Sisterworks Inc

13/10/2026

Looking for a gift that's a little more meaningful?

Our SisterWorks hampers are packed with beautiful products, colourful surprises and plenty of thoughtful touches.

Whether you're celebrating someone special, saying thank you or simply making someone's day, there's something lovely about giving a gift that also gives back.

Every purchase supports SisterWorks' work creating employment and economic opportunities for women from migrant, refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds.

Take a peek at our hamper collection
https://shop.sisterworks.org.au/sisterworks-hampers/

12/10/2026

Migrant women are not entering Australia’s workforce on equal terms.

New research from ACOSS and UNSW found that 33.2% of women aged 25–44 on family visas are outside the labour force, compared with 20.8% of all Australian women in the same age group.

The research highlights the overlapping barriers migrant women can face in accessing employment, including discrimination, difficulties having overseas skills and qualifications recognised, limited professional networks, English language access and caring responsibilities.

The skills and experience are already here. The gap is in how effectively we recognise those skills and connect women with opportunity.

Closing that gap requires stronger pathways between existing skills, Australian workplace experience, employers and sustainable employment.

Source: ACOSS and UNSW, 2026.
https://povertyandinequality.acoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Employmentincomespoverty_migrantsrefugees_2026.pdf

04/10/2026

22/09/2026

"When I first arrived, everything felt scary. I kept wondering when I would finally feel like a normal member of this community. I had very little confidence, even walking into a shop by myself felt intimidating."

When Robaba arrived in Australia from Afghanistan just one year ago, she was starting again in a new country. She had worked as a nurse in Afghanistan, bringing experience and skills with her, but finding her place in a new community and navigating the Australian workforce meant starting a new chapter.

Robaba joined SisterWorks, where she built her confidence, strengthened her job readiness and became part of a community of women supporting one another as they build their lives in Australia.

Through our employment partnership with IKEA Springvale, Robaba secured a role with their team.

"SisterWorks became my first real connection with the Australian community. It didn't just teach me workplace skills, it gave me the confidence to believe in myself and become part of this society."

Today, Robaba is working, building her independence and continuing to grow in confidence. Her journey also shows what becomes possible when employers recognise the experience, capability and motivation women bring with them to Australia.

And Robaba has something she wants other employers to know:

"I hope more employers partner with SisterWorks. They will find hardworking, capable, and talented women who are ready to contribute."

We're proud to work alongside IKEA Springvale to create employment opportunities where women like Robaba can put that capability to work.

17/09/2026

After two and a half years of trying to secure her first job in Australia, Freya started work at the Royal Melbourne Hospital alongside fellow SisterWorks graduate Kiki.

They are two of six Sisters who have now secured roles at the hospital through SisterWorks.

Freya arrived from Iran in 2023. Improving her English and finding work without Australian experience were two of the biggest challenges she faced as she built her life in Australia.

Through SisterWorks, she strengthened her confidence, developed her customer service skills and prepared for applying for work.

“SisterWorks helped me build my confidence, improve my customer service skills, and prepare for applying for jobs in Australia.”
Freya

Kiki arrived from Indonesia in February 2025. She joined SisterWorks after hearing about the program from another graduate, completed hospitality training, accessed relevant certificates and received support throughout her application for a Food Service Assistant role.

Freya and Kiki commenced at the Royal Melbourne Hospital in April 2026, and Kiki has since transitioned into a permanent part-time role.

Two women building their careers, contributing their skills and creating greater independence through work.

15/09/2026

One partnership can create more than one pathway to meaningful work.

Our relationship with Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) vention and Exhibition Centre began by connecting Sisters with food and beverage roles. Now, MCEC and SisterWorks are working together to give retired uniforms a useful second life.

MCEC generates approximately 560 kilograms of uniform textile waste each year. A portion of these materials will be transformed into practical products at our Springvale Manufacturing Hub, with each item cut and sewn by Sisters.

The products are being designed around what MCEC will genuinely use, helping extend the life of its textiles while creating paid work for women from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker backgrounds.

Read the full story from MCEC: https://www.mcec.com.au/stories-and-ideas/mcec-and-sisterworks-give-old-textiles-new-purpose

11/09/2026

Strong employment partnerships can change what opportunity looks like.

Levy Australia has shared the story of its partnership with SisterWorks and the women building their careers through employment opportunities with the team.

For many Sisters, securing a first or next role in Australia can take time, even when they already bring skills, experience and a strong willingness to work.

Through employment partnerships like this, women are supported to prepare for work, step into real roles and continue building their confidence and experience once they begin.

We’re proud to see Levy sharing the impact of the partnership and recognising what Sisters bring to the workplace.

You can explore their story here
https://levyau.com.au/latest/stronger-together-levy-australia-and-sisterworks/

09/09/2026

Want to learn barista skills? Get behind the coffee machine and have a go. ☕️

Last week, Sisters in our Carlton Hospitality Program spent the day learning by doing. They practised using the coffee machine, steaming milk and making café-style drinks.

Our hands-on training gives Sisters time to practise with real equipment, ask questions and learn practical skills used in cafés, restaurants and catering workplaces. You don’t need hospitality experience to join.

SisterWorks offers free programs for women from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker backgrounds.

Interested in joining our Hospitality Program? Learn more here:

https://sisterworks.org.au/articles/training-courses/hospitality

Know someone who may be interested? Please share this post with her.

07/09/2026

05/09/2026

Since 2013, SisterWorks has supported more than 4,000 women from migrant, refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds to build skills, access employment and strengthen their economic independence.

During Include a Charity Week, we’re inviting our community to consider another way to support this work into the future.

By including SisterWorks in your Will, you can help create opportunities for the women who come next.

You can also write your Will online for free through EveryWill, with no obligation to include a gift to SisterWorks.

https://everywill.com.au/c/sisterworks