Sisterworks Inc

Sisterworks Inc SisterWorks is a non-profit social enterprise 'Handmade with Love in Melbourne'. SisterWorks started with much human investment and limited resources.
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SisterWorks is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Melbourne, dedicated to empowering women from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker backgrounds through employment, entrepreneurship, and social integration. SisterWorks supports women who are migrants, asylum seekers or refugees to become financially independent and happily settled in Australia. Luz Restrepo, inspired by her own experience

as a political refugee from Colombia, founded SisterWorks Incorporated in 2013 to support women with similar struggles. SisterWorks has been focusing on serving its Sisters through "learning by doing" training in 3 areas: craft, business and social networking. The Sisters are supported in these areas through workshops called “Work, Design and Business Labs” with the goal to move them into work through exploring business opportunities.

A Million Stories starts with listening.This Refugee Week, SisterWorks is inviting schools to bring students and staff b...
27/05/2026

A Million Stories starts with listening.

This Refugee Week, SisterWorks is inviting schools to bring students and staff beyond awareness and into real connection through lived experience, storytelling, and meaningful work.

Through speaking engagements, workshops, guided tours, and volunteering experiences, students hear directly from women from refugee and migrant backgrounds rebuilding their lives through employment, entrepreneurship, and community.

These experiences support student wellbeing, leadership, intercultural understanding, and meaningful reflection in ways that stay with students long after the session ends.

Whether you are planning a Refugee Week assembly, immersion day, wellbeing initiative, or leadership program, experiences can be tailored to different year levels and school communities.

We would love to work with your school to create a meaningful Refugee Week experience. To learn more or start a conversation, visit https://sisterworks.org.au/contact

In under one month, Nargis moved from a casual role to full-time work.After arriving in Australia from Afghanistan in Oc...
26/05/2026

In under one month, Nargis moved from a casual role to full-time work.

After arriving in Australia from Afghanistan in October 2024, she spent nearly a year applying for jobs while building her English, working towards her driver’s licence, and adjusting to life in a new country.

Through SisterWorks, Nargis built her workplace knowledge, including employment rights, safety, and practical skills to prepare for work in Australia.

In March 2026, she secured a casual storeperson role with KOR Equipment Solutions. Her dedication and strong work ethic quickly stood out, and she was soon offered a full-time role.

Nargis’ message to other women is simple: stay positive, keep going, and seek out supportive environments that help you succeed.

We’re so proud of you, Nargis. 💜

“I really appreciate how invested the whole team is in supporting the Sisters through their personalised and caring appr...
22/05/2026

“I really appreciate how invested the whole team is in supporting the Sisters through their personalised and caring approach.”

This National Volunteer Week, we’re recognising the volunteers who contribute their time, skills, and experience across SisterWorks. From supporting programs and events to mentoring, operations, and community connection, their contribution helps strengthen the work happening across the organisation every day.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support women from migrant, refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds through their generosity, care, and commitment. 💜

Yesterday, we celebrated SisterWorks turning 13 with cake, laughter, and some of the incredible women who continue to sh...
21/05/2026

Yesterday, we celebrated SisterWorks turning 13 with cake, laughter, and some of the incredible women who continue to shape everything this community has become.

Officially in our teen years, we’re growing fast, curious about the future, and continuing to challenge ourselves to do better for women from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker backgrounds.

What makes us most proud after 13 years is that SisterWorks has always been in the doing. We’re not standing on the sidelines talking about the barriers women face, we’re showing up every day to create opportunities, connection, belonging, and meaningful work.

We’re excited for what’s ahead and grateful to everyone who has been, and continues to be, part of the journey 💜

13 years. Thousands of stories. One powerful community 💜What began as a small group of women selling handmade goods at l...
21/05/2026

13 years. Thousands of stories. One powerful community 💜

What began as a small group of women selling handmade goods at local markets has grown into a community where women build confidence, connection, skills, friendships, and economic independence.

From workshops and entrepreneurship programs to cafés, catering, manufacturing, and employment pathways, SisterWorks continues to break barriers and create opportunities for women from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker backgrounds.

