Asylum Seeker Programs
Diversitat runs several programs to support Asylum Seekers in the region, including Geelong and Colac.
Status Resolution Support Services
The Federally funded Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) program provides services to people seeking to resolve their immigration status. The services aim to cater for their basic needs, while they are waiting for the outcome of their protection visa application. This includes financial assistance through Centrelink, needs-based support, information and referral and case management support for people with complex issues.
The services are delivered from the Geelong West Office. We also assist people who wish to access this program by assessing eligibility and filling out the application form for SRSS programme. Applicants need to be approved by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) to receive the support though SRSS.
Drop-In for support
Diversitat is currently running a Drop-In case work service for Asylum Seekers not eligible for the SRSS program, including holders of the SHEV or TPV visa.
The Drop-In service currently runs at the Geelong West Office, every Tuesday from 1pm-5pm and Friday 9am – 1pm. No appointment is necessary. The service provides information and referral as well as needs-based assistance.
Asylum Seeker Employment program
Job Options for Asylum Seekers is a program funded by the William Buckland Foundation, to support employment pathways for Asylum Seekers in Greater Geelong and Colac.
The program provides tailored individual one-on-one support to asylum seekers, to navigate the complexities of the Australian labour market. The program is open to Asylum Seekers with work rights, however, places are limited.
To find out more call Rachael Parker on 03 5221 6044
Asylum Seeker Food Bank
The Diversitat Asylum Seeker Food Bank
The food bank distributes food to asylum seekers within the Greater Geelong and Barwon region. We require donations of non-perishable food items to compliment the weekly delivery of fresh produce supplied by Second Bite. All culturally appropriate, non-perishable food items are appreciated.
Deliveries can be made to the South Barwon Community Centre at 33 Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont, every Thursday between 9am-5pm.
How you can donate:
- Donate food and goods
The food bank accepts donations of non-perishable food on Thursdays between 9am-5pm. For donations outside of these hours please call Mayumi on 5221 6044 or 04 3800 7173 to arrange an appointment.
In particular, we require donations of:
- Long life milk
- Tea bags and ground coffee
- Basmati rice
- Tinned tomatoes
- Tinned legumes without sauce
- Canned tuna in oil
- Dried fruit and nuts (dates, apricots, cranberries)
- Spices
- Biscuits
- Soap
- Washing powder
- Healthy snacks
- Make a monetary donation
Your donations enable us to purchase bulk culturally appropriate staple items such as rice, legumes, and spices which are packaged by our lovely volunteers for participants to take each week. These staples compliment the donated fresh and non-perishable food items we receive and ensure that there is a level of certainty for participants.
- Order groceries online and have them delivered to the food bank
You can donate food items to the food bank from the comfort of your own home, by ordering items from the list above online, and having them delivered to the food bank.
Deliveries can be made to the food bank, located at 33 Mt Pleasant Rd, Belmont, Vic, every Thursday between 9am-5pm.
- Hold a Food-Drive
Another option is holding a food-drive in your workplace, club or school. This could be done by putting a collection bin out in your clubroom, staffroom or office space. Much like the ‘Toucan Appeal’ works in schools, encourage everyone to bring in two items from the list provided in order to help feed an asylum seeker family living in your community. Contact Mayumi on 5221 6044 or 04 3800 7173 for a resource kit to help organise your Food-Drive today!
