This program funds NSW organisations to implement projects that support women from focus communities who are experiencing persistent barriers to 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
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram 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
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram 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
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram 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
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram 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
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram 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
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram 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
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram 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
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram 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
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram 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
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
1 yearJune 2024
What was approved
Approved for ACON
Proud and Ready provides an evidence-based, paid health promotion and community development internship and peer network for NSW LGBTQ women. The aim is to demonstrably improve the knowledge, skills, and experience of participants, equip them to overcome barriers to employment, provide real work experience, and support for future placements.
$249,808 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2024Location of the project
Hunter, Northern NSW, SydneyLocation of the recipient
SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
9
Applications received
72
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
16 monthsWhat was approved
Approved for Beacon Laundry
The Women@Work project focuses on women facing significant barriers to employment and providing pathways to employment at Beacon laundry or in mainstream employment. The project provides tailored wrap around supports, mentoringand on-the-job training.
$250,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2024Location of the project
Northern NSWLocation of the recipient
ByronAbout the grant
Applications approved
9
Applications received
72
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Two yearsWhat was approved
Approved for Community Resources Limited
RENEW will engage with Aboriginal women in the Forster-Tuncurry region through a flexible and culturally safe program that includes training, employment, and mentoring. Participants will build on-the-job skills and confidence, receiving holistic support to achieve qualifications and lasting employment.
$228,480 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2024Location of the project
Mid North CoastLocation of the recipient
Mid-CoastAbout the grant
Applications approved
9
Applications received
72
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Two yearsWhat was approved
Approved for COMPACT Incorporated
Successful Futures targets regional women and girls at all stages of their career journey, directly supporting them to confidently enter or return to work, gain work experience, upskill, refresh or change career pathways.
$250,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2024Location of the project
MurrumbidgeeLocation of the recipient
Wagga WaggaAbout the grant
Applications approved
9
Applications received
72
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Two yearsWhat was approved
Approved for Generation Australia
The Empowered Pathways project will support 60 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women into employment through training, mentorship, wraparound support, and employment support.
$246,200 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2024Location of the project
Nepean Blue Mountains, South Western Sydney, Western SydneyLocation of the recipient
SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
9
Applications received
72
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
18 monthsWhat was approved
Approved for Her Futures Foundation Limited
Her Futures Foundation will support First Nations women and girls to enter or re-enter the workforce. Services will include culturally appropriate wrap around supports to assist those experiencing complex and persistent barriers to employment whilst supporting women to gain increased work readiness, confidence and employment.
$250,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2024Location of the project
Northern NSW, Western NSW, Western SydneyLocation of the recipient
KempseyAbout the grant
Applications approved
9
Applications received
72
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Two yearsWhat was approved
Approved for Jigsaw Group
This project will offer ten weeks of employment training and work experience at Jigsaw to women with disability who do not receive NDIS funding. It will provide them with wraparound support for their employment journeys for the long-term.
$100,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2024Location of the project
Northern SydneyLocation of the recipient
SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
9
Applications received
72
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Two yearsWhat was approved
Approved for SHINE for Kids
A holistic, strengths-based mentoring program for young women identified as at-risk of entering the justice system, or those transitioning out of custody in Western Sydney. The program supports young women with complex, overlapping challenges to re-engage them with employment and community and help them thrive
$193,870 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2024Location of the project
South Western SydneyLocation of the recipient
SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
9
Applications received
72
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Two yearsWhat was approved
Approved for Success Works Partners
The Pathways to Potential Program will provide employment or employment pathway support for 50 women with a criminal record, to help them achieve financial independence. Mentoring, one-to-one support, job readiness workshops and introductions to supportive employer partners will be provided to these women to succeed.
$250,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2024Location of the project
Nepean Blue Mountains, South Eastern Sydney, South Western Sydney, Sydney, Western SydneyLocation of the recipient
SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
9
Applications received
72
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Two yearsJune 2023
What was approved
Approved for Angus Knight Foundation Limited
The program is an 'end to end supported journey' with person centred and customised service to engage and enable Indigenous women and girls to re-engage with the workforce and aspire to leadership in a culturally safe place with onsite mentoring support.
$250,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
Coffs Harbour City Council, Kempsey, Newcastle City Council, South Western SydneyLocation of the recipient
Coffs Harbour City Council, Kempsey, Newcastle City Council, Western SydneyAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce Inc.
In partnership with the Western Sydney University offers CALD community with person-centred mentorship, wrap around support and training in digital, financial and language literacy. Participants will gain recognised credentials from a trustworthy provider to assist women return to work, build resilience and improve health and wellbeing.
$137,968 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
Canterbury-Bankstown CouncilLocation of the recipient
Canterbury-Bankstown CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for Carers NSW Ltd
Supporting women carers to overcome enduring and complex barriers to entering or re-entering the workforce by providing person-centred career guidance and support to identify, work towards and obtain paid employment in roles and industries that align with their skills and interests.
