Refugee Council of Australia

There are also a number of organisations working with and for refugees and asylum seekers in Australia, some of which are listed below. If you would like to volunteer your time or resources please contact them directly for more information.

Australia-wide:

Together for Humanity Foundation
» Together for Humanity Foundation conducts programs in schools which breakdown religious and cultural misconceptions and encourage children to focus on our common values and humanity. We are looking for dynamic volunteers and presenters who are great with kids, and have a passion for inter-faith/cultural work, to be part of this non profit, nationally acclaimed organisation. For more infomation visit the website or contact Donna Jacobs Sife at donnajacobsife@optusnet.com.au

In NSW:

Asylum Seekers Centre (Surry Hills)
Established in 1993, the Asylum Seekers Centre of New South Wales (ASC), located in Surry Hills, is an independent, not-for-profit, non-government organisation providing a welcoming environment and front-line support for community-based asylum seekers living in greater metropolitan Sydney. ASC volunteer-run programs provide asylum seekers opportunities for creative expression, exercise and recreation, for increasing their English language skills and most importantly, a sense of community to reduce social isolation. ASC Volunteers perform a variety of different functions including, but not limited to teaching English and a range of holistic health and creative expression classes; managing reception and providing administrative support; providing nutritious meals; providing IT support; working on the ASC garden and site maintenance; and organising fundraising events. For further information visit their website.

ALIV (Volunteers at Villawood Immigration Detention Centre)
ALIV was a program originally started by the United Nations Association to try and improve life for the children inside immigration detention centres. The program has four main projects: to take kids out on camps every school holidays; to take kids out on excursions every fortnight; to run a kids room inside the detention centers modeled after starlight rooms currently inside our hospitals and to take families out on family days. The program is expanding very quickly and they now need many more caring fun volunteers to help us help these precious kids. ALIV is currently expanding their adults program for detainees and need volunteers willing to make a minimum commitment of four hours a month. For further details visit their website

Auburn Diversity Services Employment Mentoring Program
The Auburn Diversity Services Inc. Employment Project is looking for people to mentor refugees looking work and/or studying. For further information, please contact Beatrice at Auburn Diversity Services Inc. on (02) 9649 6955 or at beatrice@auburndiversity.org.au

Australian Afghan Hassanain Youth Association
AAHYA provide a range of services for young refugees with Afghan/Hazara backgrounds including a Saturday school, group outings, information sessions (eg on health, driving in Australia, etc), advocacy and other services as needed by the community. They are looking for a volunteer to help with funding applications, letter writing and various other general administration tasks. Times can be flexible but you would need to be able to give two to three hours per week, hopefully more. Much of the work could be completed from your home. For more information contact Karimi Gulbahar on 0421 567 397 or visit www.aahya.org.au (Posted 11 May 2009)

Bridge for Asylum Seekers Foundation (Sydney)
The Bridge for Asylum Seekers Foundation (BASF) was officially launched on 11th June 2003 by a broad coalition of churches, human rights groups, unions, political representatives, and individuals. The Foundation seeks donations to financially assist asylum seekers on Bridging Visa Es or released under Habeas Corpus orders and who have no adequate means of survival. Every month, BASF provides supplementary living assistance to over 100 individuals and families to enable them to survive. We are always looking for volunteers to assist us in varied roles such as administration, web/database maintenance, refugee support and fundraising. For further details please contact (02) 9712 7784 or visit their website.

Friends of STARTTS (Western Sydney)
Friends of STARTTS (FOS) supports the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Survivors so they can provide counselling, physiotherapy, camps for children and youth and many other programs for refugees. FOS is currently expanding and is looking for people willing to get involved in fund and awareness raising events while also having some fun. At the moment FOS is organising an awards night and refugee art exhibition. FOS also has volunteers that teach English, help out at youth camps and drive buses. Telephone (02) 9794 1900 or visit their website.

