New South Wales

This page is currently being updated as part of the sixth edition of the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide (2026). To provide feedback, please contact refugeehealth@foundationhouse.org.au

Click here for the fifth edition of this referral page which was last updated in 2018.

Key Service Type Key Service Name

Refugee Health Services

For comprehensive and holistic primary care and tertiary care, including on-arrival Refugee Health Assessment

 NSW Refugee Health Service – Refugee Clinics
Provides specialised, trauma-informed healthcare for refugees and people seeking asylum.
Refugee Health Nurse Program
Specialised, nurse-led initiative providing on-arrival health assessments, care planning and GP referrals for refugees and asylum seekers.
Asylum Seeker Centre – Health Clinic
Provides free primary healthcare for people seeking asylum without Medicare.
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead – Refugee Health (HARK) Clinic
Provides assessment and specialised paediatric healthcare for refugee and asylum-seeking children and families.
Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick – Refugee Health
Delivers specialised healthcare for refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people.

 

Specialised Mental Health Services

For torture and trauma counselling and other specialised mental health services

 

 NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS)
Provides specialist counselling and rehabilitation for survivors of torture and trauma for people of refugee and asylum seeker background.
Transcultural Mental Health Centre (TCMH)
Provides culturally responsive mental health services, consultation, and clinician support.

 

Settlement & Asylum Seeker Services

For settlement support including case management, support to access mainstream services (including education and employment) and community connections

 Settlement Services International (SSI)- Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP)
Delivered in metropolitan Sydney and in the NSW regional centres of Armidale and Coffs Harbour.

Australian Red Cross – Humanitarian Settlement Program (HSP) – 
Delivered in Albury, Wagga and Wollongong.

Supports newly arrived humanitarian entrants and other refugee visa holders during initial settlement (6-18 months).
Settlement Services International (SSI) -Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS)

Life Without Barriers (LWB)– Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS)
Needs-based support for people seeking asylum who are not able to support themselves, can demonstrate hardship and are engaged in immigration status resolution.
Settlement Engagement and Transition Support Program (SETS)
Services and supports for humanitarian entrants in the first five years of settlement.
Jesuit Refugee Service
Provides practical support, advocacy, and casework for refugees and people seeking asylum.

House of Welcome
Supports refugees through casework, emergency relief, employment, and community programs.

Further State Referral Information

 

 NSW Refugee Health Service
Provides clinical advice and referral support for healthcare professionals.
Transcultural Mental Health Service – Clinical Consultation Service
Provides specialist mental health consultation for healthcare professionals working cross-culturally.

 

Produced by

in consultation with

                  

Endorsed by (2018-2021)

 

Funded by

The Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide was produced with funds from the Australian Government Department of Health.

Disclaimer

The information set out in the Australian Refugee Health Practice Guide (“the Guide”) is current at the date of first publication and is intended for use as a guide of a general nature only and may or may not be relevant to particular patients or circumstances. Nor is the Guide exhaustive of the subject matter. Persons implementing any recommendations contained in the Guide must exercise their own independent skill or judgement or seek appropriate professional advice relevant to their own particular circumstances when so doing. The statements or opinions that are expressed in the Guide reflect the views of the contributing authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the editors or Foundation House. Compliance with any recommendations cannot of itself guarantee discharge of the duty of care owed to patients and others coming into contact with the health professional and the premises from which the health professional operates.

Whilst the information is directed to health professionals possessing appropriate qualifications and skills in ascertaining and discharging their professional (including legal) duties, it is not to be regarded as clinical advice and, in particular, is no substitute for a full examination and consideration of medical history in reaching a diagnosis and treatment based on accepted clinical practices.

Accordingly, Foundation House and its employees and agents shall have no liability (including without limitation liability by reason of negligence) to any users of the information contained in the Guide for any loss or damage (consequential or otherwise), cost or expense incurred or arising by reason of any person using or relying on the information contained in the Guide and whether caused by reason of any error, negligent act, omission or misrepresentation in the information. Although every effort has been made to ensure that drug doses and other information are presented accurately in the Guide, the ultimate responsibility rests with the prescribing clinician. For detailed prescribing information or instructions on the use of any product described herein, please consult the prescribing information issued by the manufacturer.