$249,926 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
North Sydney CouncilLocation of the recipient
North Sydney CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for Community Support Services Incorporated
Empowering women experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage to secure employment in Western Sydney's fashion and textile industry. The program offers a 10-week culturally-safe immersion to build skills and confidence, and provides tailored support and mentoring to maximise opportunities for sustainable employment.
$191,950 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
Canterbury-Bankstown CouncilLocation of the recipient
Canterbury-Bankstown CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for Dignity Ltd
The program aims to reduce the barriers for women experiencing homelessness to find their path forward. The program provides stable housing, identifies employment and education opportunities through wrap-around support, empowering women to increase their future affordability and economic dignity.
$139,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
Blacktown City Council, Campbelltown City Council, Canterbury-Bankstown Council, City of Parramatta Council, Liverpool City CouncilLocation of the recipient
Blacktown City Council, Campbelltown City Council, Canterbury-Bankstown Council, City of Parramatta Council, Liverpool City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for Older Women's Network NSW
Supports older women who are seeking employment by providing both one-on-one coaching/mentoring support and small group sessions to build the skills and confidence to gain employment, as well as to remain in the workforce by providing mentoring to navigate workplace issues.
$249,800 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
Newtown 2042Location of the recipient
Newtown 2042About the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for Plate it Forward Catering Pty Ltd
This program responds to the need for greater economic and social inclusion for women from low socio-economic backgrounds by creating training and employment opportunities through social enterprise hospitality venues and partner organisation for additional wrap-around support.
$150,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
City of Parramatta Council, Council of the City of Sydney, Inner West Council, North Sydney CouncilLocation of the recipient
City of Parramatta Council, City of Parramatta Council, Inner West Council, North Sydney CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for Settlement Services International Limited
Assists with women aged 25-44 years from CALD backgrounds in South Western Sydney who require intensive and tailored support to address complex barriers to achieving their purpose of returning to the workforce. The model offers job readiness activities, training and mentoring session for pathways to employment and engagement with local employment networks.
$242,755 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
Campbelltown City Council, Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Fairfield City Council, Liverpool City CouncilLocation of the recipient
Campbelltown City Council, Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Fairfield City Council, Liverpool City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn Incorporated
Assists women in the Goulburn, Young and surrounding regions to find pathways into work by providing information, referrals, resources and wrap-around support. A bespoke program with two parts, facilitated workshop and individual mentoring session that enrich the lives of women, partnering and collaborating with local communities.
$250,000 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Hilltops Council, Upper Lachlan Shire Council, Yass Valley CouncilLocation of the recipient
Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Hilltops Council, Upper Lachlan Shire Council, Yass Valley CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for St Vincent de Paul Society Canberra/Goulburn Incorporated
Partnering with a local community services consultancy to deliver mentorship, training, pathways to employment, tailored wrap around support to the Far South Coast Community giving women the opportunity to engage in work related education, employment and work placements.
$248,600 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
Bega Valley Shire Council, Eurobodalla Shire CouncilLocation of the recipient
Bega Valley Shire Council, Eurobodalla Shire CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for Two Good Foundation Limited
An employment pathways program for women experiencing homelessness or domestic violence in the Two Good kitchen supported by job-readiness skills, employment opportunities, dedicated coaching and training.
$235,480 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
Bayside Council, City of Parramatta Council, Council of the City of Sydney, Inner West Council, North Sydney Council, Northern Beaches Council, Randwick City Council, Strathfield Municipal Council, Waverley CouncilLocation of the recipient
Bayside Council, City of Parramatta Council, Council of the City of Sydney, Inner West Council, North Sydney Council, Northern Beaches Council, Randwick City Council, Strathfield Municipal Council, Waverley CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for Whitelion Youth
Provides tailored individual support, employment foundations development, referrals and pathways to employment (including wrap-around support, training and work readiness) for young women aged 18-24 in Southwestern Sydney at high risk of unemployment due to experience of homelessness, leaving out of home care, justice system engagement, and growing up in refugee and newly arrived families.
$227,118 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
Camden Council, Campbelltown City CouncilLocation of the recipient
Camden Council, Campbelltown City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.What was approved
Approved for Zen Tea Lounge Foundation Ltd
The program focuses on supporting women from CALD backgrounds who are DFV survivors, supporting to rebuild their life by accessing pathways to employment, including job placement at the social enterprise, linked with local employment after completion of job placement and providing work ready training.
$167,200 was approved by
Minister for WomenDate approved
June 2023Location of the project
Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Cumberland Council, Fairfield City Council, Liverpool City CouncilLocation of the recipient
Canterbury-Bankstown Council, Cumberland Council, Fairfield City Council, Liverpool City CouncilAbout the grant
Applications approved
13
Applications received
46
Return to Work Pathways Program
Agency funding this grant
Women NSWProgram term
Up to 24 months: June 2023 – June 2025.