CARAD Fundraiser

An afternoon that makes a difference.

One of our dedicated supporters has kindly organised a fundraiser for CARAD later this month and we’d love to see you there.

Please join us for an afternoon of connecting and learning about the stories of people who have sought asylum or arrived in Australia as refugees. We’ll hear from several speakers, including a CARAD representative, about the realities of seeking safety and how your support makes a difference.

Sunday, 18 October

1-3pm

Cottesloe, Western Australia

Suggested donation of $20 includes light refreshments

Come along, bring a friend, and help us keep showing up for people navigating the asylum process.

To learn more and RSVP, contact Paul on 0403 168 772.

The Impact of Advocacy

Over the years, the Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD) has helped bring about positive, practical changes for people seeking asylum in Western Australia, enabling accessible education for their children, affordable healthcare and public transportation. None of it happened overnight and none of it would have been possible without the community standing behind us.

Here's a look at what that support has helped make possible:

Getting kids into school
Did you know that children of families seeking asylum faced international student fees of up to $40,000 a year, even for kindergarten? For most families, that put school out of reach. In 2017, with CARAD's advocacy helping to push for change, that dropped to just $1 a year. By 2020, the rules had changed again, so children could enrol just like any other local student. In 2022, TAFE and vocational training opened up too, with free and low-fee courses replacing the international rates that had kept further study out of reach.

Seeing a doctor without the fear of the bill
Before 2020, people seeking asylum without Medicare could be charged $300 for a single emergency department visit, $1,800 a night for a hospital bed, and between $5,000 and $8,000 to give birth. Now, essential public hospital care is free. In 2024, this went even further, with free care extended across public health services more broadly, from hospitals to pathology and specialist health support. This has had a life-changing impact on many people seeking asylum.

Getting around
In 2019, people seeking asylum who weren’t working full time became eligible for concession fares on public transport for the first time. It was a simple change, but it made a real difference to get to appointments, school or work.

Carolyne, a former CARAD client who now serves on our Board, has seen this first hand. ‘It was through CARAD's persistent advocacy that the policy regarding international school fees for asylum seekers was changed,’ she says. Her family was also among those who could finally access hospital care without facing bills they had no way of paying.

Carolyne's story is one of many. Behind each of these changes are people who chose to stand alongside CARAD, including our members, whose support gives our voice weight when it matters most. There's still more to do as we continue to fight for people seeking asylum to enjoy the same rights and entitlements as others in our community do. We'd love to have you join us.

Find out more about becoming a member at: carad.org.au/become-a-member

Over 100 Organisations Urge the Albanese Government to Abandon Proposed Restrictions on the Right to Seek Asylum

Joint Letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

Help us Protect Work Rights for People Seeking Asylum

The Albanese Government is considering changes to Australia’s migration and protection system that could strip away work and appeal rights from people seeking asylum. This could see tens of thousands of people who are currently working, paying rent, buying food and supporting their families suddenly lose their only source of income.

For people seeking asylum, the right to work is not a privilege. Most are unable to access Centrelink, meaning work is the only way to meet their basic needs.

CARAD is one of more than 160 community, charity, multicultural and migration organisations in Australia that has written to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to stop these changes that would leave people seeking asylum without the ability to support themselves and become reliant on already over stretched organisations just to get by.

Read the joint letter here.

What you can do

The Government hasn’t announced anything formally yet, so we still have time to stop this. Call or email your local Labor representative and ask them to speak up.

The Asylum Seekers Resource Centre (ASRC) has created this helpful tool to find your local representative https://action.asrc.org.au/call-alp

They have also provided some talking points if you are unsure what to say:

• Hi, my name is...

• I'm calling because I'm concerned by reports that the Albanese Government is considering restricting the work rights and appeal rights of people seeking asylum.

• I don't want Australia responding to fearmongering with more cruel policies.

• People seeking asylum deserve the right to work, permanent protection, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives safely.

• Please tell my MP/senator that I want them to reject these reported proposals and choose compassion instead.

If you are emailing your local rep you can include the following:

I live in your electorate and I'm writing to you as my local Labor representative. I am asking you to oppose any changes that would remove work rights or weaken appeal rights for people seeking asylum.

 People seeking asylum should be able to work, support themselves and their families. Removing work rights could force people who are currently working and supporting themselves into poverty.

 I expect Labor to stand up for fairness, dignity and people's right to work. Not adopt policies that punish people seeking safety.

We are hiring!

We are excited to announce there is a new position becoming available at CARAD: We are recruiting a new Office Manager in a full-time position.

