Help
The services and supports listed below are for LGBTIQ+ people seeking asylum in Sydney, Australia.
If an organisation that has helped you and it is not listed here or if you are an organisation or community group and would like to be featured, please email us at hello@heartlandproject.org.au.
Asylum Seeker Centre
A place of welcome and provides practical and personal support for people living in the community who are seeking asylum.
www.asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Address: 43 Bedford St, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: 02 9078 1900
Email: contactus@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Cultural Diversity Network Inc
Provides support and services for people seeking asylum and migrants in the key areas of building social connection, facilitating employment pathways, developing life-skills, and support for mental health and wellbeing.
Email: info@cdni.org.au
House of Welcome
The House of Welcome provides support services including case work, employment assistance, English lessons and community programs for refugees, individuals and families who are seeking asylum.
www.stfrancis.org.au/house-of-welcome
Address: 197 The Trongate, Granville NSW 2142
Phone: 02 9727 9290
Email: office@houseofwelcome.com.au
Jesuit Refugee Services
Specialist support and care for people seeking asylum in vulnerable situations..
https://aus.jrs.net/en/jesuit-refugee-service/
Phone: 02 9098 9336
Email: intake@jrs.org.au
Settlement Services International (SSI)
SSI provides government-funded Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) for people seeking asylum who are living in the community on temporary visas while their status as a refugee is assessed.
Phone: 02 8799 6700
Email: info@ssi.org.au
The Asylum Seekers Centre LGBTIQ+ Peer Support
An anonymous, peer-led support group for people with diverse genders and sexualities. The anonymous, after hours, LGBTIQ peer-support meetings are for people seeking asylum and living in NSW. Support also includes:
- Information about LGBTIQ friendly lawyers, health professionals, caseworkers and employment services.
- Referrals to housing providers, counselors and other assistance.
- Free community and social events.
www.asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Address: 43 Bedford St, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: 02 9078 1900
Email: LGBTIQpeersupport@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Forcibly Displaced People’s Network
Forcibly Displaced People Network (FDPN) is the first organization in Australia to dedicate its work to the issues of LGBTIQA+ forced displacement. FDPN promotes human rights and inclusion through peer support and strengthening services and policy responses.
Email: admin@fdpn.org.au
Queer Sisterhood Project
Queer Sisterhood Project is a peer-run support and advocacy group that aims to provide a space of community and belonging to queer refugee women. The group is open to all women who are identifying as queer (homosexual, bisexual, lesbian, same-sex attracted) and have sought asylum in Australia because of persecution on the grounds of gender or sexuality.
Email: admin@fdpn.org.au
STARTTS LGBTIQA+ Community Support Groups for Refugees and Asylum Seekers.
This project runs peer-led support groups for anyone who identifies with having a diverse gender, sexuality or body and is a refugee or person seeking asylum. Groups decide what they want to do and activities range from serious discussions and information sharing to enjoying the time together in a safe space.
Phone: Grace – 0499 660 227 Francis – 0418 888 083
ACON
ACON provides the latest information on health issues affecting LGBTIQA+ people, and offers a range of services delivered by caring people who genuinely understand the issues affecting LGBTIQA+ people.
Address: 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: 02 9206 2000
Email: acon@acon.org.au
Gender Centre
Provides a range of specialized services that enable exploration of gender identity and assistance with the alleviation of gender dysphoria. Services include groups, case-management, counseling / psychological support and referral.
Address: Ground Floor 41 – 43 Parramatta Road, Annandale NSW 2038
Phone: (02) 9519-7599
Email: reception@gendercentre.org.au
Intersex Human Rights Australia
A national organization by and for people with innate sex characteristics that do not fit medical norms for female or male bodies. We promote human rights, health and bodily autonomy. Our goals are to help create a society where intersex people are not stigmatized, and where our rights are recognised.
Phone: 0418 356 131 (Monday to Wednesday)
Email: info@ihra.org.au
QLife
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. QLife is open from 3pm to midnight, every night.
Phone: 1800 184 527
TransHub
A digital resource platform for all trans and gender diverse (TGD) people in NSW. Transhub shares resources so trans and gender diverse people can advocate for themselves. These resources have been written by, and in collaboration with, trans and gender diverse people in NSW.
twenty10
Works with people who are aged 12 – 25 and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Non-Binary, Intersex, Questioning, Queer, Asexual and more (LGBTIQA+). Twenty10 provides a broad range of specialized support including housing, mental health, counseling and social support.
Address: 37 Shepherd St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Phone: 02 8594 9555
Women and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC)
Supports women and girls (including transgender women) in crisis experiencing domestic violence and/or homelessness. WAGEC provides material aid, case management, biopsychosocial support, accommodation and crisis responses.
Address: 36 – 38 George St, Redfern NSW
Phone: 02 9319 4088
HIV/AIDS Legal Centre
Provides free and comprehensive legal assistance to people with HIV or Hepatitis-related legal matters.
