ASRC

The ASRC is located just off King Street near Flagstaff Gardens at 12 Batman Street, West Melbourne 3003. The easiest way to get to the centre is to take a train to Flagstaff and walk across the gardens to King Street. There are also a number of trams that stop near the centre. Please refer to the Metlink website for further public transport options.

There are over 25 different programs at the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and we offer a diverse range of volunteer opportunities. We are looking for volunteers across a number of programs, each requiring different sets of skills.

As the ASRC primarily operates during business hours, the majority of our volunteering opportunities are during the day Monday to Friday. Volunteering opportunities do exist outside of business hours, however these are more limited.

When filling out the Expression of Interest form you have the opportunity to put down preferences for which program you would like to volunteer in. However, please note that this is not a guarantee of your volunteer role. The program you will be assigned to is decided based on your preferences, availability, qualifications/skills, and the needs of the ASRC.

At the ASRC, we are looking for volunteers who are:
- Reliable and deeply committed to the welfare of asylum seekers and the values of the ASRC
- Prepared to volunteer with the ASRC for a minimum period of 12 months (time off due to holidays, study requirements etc. not to exceed 3 months)
- Prepared to sign the ASRC Confidentiality Agreement
- Willing to apply for a Police Check at your own expense ($12.50)
- Prepared to undertake the ASRC Volunteer Induction Program – requiring attendance for induction at three Tuesday evening sessions from 6.30pm – 9.00pm.
- Able and prepared to undertake ‘program specific training’ if necessary.

Note: Some programs will require you to undertake program specific training, whilst training for other programs will be provided ‘on the job’.

1. Attend a Volunteer Information Evening
2. Fill out an Expression of Interest Form
3. Attend the Volunteer Induction Program and complete a Police Check
4. Attend an interview with an ASRC Program Coordinator
5. Start volunteering!

There are 5 Volunteer Intakes per year at the ASRC

Entry to the Volunteer Information Evening is by donation of a Metcard (adult daily tickets: zones 1 or zones 1 & 2), food items for asylum seekers or a money donation. We also ask that everyone brings along a plate of food to the Volunteer Induction Program to share with fellow volunteers.

New volunteers are required to complete ALL of the Volunteer Induction Training. If you are unable to complete the training, you will not be able to commence as a volunteer until all training is completed. We suggest that you wait until a later intake when you will be available to attend all evenings.

You don’t need to be an expert on asylum seeker issues, however a strong interest and commitment is required. You will have ample opportunity to learn more about asylum seekers and the work of the ASRC at the information evening and induction sessions.

We require that all prospective volunteers are able to commit to 12 months with the ASRC. Not only does this ensure efficient use of ASRC resources dedicated to training of new volunteers, it is also important for the benefit of asylum seekers that ASRC Programs operate with continuity and stability.

How many hours that you are required to volunteer each week will depend upon the program in which you are placed. Generally, we ask that volunteers are available for one day each week from 10am till 5pm. However, some programs operate on a fortnightly roster or with half day shifts. Other programs such as our Home English Teaching and Mentoring Programs are much more flexible. You will have further opportunity to discuss this with individual Program Coordinators at a Volunteer Information Evening.

Yes, although you have a Working With Children Check, you must still submit a Police Check before you can begin volunteering with the ASRC.