As we wrap up another financial year, we’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks – especially to our loyal customers whose continued support makes our work possible.
We’re proud to spotlight the achievements of our two impactful Social Enterprises - ASRC Cleaning and ASRC Catering, including Journeys Cafés - each committed to creating meaningful employment pathways for people seeking asylum and refugees.
Donor support has been instrumental in not only providing ongoing employment and financial independence but also learning, pathway development planning and goal-setting opportunities for individuals seeking asylum and refugees.
With donor support, we have recruited and trained 30 new staff across both Social Enterprises whilst ensuring the continued employment of our existing team members.
Highlights from Financial Year 24-25:
- 47,585 hours of paid employment
- 1,151 hours of training
- 46 Pathway Development Plans completed
- 30 new staff with lived experience recruited
- 104 staff with lived experience supported
Business Growth FY24-25:
- Catering orders fulfilled: 1,853
- Cleaning services delivered: 11,450
- 481 domestic customers
- 106 commercial customers
DRIVING | Purpose-Led Business with Impact
At ASRC, our Social Enterprises are built on a model that puts people first. While we operate as businesses, our core mission is to create lasting social impact.
We achieve this by:
- Creating meaningful employment and training opportunities for people seeking asylum and refugees
- Supporting personal growth through learning, pathway development planning and individual goal setting
- Helping reduce reliance on support services by enabling financial independence
- Reinvesting directly in people, not profits
Our work aligns with ASRC’s strategic priorities to:
- Improve outcomes for people seeking asylum and refugees
- Ensure financial sustainability through diverse income streams
Every service engaged helps build stronger futures – thankyou to donors for being part of this impact.
SHARING | What Our Team Says
Our focus on Pathway Development Plans (PDPs) continues to enhance staff engagement by offering structured, personalised support, skill development and career progression beyond ASRC Social Enterprises.
To measure our impact, we recently surveyed 59 staff members. Their high level of participation in our evaluation processes, and the feedback they shared, provide valuable insights into both the effectiveness of our approach and their experience of involvement with ASRC Social Enterprises. Key highlights include:
- 92% find their work meaningful and aligned with personal goals
- 91% feel informed about career pathways
- 90% report improved workplace skills
- 84% feel more job-ready
- 91% are developing skills for their preferred careers
- 90% have increased financial independence
These results indicate that ASRC Social Enterprises are effectively contributing to staff development, employment readiness, and personal empowerment. The strong alignment with personal goals and increased financial independence further highlight the positive impact of participation in the program.
VISITING | Journeys Café: Parkville & Southbank
A joint initiative between the ASRC and the University of Melbourne, Journeys Café is part of ASRC Catering that creates training and employment pathways for refugees and people seeking asylum.
Our menu is inspired by the cuisines and cultures our staff comes from, sharing global recipes and food experiences with the Melbourne community. We are committed to creating a safe space where people with lived experience of seeking asylum can skill up and gain experience in the hospitality industry.
Find us at:
Journeys Café Southbank | Mon–Thu: 8:30am-3.30pm
University of Melbourne, Building 877
28-30 Dodds St, Southbank VIC 3006
Journeys Café Parkville | Mon–Thu: 10.30am-4pm
University of Melbourne, Student Pavilion
Level 4, Building 162, Monash Rd & Swanston St, Parkville VIC 3010
- Watch our Journeys Café Video (6 mins)
THANKING | You!
To all of our customers and supporters – thank you. Continued support has directly helped our staff gain financial independence, confidence, and vital experience in the Australian workplace. Together, we're creating brighter futures.
Warm regards,
The ASRC Social Enterprises team
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) is an independent not for profit whose programs support and empower over 7,000 people seeking asylum each year to maximise their physical, mental and social wellbeing. As a movement we mobilise and unites communities to creating social and policy change for people seeking asylum and refugees in Australia.
MORE:
ASRC Catering
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)
Address: 214–218 Nicholson Street, Footscray VIC 3011
The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC)
Address: 214–218 Nicholson Street, Footscray VIC 3011
Tel: +61 3 9939 6320
The ASRC acknowledges that we meet and work on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation, and pays respects to their elders; past, present and emerging.