Caspar

After travelling overseas Casper returned to Melbourne to go to university, but was also left with a desire to help people from troubled countries make an easier transition to living in Australia. Casper now studies International Development and has been volunteering at the ASRC for the past seven months.

“I work in volunteer support and my role changes every week. I often compile the newsletter bulletin for the week…as well as doing a lot of admin work, data entry, filing and organisation,” says Casper.

“In terms of the process that people go through when they arrive in Australia I was pretty ignorant of the entire thing…the experience here is invaluable, and is getting me ready for graduation.”

Although Casper is busy with studying, he also recognises the fact that any amount of volunteering can be hugely beneficial to an organisation such as the ASRC. “There’s always something to do, things that need to be done, events to help with, special days and special jobs. Not all are even that special; they’re just there and need doing.” By volunteering for a few hours every Friday, Casper was able to provide much needed services to the ASRC. It’s a testament to the fact that not all volunteers need to give up three days a week, but rather, if volunteers can commit to half a day and meet that commitment consistently it has a huge impact.

“You have to keep the commitment,” says Casper. “We get a lot of people who are keen, and they’re genuinely keen, but if things come up or it doesn’t quite get the momentum it needs then they leave. If you say you can be here, then please be here.”

Casper is also keen to highlight the great atmosphere at the ASRC. He believes that the intimacy you get at the centre cannot be matched by larger organisations, and points to the large array of opportunities and ways of getting involved that the centre offers.

“The best thing about it is that nothing is off limits, you can get involved in anything and also you’re right there with the people. The whole thing is so connected; there is no distance between the asylum seekers who need the help and the guy who started the whole thing. It’s very inspirational.”

The experiences and lessons you can also learn at the ASRC are endless. There is as much room to grow and develop personally as there is the potential to help asylum seekers. This is especially true of younger people and students thinking of volunteering.

“I think more young people need to go out and volunteer in some way,” says Casper. “You’re no more able than when you’re young and you’ve got the time. And you begin to understand how fundamental volunteering and charitable organisations are to the marginalized people in our society.”

“Be ready to learn and to be confronted,” he says, “but in a good way.”