The Albanese Labor Government is supporting communities across Australia to be strong and resilient.
Assistant Minister for Social Security, Ageing and Women, Kate Thwaites, today visited Be Hers Ltd to learn about their Dream Again Empowerment Project.
Hobart based organisation, Be Hers, received $360,000 through the Strong and Resilient Communities (SARC) grant program, to support migrant, refugee and vulnerable women to gain economic security and financial independence through a combination of one-on-one and group activities and workshops.
To date, the project has supported 46 women, including culturally and linguistically diverse women from countries such as Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Iran and Syria. Activities include training in the textile and fashion industry, work experience and skills development in a retail shop setting, and training in cafés for women seeking to enter the hospitality industry.
Assistant Minister Thwaites said: “the Albanese Labor Government is proudly supporting this project in Hobart that is making a real difference in women’s lives”.
“Speaking with participants ahead of their graduation ceremony, it was clear to see the impact this program has had helping the women in boosting their confidence, connecting them with social and professional networks and building their skills.”
“One woman is now looking to start her own catering business to support herself and her family, while another has been inspired to start her own art business with the help of a mentor who has provided one on one support,” Assistant Minister Thwaites said.
Melody Towns, Founding CEO of Be Hers, said: “Be Hers is built on the belief that everyone deserves freedom. In our country and city, exploitation is on the rise, especially for women facing isolation, family violence, poverty, homelessness, and migration. We are committed to standing against violence and exploitation by creating safe spaces where women are valued, supported, and empowered to dream again.”
“Through comprehensive support, community connections, a focus on health and wellbeing, and mentorship that leads to skills development and employment pathways, we have witnessed these women rebuild their lives, find secure jobs, and integrate into the wider community”.
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said organisations funded under the SARC grant program deliver targeted services to help build capacity at a local level.
“Our Government is committed to building strong and resilient communities, and to helping Australians who need extra support,” Minister Rishworth said.
“To do this, we need to invest into the communities that need it most and with the organisations that can make the biggest difference to the future of community members.”
“We know that the successful organisations are well placed to help some of our most vulnerable, including young people, people with disability, unemployed people, women and First Nations people.”
The funding builds on the Labor Government’s record to help Australians with cost of living relief, including:
- providing every Australian taxpayer a tax cut
- increasing Commonwealth Rent Assistance for nearly one million households
- boosting funding for emergency and food relief services, along with financial counselling
- extending the freeze on deeming rates for 876,000 income support recipients.
More information about the SARC Activity is available on the Department of Social Services website.