In 2025, the Give Where You Live Foundation launched a new round of innovation grants, to support new ideas and approaches that seek to shift systems, structures and policies, and address the root causes of inequity in our community.
Through this focus, the Foundation aims to support innovative solutions that create opportunities today and also shift the conditions that lead to disadvantage in the first place. This year’s Innovation Fund Grants focused on our focus areas of inclusive employment and regenerative economic development.
In a wonderful example of collaboration and community led impact, Cultura, Catholic Care and War on Waste Cartel came together to launch a project designed to create employment pathways for refugee and multicultural women. Backed by a Give Where You Live Foundation $45,000 Seed & Catalyst grant, this initiative is showing that it is more than just an employment program.
The project aims to build confidence, connection, and capability by establishing a local sewing hub that provides real-world work experience. Partnering with small-scale manufacturers, participants will develop hands-on sewing skills while repurposing upcycled hessian coffee sacks into reusable bags.
This initiative goes beyond sewing. Participants will be supported to learn foundational business skills, explore pathways into employment, or launch their own microbusiness ventures.
Brooke Hyland, Head of GROW at the Give Where You Live Foundation, said the initiative is a promising example of what place-based partnerships can achieve.
“Women from refugee and multicultural communities face complex barriers to employment, from language and transport, to systemic exclusion. This program creates a safe and supportive environment where they can gain practical skills, build networks, and take meaningful steps toward financial independence.”
Corrie Inei, Manager Skills Pathways, Employment Support and Youth Initiative – Settlement and Community Services from Cultura was delighted to give us an update at our recent AGM.
“Think of that fun childhood experience of sand or playdough being formed into a volcano with bi-carb soda at the base and the way the volcano becomes “active” when vinegar is added. This is what we are talking about here.
We had 4 ingredients in our hand:
- Women from a multicultural background, often with limited English, extensive caring duties and very impressive sewing skills,
- our ‘Room to Grow’ space at Cultura which is a designated and familiar safe space for women,
- the formidable Sarah Cunningham who wears both a Catholic Care Victoria hat and Cultura hat
- and Sam Marnell of War on Waste Cartel who has the fantastic product needing to be manufactured – repurposed coffee bags, along with a deep passion for improving economic outcomes for women.
“The activator is the Seed and Catalyst grant and “whoosh” – Sew Good Cultura has come to life.”
“Since July, 5 women have gone through a pre-accredited microbusiness course adapted to their needs. 9 women have started, or are in the process of starting their own business with the coaching and mentoring support of Narelle Arthur at Global Sisters and Joanne Jenkins at Many Rivers. Over 100 bags have been created to spec, and we have a waitlist of 12 women wanting to join! We also have had enquiries from the general public and other organisations wanting to partner and we are currently looking into feasibility of on alterations and repairs service.”
“To support women such as our participants was always part of the plan. What has been unexpected has been the incredible encouragement, enthusiasm and plethora of new pathways that is opening up like lava flows that we hope will change the landscape of economic participation for Geelong women from other new arrival communities.”
“Please make sure you check out the WoW bags that have been made by the women of Sew Good. They not only look good, they will make you feel good because they are Sew Good! And if anyone would like to contribute through donation, product development ideas, potential sewing needs or donation of fabrics or equipment, please reach out.
“I want to give a big thank-you to the Give Where You Live Foundation for the incredible support and belief they have shown to us in the project from day one. The women in this photo are so thrilled and excited to be involved and this blesses all of us no end.”