Sisterworks Inc

18/12/2024

On International Migrants Day, we pause to reflect on the remarkable resilience, courage, and strength of migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers around the world. Today, we honour the millions of people who leave their homes in search of safety, a better life, and new opportunities for themselves and their families.

Migration is a global experience that shapes societies, economies, and cultures. It’s a journey full of challenges, but it also creates diverse, vibrant communities that contribute to the richness of our collective future. Whether driven by conflict, persecution, or the pursuit of opportunity, migrants play a vital role in strengthening our social fabric.

At SisterWorks, we are deeply committed to supporting migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking women in their journey towards economic independence and empowerment. We believe in the power of community and the importance of offering opportunities that allow migrants to thrive in their new lives.

As we mark this important day, we celebrate the contributions of migrants and recognise the challenges they face. Let’s continue to work together to create an inclusive, welcoming environment where every person, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to succeed.

16/12/2024

🎄⏰ Don't miss out on Christmas delivery! ⏰🎄

There are just 2 DAYS LEFT to order and guarantee your gifts arrive in time for Christmas! Don’t miss out—order by December 18 to make sure your thoughtful, ethical gifts reach their destination before the big day!

Every purchase helps change a life while ticking off your holiday shopping list!

Hurry—time is running out!
https://shop.sisterworks.org.au/

05/12/2024

Empowering women is not a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s about creating opportunities for connection, growth, and independence. At SisterWorks, we provide a space where women can build confidence, learn new skills, and be part of a supportive community.

Through our Social Sewing group, Kunie found more than just a place to sew. She found a welcoming environment where women from all backgrounds come together, supporting and encouraging each other. It’s about creating lasting connections and empowering each other every step of the way.

Through SisterWorks, Sisters like Kunie gain valuable skills, build relationships, and move toward economic independence and a brighter future.

When we support women, we’re not just changing lives—we’re strengthening entire communities

Want to join or know someone who could benefit? Our classes are free! Discover what’s available and take the first step towards building a brighter future.
https://sisterworks.org.au/programs

03/12/2024

When Luchie Hull joined SisterWorks in 2023, she brought her creative spirit and love for sewing. After completing our Sewing Program, she set her sights on working with Australian Defense Apparel (ADA).

With guidance from SisterWorks, Luchie perfected her skills and passed the machine test—landing her dream role as a sewing machinist at ADA!

Fast forward to now: Luchie just celebrated her one-year anniversary at ADA! She’s thriving, loving her work, and looking forward to many more successful years ahead.

We’re so proud of Luchie’s journey and grateful for the partnership with ADA, which helps women like Luchie achieve their goals and build bright futures.

Join us in congratulating Luchie on this incredible milestone! Here's to her continued success.

01/12/2024

This Christmas, why not give gifts that truly matter? From beautiful handmade items to budget-friendly stocking stuffers, each purchase at SisterWorks empowers our Entrepreneur Sisters on their journey to independence. Join us in making a difference this holiday season!
https://shop.sisterworks.org.au/purposeful-christmas-gifts

26/11/2024

SisterWorks CircularWorks is Transforming Waste, Empowering Women, and Building a Sustainable Future.

At SisterWorks, we believe that true change starts with people. With CircularWorks, we are turning waste into high-value, eco-friendly products, while empowering women from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker backgrounds to thrive in the green economy. Through hands-on training and meaningful employment, we’re helping these women transform their futures and make a positive impact on the planet.

Farah, one of our incredible Sisters featured in this video, is a shining example of what’s possible when people come together with purpose. Farah fled Iran in search of safety, leaving behind her home, her family, and a job she loved. When she arrived in Melbourne in 2013, she spoke no English and felt isolated. But in 2018, she found SisterWorks and began her journey in our sewing program.

Today, Farah is a talented sewing instructor and a key member of our manufacturing hub. Her kindness, warmth, and generosity of spirit are felt by everyone she meets. Her story is one of resilience, growth, and the power of community.

We invite you to watch this video and see the impact of CircularWorks firsthand—Farah’s journey is just one example of how we’re transforming lives.

A heartfelt thank you to Sean Kirkwood for donating his time and talent to create this beautiful video, helping us amplify our mission and connect with communities committed to driving real change.

Please help us spread the word—share this video and join us in creating a future where people and the planet come first.

Find out more about CircularWorks and how you can partner with us to make a lasting difference: https://sisterworks.org.au/socialenterprise/circularworks

https://youtu.be/iNoZPUNMCaY?feature=shared

Turning waste into opportunity, CircularWorks transforms waste into sustainable products, fostering skills and independence for migrant, refugee, and asylum-...

