SisterWorks Strengthens Social Impact with New Sustainable Production Hub in Melbourne

This expansion, funded by the pioneering Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE) Grant program managed by the Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation as part of an innovative collaboration, will significantly increase SisterWorks’ production capacity.

The new facility will strengthen SisterWorks' existing capabilities, including assembling, packing, repurposing unwanted materials, upcycling, and equipment rental and repairs. This initiative specifically targets the City of Greater Dandenong, a culturally rich area with the highest rate of families lacking a parent in paid employment in metropolitan Melbourne (31%).

SisterWorks has been actively engaged in Circular Economy Projects since 2020, exemplified by their successful ‘Banners to Bags’ project with the City of Melbourne. This commitment to minimising environmental impact is a core part of their mission, as evidenced by their focus on designing and manufacturing products from donated materials.

“It is fantastic to receive this WISE grant, the support will allow us to not only increase our capacity and sustainability but we will be able to double the number of employment opportunities for migrant and refugee women in South East Melbourne. Women in this region encounter growing obstacles, and this support will significantly alleviate these challenges.”

Ifrin Fittock, CEO SisterWorks

The new hub formalises these practices, aligning perfectly with the growing emphasis on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and environmental sustainability. This focus attracted the attention of key partners like Yarra Trams, whose needs for high-quality manufacturing with a social impact component helped shape the direction of the hub's development. SisterWorks partnered with Toyota to optimise the hub's productivity, allowing them to not only fulfil Yarra Trams needs but also expand their services and partnerships with other environmentally conscious businesses.

The new hub is a direct response to the growing needs of partners like Yarra Trams. Their existing collaboration highlights SisterWorks' capabilities: reupholstering tram seats, upcycling discarded materials, and manufacturing bespoke tram components.

"This opportunity will make SisterWorks a rail ready supplier capable of manufacturing rail parts to quality and safety standards integral to the industry while also delivering social value through women’s economic empowerment to the Victorian Community. We see the amazing value SisterWorks will bring to the rail industry, and so we are very excited about our ongoing partnership with SisterWorks." - Carla Purcell, CEO, Yarra Trams

Supporting this endeavour not only enables SisterWorks to further its mission of empowering migrant, refugee and asylum-seeker women but also underscores its commitment to sustainable practices, aligning with the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility in the business landscape.