Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP) News

Generosity comes also from those seeking asylum. Two young men assisted by BASP on arrival in Australia are now working and living in private accommodation. In mid-January, 3 large boxes of non-perishable food arrived by mail- as contribution to our pantry for other asylum seekers and as thanks for the help they received when they needed it. Another young man, now settled and no longer in need of help from BASP, came to discuss what help could be given to women who were isolated in their homes in the Dandenong area. He was directed to Wellsprings also a part of Kildare Ministries and a multicultural neighbourhood house as a first point to pursue some solutions.

In 2014, a scared young woman came to BASP having fled the Taliban and needing housing. She had just completed her medical degree in Pakistan. BASP introduced her to a wonderful family who took her in, incorporated her into their family and supported her through the many hurdles of seeking asylum as well as meeting the Australian Medical standards. She and her Aussie mum came to celebrate with us in December. She has a permanent visa and she is a doctor at a Melbourne hospital. How fortunate she has been to have this family!

Christmas seems a while ago, but BASP was again heartened by the good will of many in the community.  The hamper preparation and delivery to over 90 households is always a busy time pre-Christmas.

St Finbar’s East Brighton arrived with 80 hampers ready to be distributed.

BASP also hosts a Christmas Party as a way of thanking their supporters and showing hospitality to some of the asylum seekers we house and assist. They are assisted in this endeavour by more goodwill. Drinks were supplied by Francis and Phil. Salads were prepared by staff of Clonard College and the bbq was run by some Afghani friends of BASP.

It was a happy occasion as usual and lovely to watch a newly arrived family from Nauru meeting up with people also from Nauru who have been here a couple of years - reducing their isolation to some degree.