As any parent knows, it's almost impossible to work, or study, or go to complex medical appointments with a two-year-old in tow. For asylum seekers with little financial or family support, it's infinitely more difficult.

Yet those fleeing Iraq, Myanmar or Afghanistan cannot access a childcare subsidy while they are on bridging visas, so they must pay $100-plus a day. Most can't afford it, so can't work, or learn English, or attend trauma counselling.

Samuel, Hiwa and Emmanuel are unable to attend childcare because their families are in Sydney on refugee bridging visas. Credit:Janie Barrett

But in an Australian first, Canterbury Bankstown Council has voted to offer free childcare to asylum seekers in its council-run centres.

The year-long pilot program will offer one free place a day at the Punchbowl Children's Centre, Carrington Occasional Care and Lakemba Children's Centre. In NSW, Lakemba is home to the largest number of people seeking asylum.