Sisterworks Inc

Agatha once ran her own fruit shop in Nigeria.

When violence forced her to leave everything behind, she came to Australia looking for a chance to start again.

Like many women arriving in a new country, she faced the challenge of rebuilding her life while navigating an unfamiliar system.

Through training, support, and employment pathways at SisterWorks, Agatha secured employment with L'Oréal Australia and is now building a stronger future through work.

Today, more than 180 women are waiting to access employment pathways through SisterWorks' Dandenong Hub.

These women are ready to work, contribute, and build economic independence.

We know these pathways work. The challenge is making sure more women can access them.

As we approach the end of the financial year, we're inviting our community to help more women access the support and employment pathways they need to thrive.

Every donation helps create opportunities for women to build confidence, earn an income, and achieve economic independence.

Support the appeal here: https://hello.sisterworks.org.au/eofy-impact 💜

Most event materials are designed for a moment, not a second life.

Our exhibition booth could have ended after one event, packed away and forgotten.

Instead, it now has a new purpose inside our Springvale Manufacturing Hub, where it has become a statement wall filled with achievements, stories, and moments of pride.

The Sisters love it. It brightens the concrete walls, brings colour into the space, and helps make the hub feel more like SisterWorks.

This is CircularWorks in our everyday work. It’s not only about large projects or partnerships. It’s about noticing what already exists and finding ways to extend its life.

What was once built for an event is now part of a space where women are working, producing, and building their futures. 💜

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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 💜