Unity Works to Unlock Talent and Build Belonging

The University of Newcastle has joined forces with the Scanlon Foundation to develop a life-changing program, helping migrants and refugees gain job skills and build connections with employers.

^{📷 Participants in the Unity Works’ pilot program work with employers and community partners to build skills, confidence, and pathways into meaningful employment.}

The University of Newcastle has joined forces with the Scanlon Foundation to develop a life-changing program, helping migrants and refugees gain job skills and build connections with employers.

Across the Newcastle and Hunter Region, many migrants and refugees bring professional qualifications, valuable skills and years of workplace experience but still face significant barriers to securing meaningful employment. Limited access to professional networks, differences in workplace culture and English skills used in workplace settings can all create setbacks.

In the pilot round of the program, the Unity Works’ team, Associate Professor Rachel Burke, Dr Alice Neikirk, and Dr Lan Nguyen, collaborated with more than 50 jobseekers from migrant and refugee backgrounds, working alongside community organisations, employers, and local industry partners to enhance pathways into meaningful employment.

As part of this initiative, the team also developed a suite of targeted resources designed to promote inclusive employment practices across the region.

These resources were formally launched at an event attended by more than 100 local stakeholders, strengthening regional awareness and engagement with inclusive workforce development.

“By co-designing the program with community and local employers, we are working toward employment pathways that are more inclusive, more practical and aligned with community needs,” says Associate Professor Burke.

We are grateful to the Scanlon Foundation for supporting this initiative that strengthens participation, inclusion and social cohesion in our communities. With this valued support, Unity Works is creating more than job opportunities: it is building confidence, connection and a sense of belonging for migrants and refugees.

Kee has more than 15 years’ experience in international trade operations and speaks three languages including English. Yet after five years in Australia, and more than 50 job applications, she had secured only one interview.

Contact

• Office of Philanthropy
• Phone: 02 4921 8612
• Email: donor-relations@newcastle.edu.au