ASYLUM SEEKER RESOURCE CENTRE

The ASRC, founded in Melbourne in 2001, is an independent human rights organization providing support to people seeking asylum in our country. It is based in Footscray, in Melbourne, and provides aid, justice, and empowerment programs to asylum seekers living in the community who are seeking refugee protection.

Operated by a community of committed volunteers and by supporters Melbourne wide, it operates (among other services) a very effective foodbank system and a community meals program to thousands of people each week at its Centre in Footscray.   It also advocates for human rights for those seeking asylum, many of whom are living in the community with virtually no basic support.  Right now, thousands of people who came for safety over a decade ago are still being denied a clear pathway to the permanence they need to rebuild their lives. 

Some years ago, the founder Kon Karapanagiotidis inspired a packed audience in St Francis Xavier Parish hall in Montmorency. The Montmorency parish has supported the ASRC Foodbank over many years, and contributions are collected in the labelled baskets in the church foyer. Each week, a parish volunteer takes the donations (non-perishable food, toiletries and household cleaning items) to a regional collection point in Alphington from where they are collected and delivered on to Footscray.

After many years of operating, we need to revitalize our parish effort and increase our commitment.  Contributions can still be left in the baskets in the church foyer. St Francis Xavier church is open around Mass times (Saturday 6pm Mass and Sunday 8.30am Mass), and Tuesday and Thursday mornings around 8.30 – 10.15.  Kate Kogler, the Parish secretary, is always available in the Parish office to open the church between 9am and 3pm, Tuesday to Friday, to receive contributions.

Goods in demand are: tuna in oil, tomato paste, coconut cream and coconut milk, honey, basmati rice, full-cream UHT milk (1 litre), instant coffee, black tea bags, sweet/savoury biscuits, tinned vegs (peas, carrots, corn kernels), oil (750 ml – 1 litre), dried lentils (split peas, split red lentils, yellow split peas), spices (cumin, turmeric, chilli, coriander), laundry powder (1 kg packs), laundry liquid (1 litre), personal bathroom needs (soap, shampoo, shaving stuff, female sanitary items, tooth paste and brushes, toilet paper), unsalted dried nuts, dried fruit. (Apparently, among these newcomers to our country there is NO great demand for baked beans, tinned spaghetti, or tinned soup – so please choose something from the list!)

More about the magnificent work of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre can be found at www.asrc.org.au .

Bulletin Roster Notation: ASRC