Join A Meaningful Community
Supporting African Australian women, children, youth and families from refugee and migrant backgrounds since 2004.
BROWSE PROGRAMSMore than 10,000 individuals and families from Somali, Djibouti, Ethiopian, Kenyan, Sudanese and South Sudanese refugee and migrant backgrounds supported since 2004.
Over 3,000 housing relocations advocated for High Rise residents and families in need.
21 years of continuous, culturally safe support from our Kensington and Flemington offices.
Refugee Week 2026
SWDA proudly celebrated Refugee Week on 20 June 2026, in recognition of World Refugee Day under the global theme “Until Everyone is Safe.”
This important occasion honours the strength, courage, and resilience of refugees and people seeking asylum, while also recognising their valuable contributions to our community and to Australia.
Through this celebration, SWDA continues its commitment to inclusion, cultural diversity, and social connection, bringing together families, community members, and partners to share stories and stand in solidarity.
Together, we continue to work towards a future where everyone is safe, welcomed, and belongs.
SWDA promotes positive change and social cohesion through more than 20 integrated programs for Somali, Djibouti, Ethiopian, Kenyan, Sudanese and South Sudanese communities from refugee and migrant backgrounds — settlement and employment support for African Australian jobseekers, the Educational Support Homework Club for primary and secondary school children (since 2007), mental health and wellbeing services, domestic and family violence response, health advice and information for the Somali Australian community, emergency food relief, housing advocacy, and community festivals and events — all delivered through a person-centred, trauma-informed and culturally responsive model.
Our ProgramsOur programs provide individuals and families from Somali, Djibouti, Ethiopian, Kenyan, Sudanese and South Sudanese refugee and migrant backgrounds with the essential support they need to build self-confidence, stability and lasting networks. Services are delivered free of charge in English, Somali, Arabic, Amharic, Tigrinya, Oromo, Swahili, Dinka and Nuer — referrals welcome from all sources, including self-referral.
Make a DifferenceSupport SWDA
Help us keep the Homework Club, Emergency Food Relief and community celebrations running for African Australian families across Victoria.
We thank all of our contributors for their enduring support. For every $1 raised from our government and corporate partners, trusts, foundations and individual supporters, 86 cents is spent directly on programs that assist disadvantaged people in our community.
How to Get Involved
