Maintain hope: Sr Brigid's enduring call to support asylum seekers

In a world grappling with unprecedented levels of displacement, the unwavering voice of Sr Brigid Arthur csb AO stands as a beacon of hope and a practical guide for action. The long-time advocate for those seeking asylum and refuge in Australia offers a compelling message: there are concrete ways to extend support and solidarity to our neighbours in need.

Sr Brigid Arthur is the co-founder of the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) based in Albert Park. It is a Melbourne-based initiative of the Brigidine sisters whose motto is ‘strength and kindness’. For the past 24 years, BASP has been providing hospitality, workplace and housing support, and material aid for people seeking asylum, actively networking with like-minded groups and advocating on behalf of those seeking refuge and asylum.

She acknowledges the sheer scale and complexity of global displacement of persons is ‘a reality that can easily lead to feelings of helplessness’. However, Sr Brigid says that Australia, receiving a comparatively small number of asylum seekers each year, has a significant capacity to enhance its welcome and support.

‘One of the challenges for us is not to feel overwhelmed by the fact we can’t solve the whole mass movement of people around the world,’ she says. ‘We could just say that “it’s beyond us, it’s too hard”, but it’s important that we don’t do that and that we look at the scope of what’s possible here in our local context.’

At the heart of Sr Brigid’s advocacy is a deep appreciation for the tangible support provided by local non-governmental organisations including faith-based organisations from various denominations, parish and school communities and individuals. Donations of food and household items, such as cleaning products, are valuable, she says, and donations of vouchers have a significant impact, especially in allowing for purchases of fresh food. ‘These often-overlooked items are essential for maintaining dignity and health for individuals and families seeking asylum,’ she says.

Sr Brigid says the practical ways individuals and communities make a difference are numerous and impactful, but financial donations are essential for organisations like BASP to sustain their operations, particularly in providing housing support. Community generosity is helping BASP to support between 260-270 people with housing.

‘We’re one of the significant housing providers for people seeking asylum,’ Sr Brigid explains. ‘Continued financial support, with a monthly need of around $120,000, is vital to maintain and potentially expand this crucial service.’

With a federal election approaching, Sr Brigid makes a strong call for active advocacy and direct engagement with local Members of Parliament. She urges people to visit their MPs in person, rather than just writing letters, to convey the community’s desire for a welcoming, fair, and just Australia that values kindness and human dignity for those seeking refuge. Sr Brigid emphasises that ‘this direct contact aims to allow politicians to see the mood of the community and understand the importance of compassionate policies.

‘Talk to them about the needs of asylum seekers and how we need to support those working locally to provide support, hospitality and practical care to those needing help.’

Sr Brigid enthusiastically encourages participation in the annual Palm Sunday Walk for Refugees. This year’s walk, themed ‘Stand together for Justice and Kindness’ is scheduled for Sunday, April 13th, commencing at 1pm on Princes Bridge in the CBD and proceeding to Tom’s Block on St Kilda Road, opposite Victorian College of the Arts. Former Human Rights Commissioner Emeritus Prof Gillian Triggs will be among the speakers at the event, along with refugees and faith representatives.

Sr Brigid says the gathering is ‘a powerful demonstration of community solidarity for justice and kindness. It is an opportunity to collectively advocate for fair social policies and to counter narratives that might be divisive or hurtful.’ The Palm Sunday marches have a long history of calling for peace and justice. This year, a Jubilee year with a federal election, the aim is to send a message of hope to those seeking asylum and demonstrate that the community wants its politicians to show compassion and to act justly.

Sr Brigid says around 8,000 people have been in ‘visa limbo’ for over 12 years under the Federal Government’s Fast Track process, living on bridging visas with limited or no rights. Many are people previously held in offshore detention who face ongoing uncertainty. These situations, she says, demand the urgent need for continued advocacy and support.

‘We’re taking action to call for an end to the suffering of refugees and asylum seekers,’ she says. ‘People must not be left in limbo for years—we’re calling for permanent visas for all refugees, rights-based processes for assessing refugee status, family reunification, the right to work and study, access to Medicare, and basic income support.’

Sr Brigid says there is historical precedent, such as granting permanent visas to 19,000 people seeking asylum when the federal Labor government first came into power, that proves positive change is possible with political will and creative solutions. She believes that with sustained pressure on politicians, particularly early in their term, real progress can be made in ‘cleaning up the current mess of the asylum seeker system’.

Despite the complexities and sometimes disheartening aspects of current asylum seeker policies, Sr Brigid remains steadfast in her message of hope. ‘Giving up is not an option,’ she says. ‘We need hope. We can’t give up. Once we give up, it’s the end.’ Her call to action is grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins at the individual level. Supporting organisations like BASP through donations of money, goods, and vouchers; actively engaging with local MPs to advocate for more humane policies; and participating in public demonstrations of solidarity like the Palm Sunday Walk: all that collectively fosters a more welcoming, fair, and just society for those seeking refuge.

‘Every practical action, no matter how small it may seem, contributes to a culture of welcome, dignity, and respect for all who seek safety and a new beginning in our community,’ she says. ‘Together, we can maintain hope and act with kindness and continue to show our unwavering solidarity and support for those seeking asylum and refuge in Australia.’