Knauf Australia is donating products to a project in Melbourne’s south-east to support the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) in their humanitarian work. The ASRC is Australia’s largest human rights organisation providing support to people seeking asylum. They are currently undertaking a refurbishment project to create a new Integrated Services Hub (ISH) for a range of service providers including themselves at a new location in Thomas Street in Dandenong.
Bates Smart, who in collaboration with Garner Davis is providing pro bono architectural services for the project, approached Knauf for a material donation.
“We are excited to support Bates Smart and the ASRC with a plasterboard and compounds package donation to complete the plasterboard scope of works. The support given to asylum seekers by the ASRC aligns with Knauf’s company value of ‘Menschlichkeit’ – a German word that means that we have the environment and society in mind with everything we do,” said Charles Barakat, Knauf’s Regional Sales Manager (Victoria).
The ASRC was founded 19 years ago. They are an independent not-for-profit organization whose programs support and empower people seeking asylum to maximise their own physical, mental and social well-being.
The new facility will provide services and spaces for learning, empowerment, volunteering, and advocacy. Furthermore, volunteers, partners, and the local community will come together to provide the resources people seeking asylum need to live independently and sustainably.
“I want to say a huge thank you to Knauf for supporting our Dandenong project by way of donating plasterboard and compounds. This is such vital support that helps make our dream of our new home of hope and possibility for refugees one step closer; we are so grateful.” said Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM, CEO, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.
Terry Mason, Associate Director at Bates Smart, said: “Bates Smart in conjunction with Garner Davis is proud to be involved in the development of this much needed facility, and is delighted with the support from others in the design and construction industry including Knauf.”
