Sisterworks Inc

27/08/2025

When old jerseys find new purpose, women find new opportunity.

In partnership with Richmond FC, our Sisters have upcycled over 100 kilos of surplus AFL merchandise, transforming waste into something meaningful.

The best part? Every stitch supports women from refugee, migrant, and asylum-seeking backgrounds to build skills, independence, and brighter futures.

That’s the power of community. That’s the power of 💛🖤

26/08/2025

When brands and social enterprises come together, impact multiplies.

Our story with Melbourne-based brand simétrie began in 2020 with the launch of the Sisterly Collection—a limited-edition series of totes and pouches that celebrated sisterhood, creativity, and sustainability. This collaboration marked the beginning of a strong partnership built on shared values and a commitment to empowering women.

Today, the partnership continues through the production of handcrafted organic cotton dust bags, made by SisterWorks artisans to protect and elevate simétrie’s beautiful accessories. Each piece provides both sustainable packaging and meaningful employment opportunities for women from refugee and migrant backgrounds.

Read the full case study to learn more:
https://sisterworks.org.au/articles/simetrie

24/08/2025

🌟 Meet Sonya — our new Human Resources and Volunteer Coordinator! 🌟

Sonya first joined SisterWorks in August 2024 as an HR intern, later volunteering under the guidance of our HR team. Now, she’s officially stepping into her new role based at our Springvale Hub, where she’ll lead recruitment, onboarding, and staff development for our staff, Sisters, and volunteers.

Her passion for this work comes from her own lived experience, born in India to in*******al Chinese and Indian parents and from a family with deep refugee roots, Sonya understands the value of creating spaces where women feel seen, supported, and empowered. She’s currently completing her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is dedicated to helping women flourish in confidence, independence, and purpose.

We’re so excited to have Sonya on board, please join us in giving her a warm SisterWorks welcome! 💜

21/08/2025

Yesterday, our CEO Ifrin Fittock joined Mike Loder in the Ticker studio to share how SisterWorks is creating pathways for women from migrant, refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds to build brighter futures.

Finding work in a new country is not easy. Too many women face barriers like unrecognised qualifications, language challenges and a lack of networks. These barriers hold women back from opportunities, and they hold back Australia too.

At SisterWorks, we know that when women are given the chance, they move into meaningful jobs in months instead of years. That’s why we created social enterprises like CircularWorks, our ethical manufacturing arm that transforms textile waste while creating jobs, skills and independence for women. It is one of the many ways we combine empowerment with opportunity, ensuring women can contribute fully to their families, their communities and our economy.

We are proud that the SisterWorks message is being heard more widely, and grateful to Ticker News and Mike Loder for opening space for this important conversation. Every time these stories are shared, we take another step toward an Australia built on equity and equal opportunity.

19/08/2025

Meet the Team: Vung

Say hello to Vung from Myanmar! She’s been with SisterWorks since 2020, creating everything from hand-poured candles and reusable shopping bags to scrunchies and even reupholstering and upcycling tram seat covers.
Vung first discovered SisterWorks when we visited her English class, and with a little encouragement from her teacher, she joined our community, and we’re so glad she did! Now she works in our Springvale Manufacturing Hub, bringing her creativity and heart to everything she does.

We’re so proud to have Vung in our SisterWorks family, helping to empower women and create beautiful, high-quality products. 💜

👉 Know someone who could benefit from SisterWorks' programs? Tag them or visit sisterworks.org.au to learn more.

18/08/2025

Located just a short walk from our Dandenong Empowerment Hub, Holiday Inn Dandenong welcomed diversity from day one. Today, 90% of its 50 staff come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including four amazing Sisters from the SisterWorks community, two of whom have been part of the team since the hotel opened. One Sister is now on track to become a supervisor through the hotel’s leadership program, after building skills, confidence, and connections through our training programs.

If you’re ready to take your next step toward employment, registrations are now open for the next term at our Empowerment Hubs in Abbotsford and Dandenong.

Work Empowers Women — and it can start with you.
Register today: www.sisterworks.org.au/programs

17/08/2025

🌟 Meet Matt — the newest friendly face in our Impact team! 🌟

Matt has joined SisterWorks as our Grants Administration and Writing Officer, bringing over 5 years of experience in grants and fundraising for a First Nations non-profit organisation. He’s passionate about building partnerships, securing vital funding, and creating long-term change alongside diverse communities in Australia.

Matt says, “I’m really excited to work with and support the vision of SisterWorks, by securing critical funding for programs that create lasting impact for migrant women.”

We’re so excited to have him on board — please help us give Matt a warm SisterWorks welcome! 💜

15/08/2025

Say hello to My! Originally from Vietnam, My has been living in Australia for 13 years. She came to SisterWorks for our sewing course and has been a vital part of our team ever since.

Working out of the Springvale Manufacturing Hub, she sews anything and everything from tram seat covers to shopping bags with passion and precision.

We’re proud to support My and celebrate her incredible contribution to our social enterprise. 💜

👉 Know someone who could benefit from SisterWorks' programs? Tag them or visit sisterworks.org.au to learn more.

13/08/2025

After migrating to Australia with her young son, Shiela was searching for a fresh start. She found it through SisterWorks.

With support from our free Hospitality Training Program, she gained the confidence, skills, and community she needed to land a job at Bendigo Brittle, and now she’s helping other women feel at home too.

Shiela is one of hundreds of women who’ve turned potential into opportunity through our Employment Pathways Program.

77% of graduates say the program helped them get their next job.

If you’re from a migrant, refugee, or asylum-seeker background, we’re here to walk alongside you.

Register for our free programs: https://sisterworks.org.au/programs

12/08/2025

🌟 Celebrating Our Sisters in the Warehousing Program! 🌟

Our Dandenong hub is buzzing with energy as our current Warehousing Program Sisters shine!

Over the past weeks, these incredible women have been learning hands-on skills in warehousing, manufacturing, and production. While also building the confidence to step into meaningful work opportunities.

From workplace tours to career coaching, resume writing, and interview prep, they’re not just gaining job-ready skills but they’re building community, resilience, and a brighter future.

This free program is designed for women from migrant, asylum seeker, and refugee backgrounds, supporting them to find fulfilling work and thrive in their new home.💜

📦 Here’s to pick-packing new skills, stacking up achievements, and shipping out with confidence into the next chapter!

Want to learn more? Visit: https://sisterworks.org.au/articles/warehousing

07/08/2025

Nadia and Najmin, two of our wonderful Sisters, are getting hands-on with a fun role-play activity, building the confidence, communication, and real-world skills that open doors to employment.

Customer service training is more than answering questions. It’s about active listening, responding with empathy, and connecting with people from all walks of life. These role-plays offer a safe space to practise, grow, and support each other through every learning moment.

Want to build your skills and step confidently into your next opportunity? Registrations are now open for our Term Three Customer Service Program. Join a supportive, empowering environment and get ready for work that makes a difference.
https://sisterworks.org.au/programs

05/08/2025

“I wanted to work and contribute, but I just didn’t know where to begin.”

Corrina arrived in Australia in 2021, ready to build a better future—but like many migrant women, she faced barrier after barrier trying to find work.

Then she called SisterWorks. Today, she’s a full-time Team Leader at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).

Corrina’s story is one of resilience, growth, and the power of opportunity.

Read her full story, in her own words:
https://sisterworks.org.au/pages/articles/corrina-s-stor

Corrina