West Welcome Wagon: Supporting People Seeking Asylum

If you’ve ever called the ASRC hotline to ask about donating used household goods or clothing, chances are you were directed to one of our long-standing partners, West Welcome Wagon.

Since 2013, this incredible volunteer-powered organisation has been providing practical support to people seeking asylum and refugees across Melbourne’s western suburbs. West Welcome Wagon began with an urgent mission – helping people seeking asylum who were found living in an empty apartment for six weeks without beds or electricity.   

From humble beginnings on a founder’s front porch, West Welcome Wagon has grown into a vital support network in Melbourne’s West, supporting over 500 households each year, from more than 30 different countries, many of whom arrive in Australia with few possessions and very limited resources. Their mission is simple – to provide practical, essential support to help new arrivals create safe, comfortable homes and feel a sense of belonging in our community. 

West Welcome Wagon collects and distributes high-quality donated essentials like furniture, whitegoods, bedding, clothing, and kitchenware, tailored to the unique needs of each household. This support is made possible thanks to the efforts of over 200 dedicated volunteers who collect, sort and deliver items directly to people seeking asylum.

Last month, West Welcome Wagon brought their warm welcome to ASRC in Footscray with a free pop-up shop of winter essentials, distributing over a tonne of coats, blankets and linen to around 80 people, many newly arrived. The atmosphere at the centre filled with warmth, connection and a shared sense of community. 

We are profoundly grateful to West Welcome Wagon for their unwavering support, and for offering a hand up  to people seeking asylum who come through our doors. Our partnership ensures that together, we can extend comprehensive support and care to the greatest number of people in need. 

We look forward to hosting West Welcome Wagon at future Reach Out Days and deepening our impactful collaboration.

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Have items to donate?

If you have clean, good-quality household goods like furniture, whitegoods, bedding, clothing, or kitchenware, you can make a direct difference in the lives of people seeking asylum and refugees.

Contact donate@westwelcomewagon.org.au for details or go to https://www.westwelcomewagon.org.au/donate/