Passang is a Pathways Housing and Support Coordinator at YWCA Canberra, working with single men and families who are often refugees or people seeking asylum. Every day, he meets with clients to understand what they need and to connect them with essential services such as English classes, driving lessons, housing applications, Centrelink and NDIS, and other supports that help them settle and feel part of the community.
He has been in this role since January, and brings three years of case management experience and a long history of supporting people who are doing it tough. Before joining YWCA Canberra, Passang spent 10 years teaching in Bhutan across both primary and high school, including supporting children with disability and coordinating community service programs. That experience, combined with his own journey to Australia to study Education at the University of Canberra, underpins his deep commitment to social justice and lifelong learning.
While working as a support worker in the mental health sector, Passang met a social worker who inspired him to pursue social work as a career. He has seen firsthand that even with many services available, there are still gaps that leave people isolated and unsure where to turn. This is especially true for people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds who may have experienced significant trauma and who are still learning English. For Passang, making a difference “even for one or two people” is what keeps him going.
“I find my current role more engaging because many of my clients come from trauma backgrounds and have faced significant challenges in reaching Australia. This work is especially rewarding, as many of them struggle with learning and speaking English, making the support we provide even more impactful.”
In his role, compassion, communication and empathy are essential. Passang talks about the importance of truly putting yourself in the client’s shoes and taking the time to understand their experiences and emotions. He knows that meaningful progress can only happen when there is a genuine partnership: his support can only go so far if a client is not able, or too overwhelmed, to engage. That is why small, practical tools that restore a sense of control and dignity are so important.
Consider a Donation to Plate Up! Canberra
This is where Plate Up, Canberra comes in. Now in its third year, Plate Up, Canberra is YWCA Canberra’s annual fundraiser providing local families with the freedom of choice through gift cards during the holiday season. Funds raised this year will support families in our Domestic Violence Support Service, YHomes and Pathways Program, including many of the families and individuals Passang works alongside. A simple gift card can mean a parent choosing groceries their children recognise, buying a small toy, or finally being able to celebrate a birthday or holiday in a way that feels “normal”.
For children who have arrived in Australia after fleeing war, leaving behind familiar surroundings and loved ones, not being able to afford toys or celebrate special occasions can deepen their sense of loss and disconnection. Gift cards can offer a small but powerful comfort: the chance to choose something just for them, to mark a milestone, or to sit down to a meal that feels special. For Passang’s clients and their families, this isn’t just about presents – it is about dignity, agency and belonging.
You can help Passang’s clients and many other families across Canberra experience that sense of choice and celebration this holiday season. Your donation to Plate Up, Canberra will be turned into gift cards that allow families to decide what they need most – whether that is food, toiletries, clothing, school supplies or a small gift for a child.