House of Welcome (Western Sydney)
The House of Welcome Project was established by the NSW Ecumenical Council to assist Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) holders to make the transition into the community. The Project has extended to supporting people released from detention on Bridging Visa E's and Habeus Corpus orders who have no means of support. Asylum seekers are assisted to settle in the community, find accommodation, look for work and can also attend English and Computer classes. Based at Carramar. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator on (02) 9727 9290 or email

Mission Australia
Volunteer to support refugees and humanitarian entrants
Mission Australia are currently recruiting volunteers to assist newly arrived refugees and humanitarian entrants settle comfortably and happily into a new life in Australia. For more information, visit Mission Australia's website www.missionaustralia.com.au or email vcu@missionaustralia.com.au

Refugee Mentoring Project (RMP)
The RMP works to reduce refugee unemployment, underemployment and social exclusion using mentoring, work experience and training. We are seeking skilled and committed Sydney based volunteers with am awareness of refugee issues for two important roles:

Volunteer RMP Mentors
Mentors are professionals who work 1:1 to help provide vocational support, advice and direction to a participant enrolled in the Refugee Mentoring Program. To express interest in the mentoring role, please complete the form at our website getskilled.sydneycommunitycollege.com.au/Volunteer%20Mentors
Volunteer RMP Ambassadors
We need a small team of skilled volunteers able to work in areas of Sydney where there are significant refugee populations to assist promote the RMP to refugee communities, mentors and employers. To express interest in this role, please email ruby.madan@scc.nsw.edu.au with your resume and an outline of your skills, interest and availability.

St Vincent de Paul Society Assisting Refugee Kids (SPARK)
SPARK provides refugee children and their families with community, educational and social support through primary schools. The program runs every school term at selected schools in Central Western Sydney.
SPARK is currently recruiting and training volunteers from high schools, universities and the local community to assist with the Bright Sparks program which is a homework and activities club for Kindy-Year 6 Students, providing homework tutoring and English support. The program is run once a week for 1.5 hours after school from 3 - 4.30pm.
By volunteering with SPARK you will be part of a very rewarding program that provides much needed assistance to refugee children and their families. No teaching qualifications or experience are required, as training is provided. Vinnes is looking for people who are enthusiastic, friendly, and patient and who love working with children!
For further information please visit www.vinnies.org.au/spark-nsw or contact Micaela O’Reilly on 9568 0280 or spark@vinnies.org.au.

Sudanese Settlement Program - Equatoria Community and Welfare Association (Western Sydney)
ECWA provides settlement services for Sudanese communities living in Western Sydney. They are looking for volunteers to assist with basic administration work and data entry. For more information, please call Uling Kang (Sudanese Settlement Coordinator) on (02) 9671 1637 or 0412 794 619.

Sydney Multicultural Community Services
Volunteer mentors are needed for a new tenancy assistance program covering the City of Sydney and Eastern Suburbs areas. This program will bring together local volunteers as mentors for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds who are finding difficulty securing appropriate and affordable housing in the private rental market. Interested community members can contact Yasmine Loupis on (02) 9663 3922 or csss1@sydneymcs.org.au for further details.

Young Christian Workers (YCW), Parramatta
Volunteers are currently needed for the following services: tutors to assist people at Parramatta library, volunteers to support unemployed people at the YCW's Job Club, and volunteers to teach english or computer classes. If you are interested in these positions, contact YCW on (02) 9682 6719

In Qld:

Brisbane City Council
Brisbane City Council has a number of activities to support refugees, working in partnership with volunteer groups, refugee communities, government and community services. For more information, please call (07) 3403 8888.

Refugee Claimants Support Centre
The Refugee Claimants Support Centre is currently looking for a Volunteer Support worker to work alongside their social/case worker. For more information, contact Ashleigh Stephens on (07) 33579013 or Volcoord@refugees.org.au

Romero Community Centre
This project provides casework, community development and support to refugees who are former Temporary Protection Visa holders and their families, living in Brisbane. The project operates under the auspices of Brisbane Sisters of Mercy. A range of volunteer skills are sought. For more information email volunteer@romerocentre.org.au, (07) 3846 3250 or visit their website.

