News & reports
-
Lunch Project Group 2021 report
By MarielIa Totaro-Genevois In 2021 the VDSA Lunch Project Group has marked its ninth year of existence, and notwithstanding the disruption and distress provoked by Covid 19 there is still cause for celebrating its work and achievements. Since its foundation the VDSA lunch group has prepared, transported and served lunches to clients of the Asylum…
-
VDSA newsletter December 2020
-
Looking back on VDSA’s Indigenous Youth Program
By Vittoria PasquiniSince its foundation almost 10 years ago, VDSA has been committed to the improvement of the lives and wellbeing of Indigenous youth. We know that there is still a lot to do in Australia to close the gap between non-Indigenous population and First People and that the reconciliation process is slow. We are…
-
Letter from Justin, Asylum Seeker
My name is Justin [we have changed Justin’s name for anonymity and safety] from Sri Lanka. I came Australia to seek asylum by the brutal war against Tamils.I was incarcerated at Sydney immigration residential housing between 2011 to 2016 by the reason of adverse security from ASIO. Those period of my life was limbo. I…
-
Refugees & Asylum Seekers Program 2021 report
Charity Haynes for Alison RacoMuch of this year has been dominated by the Coronavirus and its impact on vulnerable people like asylum seekers highlights the importance of VDSA in their lives. All those asylum seekers and refugees living without visa or on welfare are not eligible for the government’s special benefits like JobSeeker. So, if…
-
VDSA Sponsors Jarjum College Soccer Program
In 2019 VDSA partnered with Redfern Jarjum College support to a Term 3 soccer training program for students. “While challenging at times, the kids really enjoyed playing as a team. Learning how to play within the rules and navigating the emotions of winning/losing is really important for these kids” said one of Jarjum College teachers.…
-
VDSA REFUGEE GROUP 2019 – REPORT
This year brought deep and abiding sadness with the death of one of our long-serving and very active members, Nicoletta. Her absence is strongly felt. Many refugees and asylum seekers attended Nicoletta’s funeral and wrote moving tributes. We have continued with our usual activities of visiting refugees and their families in the community. Some steadfast…
-
GROWING VEGETABLES FOR THE DISADVANTAGED – 2019 REPORT
This year we have been growing a range of vegetables. We make regular donations of vegetables to refugees and asylum seekers. We also deliver weekly two or more large bags of vegetables to The Redfern Community Centre. This centre is frequented predominantly by indigenous locals. Some vegetables are used in the preparation of meals on…
-
LUNCH PROJECT – 2019 REPORT
This year our group celebrates its 7th Birthday. Our work has consisted in providing monthly quality hot lunches for refugees and asylum seekers who attend the Asylum Seekers’ Centre in Newtown. Our teams are not only respected but truly cherished by these refugees and asylum seekers and by the staff. This year as in 2018…