Join our team to make a difference in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

In this role, you will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing administrative systems and processes.

To read more about it and apply, please visit EthicalJobs.

Applications close 9th August 2026.

Aliah's Journey to Loving Learning - Building Confidence, One Session at a Time

When Aliah first arrived from Syria with her family in 2020, she faced many challenges often experienced by refugees. With her English still developing and her parents unable to support schoolwork due to language barriers, learning often felt difficult and overwhelming.

Through the Opening Doors program, Aliah was matched with a volunteer who provided regular homework and learning support. When they first began working together, Aliah showed little interest in school beyond sport. She was reluctant to talk about her learning, struggled to stay focused during tasks, and lacked confidence in her academic abilities.

Rather than focusing solely on homework, our CARAD volunteer worked to create a supportive and respectful learning environment where Aliah felt safe, valued, and capable. Sessions were structured around her strengths and interests, with plenty of encouragement and opportunities for her to take the lead in her learning.

Over time, the change was remarkable.

Aliah arrived at sessions ready to share her schoolwork, proudly demonstrating online learning tools such as Mathletics and taking greater ownership of her learning. Her confidence grew, her engagement increased, and she became more willing to tackle challenges and complete tasks independently.

Access to her own laptop, which was gifted by a kind CARAD donor, further supported her progress, giving her greater independence and motivation to learn.

Today, Aliah is more confident, engaged, and positive about her education. Her story highlights the powerful impact that consistent volunteer support, encouragement, and meaningful relationships can have on a young person's learning journey.

At Opening Doors, volunteers do more than help with homework, they help young people build confidence, develop skills, and discover their potential.

Hasan's Story - The Power of the Opening Doors Program

Forced to flee Afghanistan after receiving death threats from the Taliban, Hasan arrived in Australia seeking safety and a chance to rebuild his life. He arrived on one of the last boats permitted to remain in Australia and began the difficult journey of starting over in a new country.

Hasan joined the Opening Doors program with a clear goal: to improve his English so he could study law.

Our Opening Doors program is dedicated to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum on their journey to independence, education, and employment through personalised coaching, mentorship, and skill development.

Although Hasan already held a degree in horticulture, he was determined to pursue a legal career. Having experienced the challenges of Australia's migration system first hand, he wanted to help others in similar situations navigate the complex process of securing visas and building a future.

With the support of CARAD volunteers and his own determination, Hasan quickly improved his English and successfully gained a scholarship to study law at Curtin University.

The path was not easy. While studying, financial pressures meant Hasan had to balance university with painting houses to cover his living expenses. Despite these challenges, he persevered and graduated with a Bachelor of Law degree in 2020.

His commitment did not stop there. Hasan completed further legal training and supervised practice across Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne. Eventually, the law firm where he completed his final placement recognised his talent and offered him a permanent position.

Today, one of Hasan's key roles is helping refugees and migrants secure visas and pathways to permanent residency—exactly the work he had dreamed of doing when he first arrived in Australia.

While helping others achieve stability, Hasan continued to face uncertainty about his own future. For years, he remained on a temporary visa, regularly required to prove that returning to Afghanistan was unsafe. Finally, in 2025, he was granted permanent residency, opening doors that many Australians take for granted, including the ability to secure a car loan and reduce the long daily commute between home and work.

Then came the news he had been waiting for.

Hasan’s application for Australian citizenship had been approved.

Hasan's story is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when determination is met with opportunity and support. From arriving in Australia seeking safety to becoming a lawyer who helps others build secure futures, his journey reflects the life-changing impact of education, community connection and belonging.

Whether you’re a professional looking to volunteer as a mentor or coach, or an individual seeking support applying for jobs or connecting other in the community, Opening Doors welcomes you and we would love to hear from you at openingdoors@carad.org.au.

Betty’s Book Recommendations

In April, Betty McGeever joined us as a panellist at Limbo: A Conversation on Seeking Asylum in WA, where she spoke with warmth and clarity about the difference each of us can make, through conversation, advocacy, volunteering, and simply showing up in solidarity.

Betty is a retired public librarian whose commitment to refugees has spanned decades, operating as an individual advocate, a community organiser, and a driving force behind some of Western Australia's most dedicated grassroots networks. Her work has ranged from supporting individuals navigating the asylum system here in WA, to playing a role in resettling people previously held in Nauru to freedom in Canada through the Canadian Community Resettlement Scheme. Betty has generously shared her personal must-read and must-watch lists for anyone wanting to better understand what people seeking asylum have experienced. All books are available at your local library.

