ASWC

=Asylum Seeker Welcome Centre= 212 Sydney Road Brunswick VIC 3058 (corner of Merri Street) Phone: (03) 9388 2459 Fax: (03) 9388 0951 Contact: Margaret Gibson aswc@uniting.com.au http://mc2.vicnet.net.au/home/aswc/web/index.html

About the ASWC
MISSION To provide a safe and welcoming space for asylum seekers and to raise public awareness of their needs.

WHO IS IT FOR? Asylum seekers living in the community, particularly those who are ineligible for government financial support and who have no access to Medicare or right to work, and refugees granted temporary protection visas.

WHAT DOES IT DO? Welcomes asylum seekers and respects their right to claim protection. Provides information, referral and linkages to services relating to all aspects of their situation. Offers asylum seekers a place from where they can make social contacts and engage in social, educational and recreational activities. Empowers and supports asylum seekers in acting and advocating on their own behalf.

HOW DOES IT WORK? The Centre operates from a community development model based on working with, rather than on behalf of asylum seekers, and on empowering and resourcing them to act on their own behalf.