This program funds NSW organisations to implement projects that support women from priority cohorts who are experiencing persistent barriers to employment to gain increased work readiness and to secure sustainable employment.
April 2025
What was approved
Approved for Blacktown Regional Economic and Employment Development (BREED) Taskforce Inc
The TradeReady initiative is an alternative education model for CALD women in Western Sydney, enhancing resilience and mindset alongside apprenticeships. The project fosters confidence, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, helping participants enter trades and complete the first two years.
$247,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
April 2025Location of the project
City of Parramatta, Cumberland, Fairfield, LiverpoolLocation of the recipient
BlacktownAbout the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
141
2024-25 Return to Work Pathways Program
Program term
2 yearsWhat was approved
Approved for Community Support Services Incorporated
Stitch the Gap will address socio-economic disadvantage of women in Western Sydney, training and paying women to produce sustainable fashion, repurposing damaged or unsold fashion items into products sold through Community Support Services and sustainable fashion partners.
$200,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
April 2025Location of the recipient
Canterbury-BankstownAbout the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
141
2024-25 Return to Work Pathways Program
Program term
2 yearsWhat was approved
Approved for Ngabul Foundation Limited
The project delivers intensive, one-on-one cultural mentoring to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women at-risk of disengagement from employment, including those transitioning from custody back into the community, to re-engage them with meaningful study and employment opportunities.
$237,777 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
April 2025Location of the project
CampbelltownLocation of the recipient
SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
141
2024-25 Return to Work Pathways Program
Program term
2 yearsWhat was approved
Approved for Plate it Forward Limited
Provides paid employment, training, mentorship, and leadership development for migrant women in hospitality. Participants gain real-world employment experience and pathways to launch independent businesses, employing migrant women and fostering economic independence and community empowerment.
$100,168 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
April 2025Location of the recipient
SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
141
2024-25 Return to Work Pathways Program
Program term
1 yearWhat was approved
Approved for Red Chief Local Aboriginal Land Council
Supports Aboriginal women facing employment barriers by providing culturally appropriate training, mentoring, and job readiness skills. This initiative aims to boost confidence, enhance employability, and secure sustainable employment opportunities for women in the Gunnedah region.
$186,550 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
April 2025Location of the recipient
GunnedahAbout the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
141
2024-25 Return to Work Pathways Program
Program term
2 yearsWhat was approved
Approved for RSL LifeCare Limited
This program offers aged care traineeships, with tailored wrap-around support including transport, digital tools, and mentoring. Participants gain paid job placement, flexible training, and direct pathways to employment within the growing age care sector.
$170,469 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
April 2025Location of the project
Bega Valley, Dubbo Regional, Lachlan, Narrandera, Port Macquarie-Hastings, Shoalhaven, Wagga WaggaLocation of the recipient
Lane CoveAbout the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
141
2024-25 Return to Work Pathways Program
Program term
2 yearsWhat was approved
Approved for Skillset Limited
Skillset’s Career Connect program supports young women in regional NSW, offering tailored mentoring, work-readiness training, and career support. The project enhances confidence and employability, creating pathways to sustainable employment while addressing individual needs.
$249,999 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
April 2025Location of the project
Dubbo Regional, Mid-Western RegionalLocation of the recipient
Bathurst RegionalAbout the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
141
2024-25 Return to Work Pathways Program
Program term
2 yearsWhat was approved
Approved for Specialisterne Centre Australia Limited
The Neuroinclusion Pathways Program enables and improves access to meaningful employment for NSW neurodivergent women. The program includes tailored work readiness training, mentoring, employer engagement and training, workplace support and pathways to employment.
$225,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
April 2025Location of the recipient
SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
141
2024-25 Return to Work Pathways Program
Program term
2 yearsWhat was approved
Approved for The Skill Engineer Ltd
The Metal Matriarchs encourages First Nations women to seek employment in a non-traditional trade. Participants complete a Certificate II Engineering and are supported into employment or self-employment. They will obtain a forklift licence, white-card and receive financial tuition.
$249,940 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
April 2025Location of the recipient
Central CoastAbout the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
141
2024-25 Return to Work Pathways Program
Program term
1 yearWhat was approved
Approved for Youth Off The Streets Limited
This project empowers young women experiencing, or at risk of homelessness, with the skills, confidence and support to overcome employment barriers. The program integrates both non-accredited and accredited training, practical work experience, industry engagement, and tailored support.
$130,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
April 2025Location of the project
Blacktown, Fairfield, Inner West, MaitlandLocation of the recipient
SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
10
Applications received
141
2024-25 Return to Work Pathways Program
Program term
1 year