This week, more than 200 people gathered to celebrate our Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub and the 10 years of “life-saving” care it has delivered to some of our community’s most vulnerable people.

The Hub, located in Northcote, provides free, compassionate primary health care and specialist mental health treatment and support to people seeking asylum and newly arrived refugees. Since opening 10 years ago, the Hub has supported more than 2000 people, changing their lives and offering hope.

“When I connected to Cabrini, I didn’t have hope at all and there was no life for me,” one client shared during the event. “I was basically broken. Since then, the Cabrini team has helped me reach this position… which is a hopeful life.

“It has completely changed my life.”

Chief of Mental Health and Cabrini Outreach, Sharon Sherwood, said the Hub was created out of need that Cabrini Health could not ignore.

Sharon Sherwood (above) speaking at the Asylum Seeker and Refugee Hub 10 year anniversary

“Ten years ago, Cabrini Outreach began with something very simple, but also very courageous,” Sharon said at the event.

“We saw a need that was not being met, and we decided we could not simply walk past. Mother Cabrini went wherever she was needed, bringing care, compassion and practical help to people who were often unseen and unheard.

“And that, for me, is what we’re celebrating – not simply 10 years of a service, but 10 years of people being welcomed when they may have felt they had nowhere else to go – 10 years of saying, you belong here, your health matters and we see you.”

At the milestone celebration, General Manager Cabrini Outreach, Tracey Cabrié, Director of Research for the Hub, Professor Suresh Sundram, Chief Executive Sue Williams and Board Chair Sylvia Falzon spoke passionately about the Hub’s incredible work, and its clients, community partners, supporters, and staff and volunteers who work there.

Director of Research for the hub, Professor Suresh Sundram

But the guests of honour were undoubtedly the Hub clients, some of whom featured in a moving video that was shared on the night.

“I felt welcome and that I’d come to the right place,” another client shared. “I felt welcomed home, even with all my heavy worries”.

Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the Hub’s remarkable 10 years.

Brigid Meney, Syliva Falzon and Sue Williams