22/11/2024

An Exclusive Gift from Our Partners at Wilderness Wear

We’ve teamed up with the iconic Australian-made and owned Wilderness Wear to make your SisterWorks Three Peaks Adventure even better! When you register, you’ll receive an exclusive gift pack valued at $160 RRP, including:
🧦 Merino Hiker Socks
👕 Short Sleeve Merino T-shirt

With a commitment to high-quality, ethically made outdoor clothing, Wilderness Wear is Australia’s only brand designing and manufacturing premium outdoor gear locally. Their Merino wool products are Ethical Clothing Australia accredited, ensuring both quality and ethical standards.

Register now and experience the best of Australian craftsmanship on your adventure, while supporting SisterWorks’ mission to empower women from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker backgrounds.

Ready to register? Learn more here 👉 https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/sisterworks-threepeaks-2025/

21/11/2024

Supporting social enterprise isn’t just about giving back—it’s about standing together for a brighter, stronger future.

At SisterWorks, we believe in the power of women to create lasting change—not just for themselves, but for their families and communities. Every purchase, every moment of support, helps women from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker backgrounds earn income, gain confidence, and find a true sense of belonging.

In just the past year, with the help of our amazing community, we’ve been able to:
👉 Create $3.1M in economic impact through income earned by Sisters
👉 Provide 9,667 hours of employment, building confidence, independence, and resilience
👉 Empower 85 entrepreneurial women to sell their own products and services
👉 Offer 64 wage-earning roles, opening doors to meaningful work

These aren’t just numbers—they’re lives changed. Behind every sale, every handmade item, and every SisterWorks purchase is a story of courage, hard work, and hope.

This Social Enterprise Day, we invite you to be part of these stories. By choosing to shop with SisterWorks, you’re helping women rewrite their futures. Visit our online store today and make a difference that truly matters:
www.shop.sisterworks.org.au

18/11/2024

Thanks to the City of Melbourne Social Enterprise Partnerships Grant, our Mobile Hubs are empowering incredible women like Nataliia to turn their hobbies into businesses!

After migrating from Ukraine, Nataliia joined our jewellery and sewing workshops, gaining skills, confidence, and new friends. Today, she's building a micro-business while inspiring others to follow their dreams.

Our workshops—spanning jewellery-making, painting, and sewing—are about more than skills. They're about creating a community where women thrive together.

We’re so proud to have been named a Melbourne Awards finalist this year for our work supporting over 3,000 women from 105 countries.

Let’s celebrate the power of creativity, connection, and courage!

Read Nataliia’s full story and learn about our programs: https://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/news/grant-helps-convert-dreams-day-jobs-migrant-women

💬 Tag someone who’d love to learn or support SisterWorks!

18/11/2024

What an unforgettable day for our Warehousing Sisters! Last week, we had the privilege of visiting Amazon’s site in Dandenong South—a truly inspiring place that’s been pivotal in helping our Sisters grow. At 24,000 square meters (almost three MCGs!), Amazon’s warehouse is huge, but it’s not just about the size—it’s about the opportunities and skills that this visit opened up for our women.

Through our Warehousing Program, women from migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking backgrounds are learning the skills they need to step into a brighter future. This was a glimpse of the journey ahead, one that’s full of potential and opportunity, thanks to our amazing partner, Amazon.com.

We’re deeply thankful for the ongoing support that helps empower these women, creating pathways to meaningful work and brighter futures.

17/11/2024

Although we didn’t take home the trophy at the 2024 Melbourne Awards, we are beyond grateful to have been a finalist in the prestigious Community Impact category. It’s an honour to be recognised alongside so many incredible initiatives that are shaping Melbourne for the better.

We want to take a moment to congratulate Lort Smith, the well-deserving winner, and share this beautiful video from the night, featuring our very own Mamiko, Head of Programs, and Natalia, one of our inspiring Sisters. 💜

This recognition only fuels our passion to continue supporting and empowering migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeking women. Thank you for being part of our journey!

14/11/2024

Take Advantage of Our Black Friday Deal on SisterWorks Three Peaks Adventure

Looking to embark on a meaningful adventure? From 15 November to Midnight, 2 December, register for the SisterWorks Three Peaks Adventure for just $4.95—a savings of over $280 on the standard fee when using the discount code: INFOCODE at checkout.

This limited-time Black Friday deal is the perfect opportunity to join our Three Peaks Adventure in the Victorian Alps, summiting Mt Buffalo, Mt Stirling, and Mt Feathertop, all while supporting SisterWorks’ impactful programs for women from refugee, migrant, and asylum-seeker backgrounds.

Learn more and secure your spot here: https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/sisterworks-threepeaks-2025/

14/11/2024

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing community!

Thanks to your generosity, our Bags of Rags project is thriving! Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Manaka, our Production and Operations Manager, unloading a car brimming with donations—all because of you.

