In a world grappling with unprecedented levels of displacement, Sr Brigid Arthur CSB AO stands as a beacon of hope and a 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 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.
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.
Sr Brigid acknowledges that the sheer scale and complexity of global displacement is ‘a reality that can easily lead to feelings of helplessness’. However, she says that Australia, which receives a comparatively small number of asylum seekers each year, has significant capacity to enhance its welcome and support.
Sr Brigid seated at the 2023 Palm Sunday March. (Photo by Fiona Basile.)
‘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 also 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 there are many practical and effective ways individuals and communities can make a difference, 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 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.’
Sr Brigid (right) with Prof Gillian Triggs at the Kildare Ministries oration, March 2025. (Photo by Fiona Basile.)
With a federal election approaching, Sr Brigid calls 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, with the theme ‘Stand together for justice and kindness’ took place on Sunday 13 April. Emeritus Prof Gillian Triggs, a former human rights commissioner, was among the speakers at the event, along with refugees and faith representatives.
People must not be left in limbo for years.
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 coinciding 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.
People holding a Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project nanner outside the State Library of Victoria. (Photo by Fiona Basile.)
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 have previously been held in offshore detention and face ongoing uncertainty. These situations, she says, demand urgent and 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 current federal Labor government came to power, which 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’.
‘No one chooses to be a refugee’ sign at the 2023 Palm Sundy rally. (Photo by Fiona Basile.)
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.’
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.
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.’
Republished with permission by Melbourne Catholic (Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne) and Fiona Basile. All photos courtesy of Fiona Basile.
