Information and Support
Who may be able to access the service?
The ASRC knows that many people seeking asylum are in crisis because they do not have work rights or access to mainstream social services in Australia.
While we aim to support as many people as possible, the level of need we see always exceeds the resources we have available as a community organisation.
We therefore prioritise those who face the biggest barriers to accessing their human right, and provide equitable access to as many people as we can. We continue to advocate for a broader safety net for people seeking asylum. Our information and support response is intended to stabilise people in the absence of this safety net.
Who MAY be able to access this service | Who will NOT be able to access this service* |
|---|---|
| A person seeking asylum | A person not seeking asylum |
* If this is you, you may be able to access other services listed here
Our client support service offers information and support to people seeking asylum. The team can support you to connect with other services, provide advice about your options and – where your circumstances allow – see if you can access other services at the ASRC.
Information and support that can be offered:
- Assessments of your circumstances to access other services at the ASRC (please refer to the other service information sheets for more information)
- Information on food services
- Information on family, domestic and sexual violence
- Document renewals (i.e. Medicare card and immicard support)
- Information on education and finding employment
- Information on financial support services
- Information on housing support services
- Emergency relief information
- Other information in response to your needs
How to access the service?
Please call 03 9326 6066 or come to one of our centres and our workers can discuss your circumstances and the choices available to you.
Opening hours
Service hours may vary depending on staff capacity but these are the days and times we are open (excluding public holidays). Please note, the service is paused during lunch times on the open days.
ASRC Footscray
Level 2, 214-218 Nicholson St. Footscray
Monday: 10.00am to 3.30pm
Tuesday: 10.00am to 3.30pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10.00am to 3.30pm
Friday: 10.00am to 3.30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
ASRC Refugee Resource Hub Dandenong
205 Thomas St. Dandenong
Monday: 10.30am to 3.30pm
Tuesday: 10.30am to 3.30pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10.30am to 3.30pm
Friday: 10.30am to 3.30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
What you need to provide:
- Signed consent form including agreeing to ASRC’s Rights and Responsibilities agreement (completed with a worker at the ASRC)
- Documents in support of your needs, in case you can be assessed for further services. Please see other services on our website to find out what documents may be relevant to your needs.
- Visa document and, where needed, consent to check your visa status
What we use this for:
- Consent to access services in line with ASRC’s relevant policies and procedures
- Service access assessments (where relevant)
- Legal status
What other services could I try?
Services: Providing food and some furniture/household items
Ph: 1800 305 330 | Monday to Friday, 10:00am – 3:00pm
Services: Providing food parcels, toiletries, clothing and some furniture items for families and individuals seeking asylum in the Western Suburbs.
Services: if you are feeling overwhelmed and/or experiencing thoughts of suicide. This is a free confidential counseling service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Ph: 13 11 14
Website: www.lifeline.org.au
Service 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line
Ph: 1800 737 732
Website: www.whiteribbon.org.au/Find-Help/Help-Lines
Services: Employment information and support
Ph: 1300 208 575 | Monday to Friday 9am–5pm
Website: https://jobs.vic.gov.au/help-for-jobseekers/find-support-in-your-local-area
Service: after-hours crisis accommodation support
Ph: 1800 627 727 or (03) 9536 7777
Address: 9 Grey St, St. Kilda | Open: 5pm – 9am every day
Service: Crisis accommodation
Address: 68 Oxford Street, Collingwood
Monday to Friday: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Connect with us
Need help from the ASRC? Call 03 9326 6066 (Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm) to book an appointment.