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Local organisations can now apply for a share in $2 million in funding to support programs targeted to empower women from diverse backgrounds to thrive in the workforce.
The NSW Government’s Return to Work Pathways Program has launched a new round of applications with grants between $100,000 and $250,000 available for organisations to provide training, mentoring and pathways to employment for diverse women.
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch MP said the Return to Work Pathways Program was designed to help women from diverse backgrounds overcome barriers to employment.
“I want everyone in my community to enjoy the same opportunities to succeed in their career.
“This program has a proven track record of helping women to overcome barriers and gain a sense of achievement in the job of their dreams.
“Any organisations in Gosford who have the ideas to help local women succeed are encouraged to apply.”
Since its inception in 2023, the Return to Work Pathways Program has funded 13 successful projects and is supporting more than 1,000 women with their employment goals.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said the NSW Government was committed to fostering economic opportunity and boosting female participation in the workforce.
“The Return to Work Pathways program supports those objectives by focusing on initiatives that support women who are experiencing persistent barriers to employment.
“Grants awarded through this program have helped women access sustainable employment opportunities through coaching and training, mentorships or local opportunities.
“Creating pathways to employment means women can have financial security and face life’s challenges with confidence.”
The Return to Work Pathways Program has helped pave the way to success stories.
One example includes social enterprise hospitality group Plate It Forward, which received a $150,000 grant to create training and employment opportunities for refugee women last year.
The project delivered over 1,100 hours of employment support and on the job training through a mix of formal and informal training sessions. Plate it Forward employs 15 women, with one participant recently promoted to a supervisory role.
Head of Impact at Plate It Forward Gemma Clendining said the Return to Work Pathways Program made a difference.
“Many of the women we encounter experienced challenges finding work due to limited work experience or limited English language skills. Financial stress was also a recurring challenge, with 50 per cent reliant on government support as their main source of income.
“Since our program started six months ago, all 15 women supported by the Return to Work Pathways Program have not only maintained their employment and increased their skills but also demonstrated a newfound self-assurance while doing so.
“Our goals for the future are to support women further through their career development to ensure greater financial wellbeing in the long-term, not just for them, but for their families and communities.”
The Return to Work Pathways Program will focus on supporting women and girls:
- From Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
- Living in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW
- Of diverse sexualities and genders, including those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer and/or asexual
- Who are living with disability
- Who are living with mental illness
- Who are in contact with the criminal justice system
- Who are veterans
Return to Work Pathways Program grant applications are now open and close Monday 11 March 2024.
For more information on the grant program, eligibility information and how to apply, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/return-to-work-pathways-program
