Sisterworks Inc

Belonging starts with community.

This week, SisterWorks brought women together for our Refugee Week Potluck Celebration in partnership with the City of Greater Dandenong.

Around shared tables, women from many cultures connected through food, conversation, laughter, dancing and storytelling. They shared dishes from home, celebrated their cultures and strengthened the connections that help communities thrive.

We were honoured to be joined by Mayor Sophie Tan, who spoke on the day and helped recognise the strength, contribution and lived experience of women from refugee and migrant backgrounds in the local community.

Today, on World Refugee Day, we recognise the strength, contribution and lived experience of people from refugee backgrounds across Australia and around the world.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create such a joyful celebration of diversity, belonging and connection. 💜

Sajia once represented Afghanistan on the football field.

Today, she is a Demi Chef at Marvel Stadium.

After arriving in Australia in 2021, Sajia began rebuilding her life in a new country after it became unsafe for women involved in sport in Afghanistan.

Through SisterWorks’ Hospitality Program, she built new skills, expanded her networks and was connected to an apprenticeship opportunity with Delaware North Australia New Zealand.

After three years of hard work, Sajia completed her apprenticeship and was promoted to Demi Chef.

Today, she brings the same focus and determination that shaped her as an athlete into the kitchen at Marvel Stadium.

Her advice to others starting their own journey is simple:

“Stay strong, believe in yourself, and don't be afraid to start small. Every step forward builds your future.”

This Refugee Week, we’re proud to share Sajia’s story and celebrate what becomes possible when women have access to safety, support and meaningful work.

Work Empowers Women. 💜

As a refugee rebuilding her life in Australia, Zuhal arrived with a wealth of experience as a teacher and administrator, along with a strong determination to continue her professional journey. Like many, she faced challenges securing employment; without local work experience, accessing opportunities can be difficult, even for highly capable professionals.

After being introduced to SisterWorks by her education consultant, Zuhal joined our employment program with optimism and a commitment to building her future.

Today, Zuhal is thriving in a Data Entry and Management role at Leica Biosystems (tag). Over the past seven months, she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, diligence, and a strong work ethic. Supported by a diverse and inclusive team, she continues to build her skills, confidence, and Australian work experience.

This opportunity has been an important milestone in Zuhal's career journey. Her first job in Australia has enabled her to gain valuable workplace experience, develop new skills, and establish a strong foundation for her future.

Stories like Zuhal's highlight the power of meaningful employment opportunities and the positive impact they can have for refugee and migrant women rebuilding their careers in Australia. Thank you to Leica Biosystems for partnering with SisterWorks and helping create pathways for talented women to contribute, grow, and succeed.

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. 💜