In a display of community spirit and collaboration, SHAPE Melbourne teamed up with the Western Bulldogs and our network of generous subcontractors to upgrade the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) boardroom at its Footscray headquarters.
The ASRC is Australia’s largest human rights organisation that provides support to people seeking asylum. Founded in 2001, the organisation runs programs to empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental, and social wellbeing. The ASRC is run by a community of volunteers and staff who are dedicated to serving the organisation’s mission.
As part of National Volunteer Week, the SHAPE Melbourne team donated their time and expertise to upgrading an underutilised room in ASRC’s headquarters in Footscray to create its official boardroom. The initial working bee was held with 12 SHAPE team members alongside some of our incredible subcontractors Aflux Interior Linings, Prensa, SRS, ALD Corporate, JCA Contacting, Flooring Xtra, who generously donated their time and materials to refurbish the space.
The team painted walls, installed skirting, and laid new carpet tiles. A standout feature was a custom mural designed and painted by a SHAPE team member, depicting a world map of refugees journeys to Australia, which was signed by the volunteers who took part.
In a second working bee held at a later date, SHAPE provided the finishing touches with the result as a transformed and functional space to service the requirements of the ASRC.
In addition, the Western Bulldogs, who has tasked SHAPE with refurbishing their Western Bulldogs Women’s Health & Leadership Hub, also donated a substantial amount of furniture to ASRC. This included 30 task chairs, 40 workstations with privacy screens, sit-stand desks, couches, meeting room tables, and tambour cabinets.
SHAPE also donated quiet working pods and whiteboards through its ReSHAPE initiative, which aims to salvage redundant furniture and materials from projects for pro-bono initiatives.
Adam Head, General Manager of SHAPE Melbourne, expressed gratitude for the collective effort: “Our working bee couldn’t have been possible without the support of our generous subcontractors and our client, the Western Bulldogs. The team did an incredible job transforming the room into a functional and professional boardroom and upgrading furniture throughout the office, ensuring the ASRC can continue its vital work.
“We have a longstanding commitment to improving our local communities where possible, and we’re proud to have supported such a noble cause. A massive thanks to everyone involved who donated their valuable time and materials to this project.”
The initial working bee was held with 12 SHAPE team members alongside some of our incredible subcontractors Aflux Interior Linings, Prensa, SRS, ALD Corporate, JCA Contacting, Flooring Xtra, who generously donated their time and materials to refurbish the space.
Jon Couston, Head of Infrastructure & Operations at the Western Bulldogs, echoed the sentiment:
“The Bulldogs prides itself on being the Community Club of the AFL and the ASRC is doing important community work,” Couston said. “We were happy to join SHAPE in providing whatever we can to help give them the infrastructure they need.
In addition to the working bee, SHAPE also completed a significant refurbishment of ASRC’s Footscray headquarters in June 2024. The project, funded by ASRC, included aesthetic upgrades to the centre and its reception areas, further enhancing the space for visitors, staff, and volunteers.
We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land, sea, and skies. We’re grateful to those who have cared for, nurtured, and protected Country for future generations, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging.