To every Sister, supporter, volunteer, customer, and partner who has helped shape the last 13 years, thank you 💜

We’re proud of what this community has built together and excited for what’s ahead.

What’s your favourite SisterWorks memory from the years? 💜

Nadi kept hearing the same thing:“No local experience.”After moving to Australia from Sri Lanka, she applied for job aft...
15/05/2026

Nadi kept hearing the same thing:
“No local experience.”

After moving to Australia from Sri Lanka, she applied for job after job, trying to get that first opportunity and build her life here.

She kept going.

Today, Nadi is working full-time in metal fabrication through a collaboration between SisterWorks, Hoban and Leviat, and she’s doing incredibly well.

She’s taken on a range of tasks on the factory floor, picked up processes quickly, and built strong trust with her team through her attitude and commitment to the work.

Leviat has been a supportive employer from the beginning, and it shows what can happen when women are given a real opportunity to step into industries where they are often overlooked.

We’re really proud of you, Nadi. 💜

Looking for work in warehousing or logistics?Our Term 3 Mobile Hub Employment Program is starting in Truganina on 22 Jul...
13/05/2026

Looking for work in warehousing or logistics?

Our Term 3 Mobile Hub Employment Program is starting in Truganina on 22 July.

This employment-focused program supports women from migrant, refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds who are interested in warehousing, logistics and production pathways across Melbourne’s west.

Participants build workplace confidence, learn industry expectations, and prepare for practical work environments in a growing industry.

Comment “WAREHOUSE” and we’ll send you more information. 💜

One of the moments that stayed with us most from Women Deliver was seeing our Sister, Mariem, working on the conference ...
07/05/2026

One of the moments that stayed with us most from Women Deliver was seeing our Sister, Mariem, working on the conference floor at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

Mariem moved to Australia from Egypt in 2023 with her family and joined our hospitality program to build her confidence, gain workplace experience, and prepare for employment step by step.

Last week, while thousands of people from around the world gathered to talk about gender equality and women’s economic participation, Mariem was there working as part of the team helping bring the conference to life.

For us, that moment meant everything.

Because employment changes more than income. It creates confidence, connection, independence, and a sense of belonging.

Thank you to Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for creating meaningful employment opportunities and recognising the skills and potential women already bring.

More opportunities like this mean more women can rebuild confidence, support their families, and create long-term economic independence through work.

Work Empowers Women 💜

A match kit carries more than fabric. It holds the effort, pressure and pride that comes with stepping onto the field.In...
16/04/2026

A match kit carries more than fabric. It holds the effort, pressure and pride that comes with stepping onto the field.

Instead of ending in landfill, retired kits from Hockey Australia are now being given a second life through CircularWorks.

With Everclime bringing the partnership together, these garments have moved from the field into our Springvale Manufacturing Hub, where they are being transformed into new products for continued use.

Through this work, women from migrant, refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds are gaining paid employment while materials are kept in use for longer.

Our first pilot created over 70 hours of employment and up to $9,000 in social return on investment.

It’s a practical example of what can happen when organisations rethink how materials move through their operations.

Hockey Australia and SisterWorks are turning what was once worn with pride on the field into opportunity, dignity and impact beyond it.

Neneng is now working full-time in the Emergency Department at Frankston Hospital, building a stable future and growing ...
15/04/2026

Neneng is now working full-time in the Emergency Department at Frankston Hospital, building a stable future and growing in confidence every day.

Less than two years ago, she was navigating a new job market in a new country and trying to understand where to begin.

With support from SisterWorks, Neneng secured her first role as an Environmental Services Assistant and has already progressed into the Emergency Department, reflecting her strong work ethic and commitment.

Through her work, she is building independence, stability and a sense of direction in her new life.

Her message to other women is simple and powerful:

“Women must work. Give yourself power and make yourself proud.”

Address

611 Nicholson Street
Melbourne, VIC
3054

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm
Saturday 10am - 2pm

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