Media Centre

A place of sanctuary for asylum seekers

Publish Date: 21/01/2008
Author: Marketing and Communications Department

Baptcare, the Brunswick Baptist Church and Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project are opening a new housing facility called Sanctuary where twenty male asylum seekers who have no right to work, Medicare or any welfare payment can safely await their visa application outcome.

Following preparation of the facility over the past months with the help of volunteers, the first residents are set to move into Sanctuary in early May, and a community launch for the facility will be held on May 19th.

While other developed countries, such as Europe, New Zealand and Canada, have community-based housing models for asylum seekers, Australia does not. The only supported housing arrangements provided by the Department of Immigration relate to detention facilities.

Approximately 500 asylum seekers in Melbourne on Bridging Visa E have no relatives or friends to support them. They are forced into severe poverty, lack housing security, have no access to health care and are totally reliant on ‘charitable’ support given they do not have the right to earn an income.

“The emotional, psychological and practical strains placed upon these men are immense. The issues arising from past traumatic experience can be compacted and made worse by uncertainty, social isolation, separation from friends and family, language barriers, immigration processes and lack of access to services,” Mr Jeff Davey, Chief Executive of Baptcare said.
Sanctuary has the potential to strengthen the community-based model of support for asylum seekers, and to be used as an advocacy tool for promoting alternatives to detention. Sanctuary will offer more than just a place to sleep. Each resident will be assigned a case worker to provide emotional support, pastoral care, and access to community support networks.

"This partnership between Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project, Baptcare and the Brunswick Baptist Church is a light in the darkness of destitution for asylum seekers living in the community with no form of income. In working together, this unique facility, the first of its kind in Australia, will reveal that justice and compassion for people seeking sanctuary in this country is not beyond our reach, but rather a choice we can make today," said the Moderator of the Uniting Church, Synod of Victoria and Tasmania, the Rev. Jason Kioa.

If you would like more information on the facility, or are interested in offering support please contact Tara Anderson on 03 9831 7205.

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Jimmy's story

Jimmy* is 38 years old. Originally from Liberia, he was forced to flee his home country due to years of civil war.

By word of mouth across the world through Baptist communities, Jimmy was introduced to an inner city Melbourne congregation.

Jimmy’s journey to Australia saw him forced to leave his wife and three children behind, and subjected to horrific acts of torture – acid was poured down his throat.

After arriving in Australia, Jimmy was granted refugee status, and was provided with public housing - an empty apartment.

Reliant on church members, Jimmy set up house – receiving blankets, beds, pots and pans, towels, a small heater – all the household goods we mostly take for granted. He also received support through the Victorian Foundation for the Survivors of Torture. His food and medicine costs were covered by donations.

Jimmy’s wife, Meteske* and two of his children were located in a refugee camp in Ghana. Through the generous support of people concerned for the rights of asylum seekers and refugees, Jimmy and his wife and two sons have now been reunited.

An operation has brought some healing to his throat and digestive system, and Jimmy is now studying accounting at RMIT. Meteske has begun a course in aged care. Jimmy and Meteske’s journey to a new life here in Australia has been made possible through the practical support of many people committed to bringing care to life.

Yet the joy of new possibilities remains scorched with sadness. Jimmy’s third son is still missing.

* Names have been changed to protect privacy.