The Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project (BASP) was established in 2001. It is a Melbourne-based initiative of the Brigidine Sisters whose motto is Strength and Kindness. The Brigidine Sisters have been engaged in education and social justice in Victoria since 1886. The co-founders of the project are Sr Brigid Arthur AO and late Sr Catherine Kelly. Libby Saunders OAM was appointed the co-coordinator in 2015. In 2018, BASP was entrusted to the care of Kildare Ministries as one of its ‘Community Works’ with its own Board and retaining its specific organisational identity and mission.

BASP was established to work for a humane, just and inclusive approach for people seeking asylum in Australia. The main work of the Brigidine Sisters for over a century in Australia has been education but this has broadened to include work for more vulnerable people in society. BASP continues this work, with the ongoing financial, spiritual and practical support of the Brigidines, the work of a few paid staff, and many volunteers. BASP does not receive government funding but is supported by donations from the broader Australian community, in kind and pro bono support, and specific financial assistance from a number of Religious congregations.

BASP aims are to:

• Provide hospitality and practical support for people seeking asylum;
• Actively network with like-minded individuals and groups who are working for justice for
  asylum seekers;
• Promote advocacy for the rights of people seeking asylum;
• Engage in education about asylum seekers’ issues.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ROLE
As co-leader of the organisation, you will undertake and hold responsibility for the operational and strategic work of BASP. This role is concerned with responding compassionately and constructively to the personal, community and systemic issues faced by people seeking asylum in Melbourne and Australia.

This is a full-time leadership position with CEO responsibilities, working with a co-CEO and a small team to meet the four aims of BASP:
– Provide hospitality and practical support for people seeking asylum;
– Actively network with like-minded individuals and groups who are working for justice for asylum seekers;
– Promote advocacy for the rights of people seeking asylum;
– Engage in education about asylum seekers’ issues.

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