We’re in this together

As a global community, we are navigating an unprecedented, and rapidly shifting, public health and safety crisis. Like many of you, we have been actively monitoring the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic.

We are updating our plans to do everything possible to ensure the wellbeing of the people and communities with which we work. While many of our activities are low risk, the risk remains, and it is incumbent on us to lead in the best interests of the most vulnerable people in our community.

We have made the difficult decision to cancel or postpone many of our upcoming events. We realise this is disappointing for all involved in Welcoming Australia activities. No-one is more disappointed than the Welcoming Australia Board and our fantastic team of staff and volunteers. Where possible, we are considering how we can bring a virtual component to some of our programs and activities.

While we may not be gathering in person, this does not diminish the need to build a more welcoming, inclusive Australia. We remain committed to providing support to our participants, members and partners; and, committed to cultivating a culture of welcome.

The most important consideration right now is how each of us chooses to respond in the face of uncertainty.

We need to heed expert advice and minimise risk. We also need to look out for each other. There are numerous ways to bring human connection even amidst physical isolation:

Checking in on our neighbours (calling out over the fence if we need to)
Phoning and video-calling isolated members of our communities
Helping less tech-savvy people to organise online deliveries
Sharing urgent supplies, collecting shopping or posting mail

We are in this together.

Thank you for everything you do to advance an Australia where people of all backgrounds can belong, contribute and thrive.

We are all the better for your efforts.

Follow our social media channels to stay up to date with upcoming events, activities and campaigns.

To stay informed on COVID-19, visit:

Australian Government Department of Health (English)
Translated Resources – Australian Government
Translated Resources – Victorian Government
Dari – SBS
Tamil – SBS

Program and Activity Changes

Welcoming Centre

All programs and activities (with the exception of the food pantry) are suspended until further notice and will be reviewed before the beginning of Term 2 (20 April).

Food pantry will remain open Tuesday 10am – 2pm and Thursday 12pm – 3pm (subject to change).

Follow the Welcoming Centre on Facebook for regular updates.

Welcoming Cities

The 2020 Symposium has been cancelled and program content is currently being considered for online delivery. Join the Welcoming Cities mailing list for further updates.

Welcoming Sport

All sport and recreation activities are currently suspended, and we’re working with partners and stakeholders to identify opportunities for in-home support.

Welcoming Careers

First Aid training is suspended until further notice. Employment mentoring appointments will continue at the Asylum Seeker Hub on Tuesdays from 2.00pm – 5.00pm (subject to change). Translated resources and information relating to COVID-19 and SHEV/TPV holders will be shared through the Asylum Seeker Hub.

Welcoming Futures

The June graduation will be postponed until later in the year, stay tuned.