Kate

With a background in social work and volunteer work for less fortunate people, Kate was drawn to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and the ideals it stands for. Even though Kate has extensive experience in welfare work, in the six years she has volunteered at the ASRC she has actually spent most of her time in the ASRC kitchen preparing lunches and organising food for asylum seekers and other volunteers as part of the ASRC Community Meals Program.

“I’ve always done advocacy work, so that’s what I thought I’d do here. But I’m not, I’m cooking. If food needs to be brought in I do that Monday, then I cook on Tuesday and clean tea towels” says Kate.

Kate’s flexibility in the role she plays and her positive nature are qualities that are essential for a smooth running, enjoyable organisation.

Kate is keen to stress the importance of the work at the centre, and the responsibilities of the volunteers. Apart from being willing to work hard and in a range of areas Kate impresses the need to take the job seriously.

“You really are making a commitment, a commitment that should have the same status as any other commitment, even though you’re doing it for free. But take the time to have fun too, enjoy the company. Your pay at the ASRC is satisfaction.”

Despite being involved in advocacy for many years, Kate admits she didn’t know very much about asylum seekers in Australia before coming to the ASRC. Armed only with an awareness of the political debates surrounding people seeking asylum she decided she wanted to be a positive force in whatever way she could.

“Since starting at the ASRC I’ve met other volunteers and members and my knowledge of people has grown. The asylum seekers themselves are amazing, generous people.”

Though working at the ASRC isn’t without challenges, says Kate. “I think it’s frustrating to see people who you know would make fantastic Australians…put through what they’re put through. Especially when there are young people trying to get the best start in life.”

Yet Kate says this simply serves to highlight the importance of the work the ASRC does, and the volunteers who give up their time to help. “[The ASRC] is a very idealistic place. But you need that; the word could do with a hell of a lot of idealism. We’ve got enough pragmatic people.”