Yarra Trams

About the Partnership

The partnership between SisterWorks and Yarra Trams emerged from Yarra Trams’ Community Partnership Program and evolved into a transformative Shared Value Partnership (SVP). This innovative collaboration has woven SisterWorks' core services into Yarra Trams' operations, providing sustainable manufacturing and upcycling services that support Yarra Trams' corporate social responsibility goals.

Key initiatives include tram seat refurbishment, upcycling tram seat fabric into Yarra Trams-branded merchandise, and the supply of textiles. SisterWorks has become an integral part of Yarra Trams' social procurement strategy, proving that responsible manufacturing can also deliver substantial social impact.

Partnership Impact

As the SisterWorks and Yarra Trams partnership continues to grow, we project the following annual impact:

• 833 hours of employment for priority jobseekers, offering valuable opportunities for women to build skills and gain financial independence.

• An estimated $125,000 in social and economic impact, contributing to the empowerment of migrant, refugee, and asylum-seeker women.

• Diverting 4 tonnes of waste from landfills each year, reducing the environmental footprint through upcycling and sustainable practices.

• A 15% increase in SisterWorks’ Social Enterprise revenue, supporting the long-term sustainability and growth of our mission.

These projections highlight the transformative potential of this partnership as we work together to deliver social value and sustainability outcomes in the coming years.

In addition to these achievements, Yarra Trams has provided SisterWorks with the resources and platform to expand into new sectors, such as rail safety manufacturing. Our collaboration has helped SisterWorks double its embroidery capacity and establish regional job opportunities in partnership with Aboriginal-owned business A2B Consumables.

Why Partner with SisterWorks?

By partnering with SisterWorks, organisations like Yarra Trams benefit in several ways:

• Social Procurement Leadership: Our collaboration demonstrates Yarra Trams' leadership in social procurement, helping them meet their corporate social responsibility goals while contributing to meaningful social change.

• Sustainable Solutions: SisterWorks offers innovative, environmentally friendly services, such as textile upcycling, which helps partners reduce waste and promote sustainability.

• Diverse Skill sets: Our workforce, made up of women from migrant and refugee backgrounds, brings unique talents and diverse perspectives to manufacturing and creative projects.

• Positive Social Impact: Partnering with SisterWorks directly contributes to the economic empowerment of vulnerable women, fostering greater community inclusion and creating tangible social and economic benefits.

SisterWorks in Action

One of the most exciting aspects of the Yarra Trams partnership is the opportunity for real-world impact. The Sisters in Rail Program has created employment opportunities, increased skills in manufacturing and rail safety, and introduced new career paths for women, particularly in the historically male-dominated rail sector.

Additionally, Yarra Trams has helped SisterWorks grow beyond the partnership, introducing us to new business opportunities and fostering collaborations with other organisations. This has opened doors for SisterWorks to expand its impact even further, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our programs.

Looking Forward

The success of the Yarra Trams and SisterWorks partnership demonstrates the power of shared value and responsible business practices. This collaboration highlights how organisations can work together to create a positive impact, not only for the environment but also for the economic empowerment of marginalised communities.

Become a SisterWorks Partner

Interested in making a difference? Partnering with SisterWorks allows your organisation to lead in social procurement, contribute to sustainability, and support economic empowerment for women from diverse backgrounds. Contact us at corporate@sisterworks.org.au to learn more about how we can create a meaningful partnership together.