Address: 414 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: 02 9206 2060
Email: halc@halc.org.au
LawAccess NSW
LawAccess NSW is a free government telephone service that provides legal information, referrals and in some cases, advice for people who have a legal problem in NSW.
Phone: 1300 888 529
Migrant Employment Legal Service
Legal service addressing the exploitation of migrant workers, offering free and confidential legal advice and representation to migrants and temporary visa holders in New South Wales.
Address: 338 Illawarra Road, Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 8002 1203
Email: info@mels.org.au
Tenants Union of NSW
The main body specializing in NSW residential tenancies law, providing advice and support to boarders, lodgers and other marginal tenants, private tenants, public and community housing tenants
Phone: 1800 251 101 .
Email: contact@tenantsunion.org.au
Trans and Gender Diverse Legal Service
Assisting transgender and gender diverse people experiencing legal problems. This service takes place by appointment one day per fortnight at the Inner City Legal Centre in Kings Cross.
https://www.iclc.org.au/trans-and-gender-diverse-legal-service/
Address: Basement, Kings Cross Library, Neighborhood Centre
50 – 52 Darlinghurst Rd, Kings Cross NSW 2011
Phone: 1800 244 481 / 02 9332 1966
Email: iclc@ iclc.org.au
Women’s Legal Service
Women’s Legal Service is a community legal centre providing women (including trans women) across New South Wales with a range of free legal services, including services relating to domestic violence, sexual assault, family law, discrimination, victims support, child protection, human rights and access to justice.
Phone: 02 8745 6988
Email: reception@wlsnsw.org.au
HIV/AIDS Legal Centre
Providing immigration advice and support to people with HIV or Hepatitis.
Address: 414 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: 02 9206 2060
Email: halc@halc.org.au
Immigration Advice and Rights Service
A not for profit, specialist community legal center providing free legal advice and assistance to people throughout New South Wales.
Address: Suite 3, Level 8, 377-383 Sussex Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 8234 0700
Email: info@iarc.org.au
Refugee Advice and Casework Service (RACS)
Provides free legal advice, assistance and representation for financially disadvantaged people seeking asylum in Australia.
Phone: 02 8355 7227
Email: admin@racs.org.au
Asylum Seeker’s Centre Health Clinic
The Asylum Seekers Centre Health Clinic is a team of nurses and volunteer health workers. You can book in to see a nurse five days a week, and they also have GP and physiotherapist appointments. The clinic can also help with getting access to medications, counseling and other specialist health services (dentist, optometrist, pediatrician etc.)
www.asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Address: 43 Bedford St, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: (02) 9078 1900
Email: contactus@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
HealthDirect
A government funded telephone service and website providing health information and services. You can call the phone number at any time of the day to speak to a registered nurse and get advice about your health concerns.
Phone: 1800 022 222
Kirketon Road Centre
The Kirkton Road Centre is a free and anonymous care to people who experience barriers to accessing health care.
Address: Above Darlinghurst Fire-Station, Entrance on Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2020
Phone: 02 9360 2766
Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9.30 – 5pm. Wed: 1-5pm. Weekends and Public Holidays 10.30am – 1.30pm
Refugee Health Service
The Refugee Health Service provides health care to people seeking asylum. The service is free, and attendance is by appointment. People with complex or chronic conditions will be referred to specialized services.
https://www.swslhd.health.nsw.gov.au/refugee/#/asylum-seeker
Phone: 02 9794 0770
Email: SWSLHD-Refugeehealth@health.nsw.gov.au
Clinic Hours: Monday – Auburn: Auburn Community Health Centre, 9 Rawson St, Auburn. Tuesday – Liverpool: Refugee Health Service, Suite 1, Level 3, 157 – 161 George St Liverpool. Wednesday – Blacktown Community Health Centre, 1 Marcel Crescent Blacktown.
TransHub
TransHub is a digital information and resource platform for all trans and gender diverse people in NSW. They have a list of gender affirming doctors in New South Wales.
ACON
ACON provides the latest information on health issues affecting LGBTIQA+ people, and offers a range of services delivered by caring people who genuinely understand the issues affecting LGBTIQA+ people.
Address: 414 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: 02 9206 2000
Email: acon@acon.org.au
Albion Center
The Albion Centre is a service for people with HIV, including medical, nursing, psychology, pharmacy and nutrition. They also provide a comprehensive sexual health service for trans and gender diverse people.
Address: 150 Albion St, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Phone: 02 9332 9600
Email: reception@thealbioncentre.org.au
Kirketon Road Centre
The Kirkton Road Centre is a free and anonymous care to people who experience barriers to accessing health care.
Address: Above Darlinghurst Fire-Station, Entrance on Victoria St, Darlinghurst NSW 2020
Phone: 02 9360 2766
Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9.30am – 5pm. Wed: 1am – 5pm. Weekends and Public Holidays: 10.30am – 1.30pm
Sydney Sexual Health Centre
Offers testing, treatment and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.
