June 14-20 is National Refugee Week.

Each year Refugee Week celebrates the contribution that refugees make to Australian society and recognises the challenges they face when coming to Australia.

One of these challenges is finding suitable and sustainable employment. The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in West Melbourne assists asylum seekers with training and employment assistance through their employment program.

WISE has been the principal sponsor of the employment program at the ASRC since 2003. The sponsorship has helped fund an Employment Coordinator and Trainer to assist over 200 asylum seekers and refugees each year.

For many asylum seekers, employment is the final step on a long path. Basic English skills, training and Australian work experience are often needed before employment can be found.

With WISE’s support, the ASRC provides access to training, career counseling and a reverse marketing service, where marketers build relationships with employers on behalf of asylum seekers.

In addition, the ASRC assists asylum seekers with a range of other services, including a health clinic and counseling service, English a second language classes, a social and recreational program and food parcels.

The ASRC have over 500 active volunteers, who provide over 20 services to more than 3000 asylum seekers. They are always looking for new volunteers. To find out how to become a volunteer, please call 03 9326 6066 or visit their website on http://www.asrc.org.au