📚BOOKS RECOMMENDED BY BETTY

No Friend but the Mountains – Behrouz Boochani (2018)
Writing from Manus Prison, No Friend by the Mountains is an autobiographical account of Behrouz Boochani's perilous journey to Christmas Island and his subsequent incarceration in an Australian government immigration detention facility on Manus Island.

Escape from Manus – Jaivet Ealom (2021)
An autobiographical memoir by Rohingya refugee Jaivet Ealom documenting his escape from the genocide in Myanmar, his journey to Indonesia, his arrest upon arrival in Australia, and detention in the Australian offshore detention centres on Manus Island.

The People Smuggler – Robin de Crespigny (2017)
The gripping, inspiring story of Ali Al Jenabi’s escape from Saddam Hussein's torture chambers and incredible international odyssey through the shadowy world of fake passports, crowded camps and illegal border crossings.

After the Tampa – Abbas Nazari (2021)
The heart-rending story of a child Tampa refugee who grew up to become a Fulbright scholar. Abbas tells his amazing story, from living under Taliban rule to spending a terrifying month at sea, and then building a new life at the bottom of the world.

The Rugmaker of Mazar-e-Sharif – Najaf Mazari (2008)
As a member of the Hazara tribe, Najaf was forced to flee the brutal attacks on his people when the Northern Alliance fell to the advancing Taliban insurgents. From Pakistan, to Indonesia, then by boat to Australia, ends with incarceration in Woomera, where the story begins.

Still Alive (Graphic Novel) – Safdar Ahmed (2021)
Drawing from Safdar Ahmed's experiences as a volunteer in Sydney's Villawood detention centre, this work of graphic journalism highlights Australia’s policies towards refugees, containing testimonies of refugees and workers in a system that is often decried by human rights organisations for its cruelty.

Consider suggesting one of these to your book club for a great read and lively discussion!

Refugee Week: Join the Conversation

Saturday 20 June | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Subiaco Library

Refugee Week is a time for communities across Australia to pause, listen, and deepen their understanding of the experiences of people who have often fled unimaginable hardship in search of safety and a place to call home.

This year, the Centre for Asylum Seekers, Refugees and Detainees (CARAD) invite you to join us for Refugee Week: Join the Conversation - a free community presentation at the Subiaco Library on Saturday 20 June.

This is an opportunity to hear directly from the people at the heart of the work, outlining the current landscape for people seeking asylum in Australia, the barriers to safety and stability, and what life looks like for those rebuilding from the ground up.

You’ll hear client stories of resilience, courage, and the profound difference that access to the right support can make for those seeking asylum.

Refugee Week is a reminder that showing up can take many forms. Sometimes it's a donation. Sometimes it's volunteering, or advocating, or simply taking an hour on a Saturday morning to listen and learn.

Attendees are encouraged to bring the following donation items for the CARAD Pantry:

• Flour

• Oil

• Tinned tomatoes

• Basmati Rice

• UHT Milk

• Dried legumes

• Tinned chickpeas

• Hair shampoo and conditioner

• Deodorant

• Laundry detergent

• Toilet cleaner

• Multipurpose cleaner

• Sanitary pads

Saturday 20 June 2026 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM Subiaco Library, Subiaco WA

Entry is free and all are welcome.

Register now via Eventbrite

CARAD Has A New Home!

We are delighted to announce that we have now moved to our forever home!

Over the past two years, we have been working tirelessly to find a new home for CARAD. For the last last six months, we have been operating from two temporary locations. We are thrilled that we can now provide all our services under the one roof. This includes:

• CARAD Pantry, providing groceries, fresh produce and hygiene items

• Opening Doors, supporting clients with education, employment coaching and social inclusion support

• Client Services, helping clients navigate the many challenges they face, from securing accommodation and financial support to healthcare access and case work

Our new location is 164 Burswood Road, Burswood WA 6100. It’s close to public transport and there is plenty of parking available in the area.

Reaching this milestone of securing our forever home would not have been possible without the extraordinary generosity of our community, supporters and funders — and we are deeply thankful to every one of you.

We would like to extend our heartfelt and special thanks to Lotterywest, whose significant grant was instrumental in making this dream a reality. Their support will have a profound and lasting impact on CARAD.

We are proud that during these times of great uncertainty, we have remained steadfast in delivering our crucial services and we will continue to do so with the same dedication and care.

We look forward to welcoming you at our new home.