GUEST SPEAKER: David Spitteler from the Asylum Seekers Centre Dandenong spoke to members at club meeting on 3rd November..

The Asylum Seekers Centre is an interdenominational Christian response to the needs of Asylum Seekers and Refugees.

The Centre is wholly voluntary with no paid staff, no committees, no budget, funded wholly by donations.

The Centre assists Asylum Seekers with foodpacks and Christmas and Easter gift vouchers, also runs a "Free Op Shop" to assist Asylum Seekers and Refugees with blankets, clothing, crockery, cutlery, furniture and linen.

235 Asylum Seekers (148 adults, 87 children) are registered for food. 802 new Asylum Seekers have been registered in 2014, 64% males 36% females, Sri Lanka 292, Iran 188, Afghanistan 129.

Refugees arriving by boat are taken to detention centres to be processed. 37% of those released from detention choose Victoria, with 60% choosing Dandenong.

Refugees receive 89% of new start allowance, and are not allowed to work, except on a voluntary basis.

Resource Centre gives material aid in way of food once a week.

Low self esteem as supporting family they left behind which becomes emotionally draining.

 

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