Australian charities and non-government organisations

Many charities and non-government organisations (NGOs) across Australia and NSW will be providing services to vulnerable communities and individuals affected by COVID-19. If you need of emergency accommodation, food, legal advice or more, please reach out to the below organisations.

Services available for international students

Redfern Legal Centre

The International Student Legal Service NSW gives free, confidential legal advice to international students living in New South Wales.

To access this service, call (02) 9698 7645 or make an enquiry online using their free Check-In app. Free legal advice is by appointment, usually on a Tuesday evening or a Wednesday evening, either in person, by phone or using video-link up.

Face-to-face consultations have been replaced by phone or video-link up services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To call using a free telephone interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450. Please note that the Service can advise students living anywhere in NSW.

Website: https://rlc.org.au/our-services/international-students

Foodbank

Working with the NSW Government to provide support in the event of quarantine or escalated circumstances. If you need assistance call (02) 9756 3099 or email and they can connect you to a charity partner in your area: office@foodbanknsw.org.au

Website: https://www.foodbank.org.au/?state=nsw-act

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army provides all social services without discrimination. Services include housing and homelessness support, finding employment and youth services.

Phone: 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

Website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/need-help/

Australian Red Cross

As more people enter mandatory self-isolation, Australian Red Cross is providing some extra help to those who don’t have the support of an income or a network of family and friends. The Australian Red Cross is working with other state and territory governments to ramp up wellbeing phone calls and other support to people who are left especially vulnerable.

Website: https://www.redcross.org.au/get-help

St Vincent de Paul Society

St Vincent de Paul Society (Vinnies) provides support for emergency housing & homelessness, finances, food, health and wellbeing to vulnerable people across Australia and NSW.

Helpline 1800 Vinnies: 1800 846 643

Website: https://www.vinnies.org.au/findhelp#!nsw

Metro Assist

Comprehensive support services are available for international students, including food support, employment skills, tenancy advice and financial counselling.

Phone: 9789 3744

Website: https://metroassist.org.au

Job Match

Lost your shift or job because of Covid-19? Fill out the form to be matched with work or workers.

Website: https://jobmatch.org.au

Multicultural Youth Affairs Network (MYAN NSW)

Any young person aged 12-25 from a multicultural background can join the Youth Ambassadors Network! It is a collective of like-minded young people, trying to be creative and hopeful while navigating COVID-19.

You can join MYAN NSW by filling out this form.

Website: www.myannsw.org.au

Support services available for international students