Overview
The Welcoming Centre exists to create a safe, supportive and welcoming space for refugee families, people seeking asylum, recently arrived migrants, and the local community.
Established in 2014, and based in suburban Adelaide (South Australia), the Centre provides access to essential services, social support and intercultural connection – with a focus on building authentic relationships that help people to engage more effectively in the diversity of Australian life.
Coordinated by a part-time manager, the reach and impact of the Centre relies heavily on the generosity of sponsors, donors, and community volunteers.
Community partners include: Lutheran Community Care, Baptist Care SA, Time For Kids (Relationships Australia SA), Survivors of Torture and Trauma and Rehabilitation Service (STARRS), Australian Refugee Association (ARA), AMES, Red Cross SA, St. Vincent de Paul Society (SA) – Migration Refugee Services, JusticeNet, Mercy House and HOST International.
Each year, hundreds of families and individuals engage with the Welcoming Centre.
Services
Services provided at the Centre include:
- Referrals to various support services and employment pathways
- Access to emergency food and other assistance for those facing hardship
- English language classes and social English gatherings
- Community Dinners
- Community Garden
- Narrative and performance such as the Adelaide Fringe event – Refugee Stories, Secret Recipes and Dinner
- Community picnics and participation in other social and sporting events
Opening Hours
Tuesdays: Drop in Centre open 10am – 4pm
4pm – 6pm: Chai and Conversation social program (to practice conversational English – all welcome)
Wednesdays: closed
Thursdays: Drop in Centre open 10am – 4pm
4:30pm – 6:30pm: English class (beginning and intermediate)
Fridays: English Conversation (Marion) 12.30pm – 2pm
Monthly: Community Dinner – bring a plate of food to share. All are welcome! Check our Facebook for more details.
