This Melbourne project supports around 200 asylum seekers living in the community who do not have work rights, Medicare, welfare benefits or settlement support and are on bridging visas awaiting a final outcome of their application for asylum. The group rely almost completely on project support for housing, monthly living assistance and social and professional support.
The judges praised the project for its grassroots approach, and acknowledged its work, primarily through volunteers, in providing solutions to problems through direct, practical help and by policy proposals to government, such as the alternative detention model. Hotham Mission has in fact shown it can house asylum seekers released from detention on a systematic basis.
Community Award
Winner