Address: Level 3, Nightingale Wing, Sydney Eye Hospital, Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 9382 7440
The Sexual Health Infolink
A state-wide, nurse-led, NSW Health phone service that provides access advice on all aspects of sexual health. Information provided is anonymous & nonjudgement.
Phone: 1800 451 624
TransHub
TransHub is a digital information and resource platform for all trans and gender diverse people. They have a list of gender affirming doctors in New South Wales.
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue is a mental health organization for all people in Australia. The Beyond Blue Support phone service is available 24/7 for brief counseling. The telephone counselors will listen and help you find the extra mental health help you need. Get free, confidential counseling.
www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support
Phone: 1300 224 636
Gender Centre
Provides a range of specialized services that enable exploration of gender identity and assistance with the alleviation of gender dysphoria. Services include groups, case-management, counseling / psychological support and referral.
Address: Ground Floor 41 – 43 Parramatta Road, Annandale NSW 2038
Phone: 02 9519-7599
Email: reception@gendercentre.org.au
QLife
QLife provides anonymous and free LGBTIQA+ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. QLife is open from 3pm to midnight, every night.
Phone: 1800 184 527
Lifeline Crisis Support
A national service for all people in Australia experiencing emotional distress with a 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention phone service.
Phone: 13 11 14
NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS)
A specialist, not for profit organization that provides culturally relevant psychological treatment and support to people from refugee backgrounds to recover from torture and trauma.
Address: 152-168 The Horsley Drive, Carramar NSW 2136.
Phone: 02 9646 6710
Email: stts-startts@health.nsw.gov.au
TransHub
TransHub is a digital resource platform for all trans and gender diverse people in NSW. They have a range of information and links about mental health and mental health care providers and services on the website.
https://www.transhub.org.au/doctors
twenty10
Works with people who are aged 12 – 25 and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Gender Diverse, Non-Binary, Intersex, Questioning, Queer, Asexual and more (LGBTIQA+). Twenty10 provides a broad range of specialized mental health supports including counseling and social support.
Address: 37 Shepherd St, Chippendale NSW 2008
Phone: 02 8594 9555
Suicide Call Back Service
Suicide Call Back Service is a free nationwide service providing 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide.
www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au
Phone: 1300 659 467
Asylum Seekers Centre
The Asylum Seekers Centre is a place of welcome and provides practical and personal support for people living in the community who are seeking asylum. They provide support, casework, and short and medium-term housing to assist some individuals and families.
www.asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Address: 43 Bedford St, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: 02 9078 1900
Email: contactus@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Women and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC)
Supports women and girls (including transgender women) in crisis experiencing homelessness. WAGEC provides material aid, case management, biopsychosocial support, accommodation and crisis responses.
Phone: 02 9319 4088
Addi Road Food Relief and Rescue
Free food pantry in Marrickville and Camperdown where everyone is welcome. See website below for details.
www.addiroad.org.au/food-pantry/
Address: Hut 1, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204
Phone: 02 9569 7633
Email: info@addiroad.org.au
Asylum Seekers Centre
A place of welcome that provides practical and personal support for people living in the community who are seeking asylum. The Asylum Seekers Centre’s Food Program provides people seeking asylum with emergency food support. They provide supermarket vouchers or cash to people when they have no other options to access food.
They also offer hot lunches three times a week at locations in Newtown and Auburn. Please see the website for times and locations.
www.asylumseekerscentre.org.au/get-support/how-we-can-help/food-2/
Address: 43 Bedford St, Newtown NSW 2042
Phone: 02 9078 1900
Email: contactus@asylumseekerscentre.org.au
Exodus Foundation
Charity providing help to disadvantaged people including free healthy meals, food hampers, clothing, rent and utility bill help.
https://www.billcrews.org/get-help/
Address: 180 Liverpool Rd, Ashfield NSW 2131.
Phone: 02 8752 4600
Email: info@billcrews.org
OzHarvest
Providing a free food market in Waterloo, and other food services.
https://www.ozharvest.org/ozharvest-market-waterloo/
Address: 95 Wellington St, Waterloo NSW 2017
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday 10am – 2pm
Staples Bag
Very low cost groceries for those with low or no income.
www.sydneyhomelessconnect.com/services/the-staples-bag/
Address: 49 Canterbury Rd, Campsie NSW 2194
Phone: 02 9787 6832
Email: enquiries@thestaplesbag.org.au
Opening hours. Monday – Friday 9.30am – 4.30pm. Saturday 10am – 1pm.
Women and Girls Emergency Centre (WAGEC)
Supports women and girls (including transgender women) in crisis and can provide material aid to those in need.
Phone: 02 9319 4088
The Heartland Project acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations, the First Peoples of Australia, whose land we meet and work on today. We acknowledge that we are settlers on unceded stolen land and support the rights and aspirations of First Nations Peoples across Country toward self-determination and full sovereignty.