Providing Support to those in Need

David (on the left) and his wife Yvonne (on the right), seen with Glenys Godfrey our club member who was host chair this morning; provided us with insights into the amazing volunteer work that he is doing to support the many asylum seekers who have been settled in the area of the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria.  He has been doing this work now for 20 + years.  His work space is in a local church which provides a safe haven for those who are in need.

 

An asylum seeker is an 'on shore applicant for refugee status' and if successful they become refugees and can then access full rights as a resident.  Until that time they are only given a base allowance that they find very difficult to live on.  This is where David and his Asylum Seekers Centre comes into the picture.  They provide food and clothing to those in need. 

 

Asylum seekers who live in the Dandenongs and are eligible (under their rules) can come into the centre once per week and collect a food parcel and access clothing as they require it.  There is no end date for this support, they can continue to come for as long as they need to come.  However if they miss 4 consecutive weeks in a row their names are deleted from the list.  This usually means they are self sufficient. 

 

Most of the people who come for support were boat people who have spent some time in detention centres and have now been released into the community.  They are all in a state of limbo until they know their application has been successful.  Some people, while in the detention centres have taken advantage of the support provided so were able to learn English, which of course helps them when they are released into the community here in Australia.  Those that don't, find it more difficult.

 

At the moment 381 Asylum seekers are registered with the Centre to be able to access the food parcels; and also clothing supplies in an op shop that David has also set up.  David works with a number of volunteers (both local and asylum seekers themselves) to staff the Centre and provide the required support.

 

Last year they distributed almost half a million dollars worth of food and clothing to those in need.  Until the end of April this year, that figure is close to $30,000.  The asylum seekers come from many countries - from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe.

 

Well done David.  You and your group are doing a great job to support people who are in need and who would be very pleased to get that support, knowing that there are no strings attached.  Thank you for coming and sharing with us this morning.