As we prepare for our 10th anniversary next year, it is an opportune time to reflect on our rich historical journey to date. Therefore, we will pick one or two of our ministries per newsletter and take a look at their archives. We hope you enjoy this journey back in time. This newsletter we are focusing on the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP).

Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project (BASP)

The Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project began in 2001. The following letter was sent out to Brigidine Sisters in the Victorian Province in mid 2001.

The last couple of weeks have been busy establishing the house at 60B Beaconsfield Pde. The Albert Park community have been very hospitable and welcoming to the first person to be released from detention because we have provided accommodation, food, transport etc. Shahid is a young man from Pakistan, 25 years of age. He has been released on what is called a Bridging Visa E which does not allow him to work or study, and he has to report twice a week to the Department of Multicultural Affairs.

His case is before the Federal Court and in the next few months he will either be deported or allowed to stay in Australia on a Temporary Protection visa. This will enable him to work but not to leave the country, bring any of his family here and at the end of three years he may still be ineligible to stay long-term.

Like all people who are just released from what is effectively jail, he is sometimes elated and thinks his release may turn out to be a dream, other times he is depressed and scared because the future is very uncertain; he sometimes feels guilty because others are still detained. All those who have been through this experience are going to need a lot of support.

Brigidine communities have responded generously – we have about $1800 from our communities and promises of more. Cheques can be made out to Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project and sent to Brigid or Catherine at 52 Beaconsfield Pde, Albert Park.

We will be establishing a Committee to organise the project and a Support Group who will offer practical assistance both to those at 60B and perhaps also to detainees and others who have been released. Our aim is to network with other groups doing something of the same work. Already we know those people working in the area are overwhelmed with the need and are delighted with our beginning project.

If anyone is interested in assisting in either of these ways, would you please let Brigid or Catherine know.

A primary aim of the Project has always been the provision of hospitality and practical support for people seeking asylum in Australia. While BASP services have developed over time, and are continuously changing, two major factors drive these needs. Firstly, the nature of the different groups and individuals fleeing their own countries determines what services are needed. Secondly, service needs change as a direct result of changes in the Australian Government’s policy response to people arriving in Australia, by boat or by plane, to seek asylum.

From the beginning, the Project has reflected its commitment to the gospel message, “I was a stranger and you made me welcome”. It embodies the Brigidine values of strength and kindness.

In 2001, a house owned by the Brigidines close to the convent at Albert Park became vacant when tenants moved out. Sister Brigid successfully requested that the Brigidine Community make that house at 60 Beaconsfield Parade available for asylum seekers in desperate need of temporary accommodation. It can house up to six people at a time and has been used continuously since 2001 for that purpose. At this time, it was used to house men straight from the detention centre. In time, it became a women-only house.

It was established early on that the Project would only support those people who do not have other options to help them get on their feet as quickly as possible. People who have stayed at BASP houses have not usually had to pay rent. In the main, they have received some small financial support until they are able to get other assistance or earn money. Once they begin to earn their own income, they move out of the house, making accommodation available for someone else.

From the start, Sister Brigid and Sister Catherine played complementary roles.

One need identified at an early stage was to understand Australian migration law and policy. Sister Catherine undertook a Migration Agents’ Course and, in doing so, became certified to act legally on behalf of people seeking asylum. Her knowledge of immigration law was critical to the Project, as it enabled her and others to understand and help people navigate the system.

Sister Brigid’s main focus in the beginning was to continue to visit the Maribyrnong detention centre, identify people in need, provide support for them in detention and work with others to get them out of detention.

The three Coordinators of the Project have been Brigid and Catherine and then Brigid and Libby.

In May 2022 the Labor party assumed government. Prior to the election they had indicated that the 19,000 of those who came by boat prior to August 2013 and had been determined as refugees, would be moved from 3 and 5 year visas to become permanent resident with the prospect of citizenship.  For this group, the change gives certainty about their future and the opportunity to apply for family reunion, bringing close family to Australia after 9 years or more of separation. 

There are still 11,000 who came by boat and many others who came by plane, whose futures remain uncertain and whose hopes continue to slide. The time taken to process claims- for some it has been 9 and 10 years- is a major contribution to the problems faced by asylum seekers. 

These are the people with whom BASP has mainly worked over the past year. 

BASP’s practical support over the past year has been mainly through housing, paying rent, bills and the provision of emergency relief and/or food. This amounts to about $130,000 a month.

2023 Current Administration

Sr Brigid Arthur and Libby Saunders continue as the 2 full time coordinators of the project, assisted by Julie Catalano, Sr Jude Caldwell and Hana Hussein. 
Sr Marg Fyfe and Mark Paul supported our efforts with their voluntary outreach throughout the year. 
Patrick O’Connor gives invaluable probono accountancy support to BASP.
The volunteer program enables BASP to have the reach and impact it has. We are fortunate to have such committed and responsive people who can adapt to the different circumstances encountered.  Amongst these volunteers, we thanks Judy Dixon, a long time probono migrant agent assisting BASP with complex cases, continued her thorough work through this period and had some successes. 
The Brigidine Association has supported BASP throughout its history and continues to do so in many ways. It pays the salaries of Libby and Julie and it provides the office space free of charge. We thank the association and the sisters for their continued interest, encouragement and support. 
The BASP Board has also worked collaboratively with the coordinators throughout the year, developing a Strategic Plan and strengthening the governance structures of the organisation.

2023 Financial Situation

BASP has donations averaging about $120,000 a month. We have many donors who give monthly and we have a small number of substantial donations from family trusts and other groups. Virtually all the money received goes to the direct support of people seeking asylum because the three salaries paid to BASP employees are paid by the Brigidine Sisters and the St John of God Sisters. We have been able to draw on an earlier bequests to supplement payments for help.

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