These rags are getting a fresh purpose, helping keep waste out of landfills while creating sustainable employment for migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker women right here in Melbourne.

Got more old towels or sheets to spare? Let’s keep this incredible momentum going! Drop-offs are welcome at:

📍 Springvale Hub: 2B Kelly Ct, Springvale
📍 Abbotsford Hub: 375 Johnston St, Abbotsford
Mon-Fri, 10 AM to 3 PM.

Together, let’s create change, one recycled rag at a time! 💜

12/11/2024

We know that even the smallest act of support can have a big impact. One simple and effective way to help is through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme. As a registered donation partner, every time you recycle your bottles and cans, you can donate that 10 cent refund directly to SisterWorks – at no extra cost to you, just the power of community support in action! 💜

Here’s how it works:
- Download the app for your zone.
- Take your empty cans and bottles to a collection point.
- Choose the 'Donate' option and scan the barcode for SisterWorks (search "SisterWorks" under donation partners).
- Your donation will automatically be sent to SisterWorks, helping fund programs for women in need.
- Want to make it even more fun? Take a photo of you using the Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme and tag SisterWorks – we love seeing your support in action! 📸💜

There are so many locations to choose from, with even more popping up. Last week, we visited the reverse vending machine in Heidelberg West, but be sure to check the Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme website to find your closest location.

Thank you for your support – it really does make the world of difference! 🌍💚

11/11/2024

We’re thrilled to share a powerful new partnership with Liberty Society, our sister organisation in Indonesia, dedicated to supporting some of the most marginalised women. Together, we're creating opportunities to empower refugees, helping them build skills, confidence, and the chance to shape their futures.

For many of our Sisters, Indonesia has been a holding point—waiting in uncertainty, unable to work or study, and living in conditions that are far from ideal. With nearly 13,000 refugees hosted in Indonesia, many women find themselves in limbo, confined to crowded, hostel-style accommodations, unable to build a future for themselves.

Sadly, many of our Sisters don’t hear about SisterWorks until much later—after they’ve already arrived in Australia. But with this partnership, we can change that. By collaborating with Liberty Society, we will now be able to connect with these women before they reach Australia, offering them the information, support, and resources they need at the earliest stages of their journey.

When these women arrive in Australia, we want them to know that they won’t have to face the challenges of resettlement alone. We’re here to help them thrive from day one—offering skills, opportunities, and a community of support.

This partnership is all about amplifying our impact, ensuring that the women who need us most are reached at the right time. We are so proud to work with Liberty Society to make this vision a reality.

Stay tuned—this is just the beginning of something truly transformative!

08/11/2024

Olha’s journey is one of courage and resilience. In July 2022, she left Ukraine amidst the war, seeking safety and a future in Australia. Facing the uncertainty of a new country, Olha dreamed of opening a Ukrainian restaurant in Melbourne — a way to stay connected to her roots and share her culture with her new community.

By January 2023, she had started her business, DOSHADO Ukrainian Food( Catering, Pre-made food), but when she joined SisterWorks’ Small Business Program in Term 1, 2024, Olha took important steps to grow it. Here, she not only learned the essentials of running a business in Australia but also gained the confidence to pursue her dreams fully.

Olha’s message to other women: “Be confident, never give up, and don’t be afraid to learn and discover new sides of yourself.”

08/11/2024

An Adventure That Will Change Your Life – And Empower Australia’s Most Marginalised Women

This International Women’s Day, March Forward with SisterWorks and Inspired Adventures on the Three Peaks Challenge — a life-changing trek through Victoria’s iconic mountains, raising vital funds that will empower refugee, migrant, and asylum-seeking women.

Join our incredible COO, Tania, as she takes on Mt Timbertop, Mt Stirling, and Mt Buller — all in support of women rebuilding their lives and futures in Australia.

👉 Fundraising is easier than you think! With full support from the SisterWorks and Inspired Adventures teams, we’ll guide you through every step, helping you reach your goal and make a real impact. Whether it’s hosting a trivia night or organising a donation drive, we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you succeed.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is March Forward — a perfect call to action for this adventure, where we turn promise into progress. Take that first step today. Register now, or reach out to our team for more details!

🌟 Invite a friend, partner, or family member to join you on this unforgettable journey. Together, we can make a lasting difference for these incredible women!

https://inspiredadventures.com.au/event/sisterworks-threepeaks-2025/

02/11/2024

This Christmas, why not give gifts that truly matter? From beautiful handmade items to budget-friendly stocking stuffers, each purchase at SisterWorks empowers our Entrepreneur Sisters on their journey to independence. Join us in making a difference this holiday season!

https://shop.sisterworks.org.au/christmas-gifts/