In VIC:

Australian Karen Foundation
The Australian Karen Foundation is seeking a talented website designer. The Foundation’s aim is to achieve better outcomes for the Karen people in Thailand, Burma and in Australia assisting and supporting displaced and refugee people on Thai-Burma border and inside Burma through educational and vocational projects, and providing leadership training for young Karen people in Australia and on the border. They are seeking a friendly reliable person to rebuild their website. For further details, please contact Andrew Flint through aflint@qap.com.au

Victoria’s Volunteering Portal
An initiative of the Victorian State Government, the Volunteering Portal aims to provide a centralised resource in Victoria for people and organisations to use to find and offer volunteering opportunities, as well as providing information and tools for those needing them. Visit www.volunteer.vic.gov.au

AMES Volunteer Program
Through the Integrated Humanitarian Settlement Scheme (IHSS), AMES and a consortium of partners assist newly arrived humanitarian entrants successfully settle in Victoria. IHSS clients are supported by case coordinators. Volunteers provide additional practical settlement support and English tutoring. Volunteers offer a couple of hours, once a week, usually during the day. Training is provided.
For more information email volunteer@ames.net.au or visit the AMES website

Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (West Melbourne)
The Centre provides legal assistance, material and food aid and also incorporates Melbourne's first health clinic for Medicare ineligible asylum seekers. Initial general training is provided for volunteers and more specific training occurs at regular intervals. For more information email, phone 03 9326 6066 or visit the website.

Asylum Seekers Assistance Project (South East Melbourne)
This Project runs a food bank and aims to provide material aid to asylum seekers in the South East region of Melbourne. This project is run entirely by volunteers. » For more information email or phone (03) 9547 1129.

Centre for Multicultural Youth - Volunteer Tutors for Refugee and ESL Young People
The Centre for Multicultural Youth is looking for committed volunteers to tutor young people in Out of School Hours Learning Support Programs. Out of School Hours Learning Support Programs (OSHLSPs) provide additional learning support to primary and secondary school students in centres across Melbourne, with a particular focus on those from refugee and ESL backgrounds. These programs assist in developing young people’s confidence and helping them socially and academically to participate in school in a more meaningful way. Volunteer tutors work individually or with small groups of students, focusing on literacy development and assisting students to complete homework and assignments. Most programs run in the afternoons after school (from around 3.30 or 4pm) for approximately two hours. For more information please contact Megan Nutbean on (03) 9340 3714 or lbbvolunteers@cmy.net.au or visit
www.cmy.net.au/learningbeyondthebellvolunteering

Ecumenical Migration Centre (Fitzroy)
For more information, visit their website.

Fitzroy Learning Centre (Fitzroy)
Co-ordinates volunteertutors in English and organises other recreational and vocational activities for refugees, working particularly with people with Temporary Protection Visas. » For more information email them direct or phone 03 9417 2897 or visit their website.

South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre - Volunteer Tutors for Homework Support Programs
The South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre is currently seeking Volunteer Tutors for its Homework Support Programs. Can you spare 3 hours a week to help young refugees with their studies? If so, then share your skills and become a Volunteer Tutor. We are looking for people who can assist refugee and migrant students with maths, humanities, English, science and other homework, have experience working well with young people, have great communication skills and are passionate about supporting migrants and refugees. You can volunteer in Dandenong or in Hampton Park, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday anytime between 3:30pm to 6pm. For more information, please contact Spencer Haines on (03) 9706 8933 or spencerh@sermrc.org.au.

Springvale Community Aid & Advice Bureau (Springvale)
» Email for more information.

Sudanese Australian Integrated Learning Program (SAIL)
Provides ESL tutoring and support to newly arrived Sudanese refugees in Melbourne. No qualifications necessary, just enthusiasm and commitment. Based in Footscray. See their website.

In SA:

Migrant Resource Centre of South Australia
Has opportunities for volunteers who wish to provide support to newly arrived refugees.» Phone (08) 8217 9500 for more information

In ACT:

Australian Catholic Migrant and Refugee Office
» For more information visit the website

In WA:

CASE for Refugees Inc.
CASE is a non-profit community legal centre which aims to provide legal assistance to refugees, predominantly Temporary Protection Visa holders making their second application for protection or with Family Reunion applications. For further details about how to get involved and the types of jobs available please email admin@caseforrefugees.org.au or call the office on (08) 9227 7311.

ASeTTS
Based in Perth, AseTTS has a volunteer program for people interested in supporting survivors of torture and refugee trauma. Qualified psychotherapists, social workers and health workers are in particular demand.» Tel: (08) 9325 6272.

GET INVOLVED

Volunteering opportunities with the Refugee Council of Australia