Shiela

In 2023, Sheila migrated from the Philippines to Melbourne with her five-year-old son to reunite with her husband, who had moved to Australia the year before to pursue his studies. With a background in broadcasting and experience working as a marketing executive, as well as co-running a small business with her husband, Sheila arrived with ambition and skills, but starting fresh in a new country wasn’t easy.

Settling in regional Victoria, Sheila quickly encountered the limitations of her visa, which allowed her to work only 24 hours per week. “I applied for admin roles, which I’d done before, but once employers heard about my visa restrictions, the conversation ended,” she recalls. “They were friendly, but I could see the door was closed.”

Beyond work barriers, adjusting to life in Australia brought its own challenges. The language gap made her hesitant to even step outside on good days. “I didn’t want to walk around because I was afraid someone would talk to me, and I wouldn’t know how to respond.”

Everything changed when Sheila joined SisterWorks’ Hospitality Training Program in early 2024. She didn’t just learn practical skills, but she gained the confidence to communicate, contribute, and connect. “I used to be so scared to speak,” she says. “But working at Bendigo Brittle gave me the chance to practise. My vocabulary grew, and with that, my confidence grew and now I don't hesitate to take a walk on a sunny day”

Today, Sheila works part-time at Bendigo Brittle, where she plays a key role in both the kitchen and the team. From helping new Sisters settle in to supporting daily production, she’s become a trusted and capable member of the workforce and is proud of how far she’s come.

Her sights are now set on her next goal: becoming a kindergarten teacher. “I’ve always loved working with children,” she says. “And now, with support from SisterWorks, I’m looking at courses and building toward that dream.”

What made the biggest difference? “SisterWorks gave me a community,” Sheila says. “They made me feel supported, guided me toward new opportunities, and reminded me that I’m capable of more than I ever imagined and focused on building my confidence every step of the way.”

With SisterWorks, Sheila found her voice again.