Media Centre

Hope prevails despite uncertain future

Publish Date: 30/07/2010
Author: Marketing & Communications Dept.

Dot lives at Baptcare Sanctuary; a facility that provides transitional supported accommodation for asylum seekers living lawfully in the community while they await the outcome of their application for a Protection Visa.

Forced to leave his home country and his family, in 2008, Dot arrived at Baptcare Sanctuary as an asylum seeker.  Many asylum seekers, like Dot, are forced to flee their homeland to escape inhuman cruelty. They may have been tortured, or even seen members of their families killed in front of them.

“The fear of persecution actually made me run away from my country and I have not wanted to make any form of contact with anyone because I do not want them to know where I am or what I’m doing,” said Dot.

But due to Australian legislation, their arrival in Australia is often met with huge setbacks.  When Dot first arrived in Australia, he had few options. With no legal rights to pursue employment opportunities, he was homeless.

Yet in spite of his situation, Dot describes himself as one of the ‘lucky ones’, thanks to Baptcare’s support.

“It’s very difficult to survive as an asylum seeker and I’m just one of the lucky people who could get good accommodation. There are many people out there that still don’t have a place to sleep. Some of them (asylum seekers) sleep in parks and on the streets… just so that they can survive as an asylum seeker in Australia,” said Dot.

With Baptcare’s support, Dot has regained his independence and is starting a new life.

“I believe that I can be useful to the community. When you have a roof over your head, many parts of your problems are solved,” said Dot.

The Case Workers at Sanctuary have actively supported Dot by providing case management, access to men’s social activity groups and pastoral care. And although his situation in Australia remains uncertain, his immigration case has progressed.

Dot now earns a modest income, lives independently in the community and has some control over this future. He remains optimistic and determined to build a better life for himself, despite the hardships and challenges he has faced.

“Baptcare shows a practical example of what Jesus Christ preached when he was alive. Baptcare has been very wonderful in supporting us and has made us feel that there is still hope in this life. We don’t have to lose hope,” said Dot.