ASYLUM seekers are finding refuge in Greater Dandenong in record numbers, says a Dandenong-based aid worker.
David Spitteler, of Asylum Seekers Centre in Dandenong, says his organisation registered 77 new asylum seekers needing help in the past month. This brought to the number of families on the centre’s books to 130.
Department of Immigration figures show that 113 of 249 asylum seekers on bridging visas in Victoria settled in Greater Dandenong between last November and March. Another 38 settled in neighbouring Casey.
Mr Spitteler said the Asylum Seekers Centre – which runs on donations – was “really stretched”, providing about 40 shopping trolleys of food a week for families.
He said there was a particular shortage of halal food for the predominantly Muslim clients.
“The problem is the federal government releases these people from detention and doesn’t provide enough funding to support them.
“On the other side of that, the community and FoodBank have been able to cope with the rise in new people. There’s a generosity in the community.”
Mr Spitteler said he didn’t support people smuggling but he classed most asylum seekers as genuine people fleeing persecution by desperate means.
“They’re also getting ripped off. Even if they get here and their boat doesn’t sink, they’re just vulnerable.”
To help Asylum Seekers Centre, call David Spitteler on 0409 416 744.
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