to help all migrants living in NSW. It has links to useful organisations, websites and resources, including housing, education, employment, emergency services, transport, language, law and humanitarian services.
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