The Hon Kate Thwaites MP
Assistant Minister for Social Security
Assistant Minister for Ageing
Assistant Minister for Women
The Hon Julian Hill MP
Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs
The Albanese Government is supporting women in Melbourne's south-east by providing $120,000 to social enterprise SisterWorks.
SisterWorks is one organisation receiving funding in the latest round of the Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI) Capability Building Grants.
The funding will support their Employment Pathways Program and Manufacturing Hub, which helps women into employment, breaking the cycle of disadvantage and building their financial independence.
Assistant Minister for Social Security, Ageing and Women, Kate Thwaites, said social enterprises like SisterWorks do important work supporting local communities.
"We want all Australians, including women from migrant and refugee backgrounds to thrive, and social enterprises play a critical role in combating entrenched disadvantage within these communities," Assistant Minister Thwaites said.
"Since 2013, SisterWorks has helped over 3,500 migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker women from 105 countries to build a better life in Australia.
"Through programs like supporting refugee and migrant women to design and sell jewellery, run cafes, kitchens and other businesses, SisterWorks sets women on a path to financial independence."
Federal Member for Bruce and Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill, celebrated SisterWorks and their work as a local organisation empowering women to develop the skills and confidence needed for economic independence.
"SisterWorks does such important work providing women in our community with the skills they need to gain employment and financial independence.
"The SisterWorks Empowerment Hub right here in Dandenong is an incredible resource. I've seen firsthand the impact it has had on thousands of local women from refugee and migrant backgrounds as they settle into Australia.
"This essential funding will allow SisterWorks to expand their program even further, helping women from across Victoria set themselves up for their future."
SEDI is part of the Government's Targeting Entrenched Disadvantage integrated package of over $200 million to address entrenched disadvantage in communities, first announced in the 2023-24 Budget.
