Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project

Who Are We?

The Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) was initiated by a group of Brigidine Sisters whose main work is in Catholic Schools and Parishes across Victoria.The group is currently under the auspices of The Brigidine Justice Community and is managed by the BASP Committee. Both of these are made up of Brigidine Sisters and dedicated colleagues and friends of the Project.

The Project has many supporters, particularly the Friends of Maribyrnong who do excellent work supporting detainees at the Maribyrnong Detention Centre. This site aims to raise awareness of what we do, what we need, what we've learned and what you can do to help. As well, we want to tell the stories of some of the many asylum seekers we have had contact with since the Project began in 2001.

 

How The Project Began

We formed the BASP in the second half of 2001. Our awareness of the needs and the situation of asylum seekers was raised by the events of 2000 & 2001, by discussions in the Brigidine Justice group and by the knowledge that there were asylum seekers being held at Maribyrnong Detention Centre. Our views on the asylum seekers situation were formed during this time, and those views remain central to the work of the Project.

The immediate catalyst for the Project was a request we received from a young man in detention who needed both money and a letter of support from us. At about the same time, a Brigidine house became available to accommodate and support some asylum seekers from the detention centre. Initially, the Project was intended to mainly provide this type of practical support, but over time an educational focus became important, as did advocacy on behalf of asylum seekers.

Initially, monetary support came from individual Brigidine Sisters, and soon other generous people were offering monetary (and other) support. Our supporters continue to provide vital assistance to us, which allows us to continue the work of the Project.

Where Are We Now ?

Unfortunately, it seems that the Project will not end in the near future. Australia's policies on asylum seekers and refugees do not look like changing, especially since the re-election of the Howard government in October 2004. In fact, the needs of asylum seekers and refugees in Australia are becoming greater.

We hope that one day the Project will not be needed, but until then we are committed to supporting asylum seekers and refugees in Australia, and advocating on their behalf..