From Barriers to Breakthroughs

The St. Vincent de Paul Society NSW is delighted with the Australian Government’s recent announcement that the successful Economic Pathways to Refugee Integration (EPRI) program is being extended for another 12 months.

Vinnies NSW is one of 20 social enterprises across the country chosen to implement this innovative initiative that helps refugees get into work sooner. The onboarding of Vinnies’ first EPRI program participants commenced in September 2023, and Vinnies have embraced the opportunity to play a positive role in the refugee settlement and employment support landscape. Alongside their fellow EPRI providers, Vinnies have sought to create real change in social justice by removing barriers to work for refugees.

Vinnies set out to engage 250 refugees and humanitarian migrants living in South West Sydney and Greater Western Sydney with the EPRI program. To date, Vinnies have supported 220 refugees through its work training program, which has tangibly transformed the lives of its participants by building their confidence, skills and relationships.

20 of these people have gone on to secure employment with Vinnies and 19 have found jobs externally following their completion of the program. EPRI has seen 103 participants complete Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications, and another 89 people have gained their forklift licenses through Vinnies’ program. For most, EPRI has been a direct pathway or a vital stepping stone to finding connection, fulfilment and career prospects in their new home country.

Vinnies is appreciative for the recognition of its proven track record of achieving economic participation outcomes for refugees. Julian Hill, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs said, “This 12-month extension recognises the success of the EPRI program pilot, which supported hundreds of refugees to gain employment or build their own successful businesses in just two years.”

The EPRI team at Vinnies believe that the program outcomes and impact will be greatly improved by this grant extension, as the additional time allows for deeper investment in building trusted relationships within the refugee communities and ecosystem – the value derived from which will go on to multiply.

“We are tremendously proud of all our EPRI program participants, who have contributed immensely to our teams and workplaces. We have learned so much from this experience, which has allowed us to have a positive impact on the settlement, skills development and financial wellbeing of the communities and people we serve in the South West and Greater Western Sydney regions,” said Veselinka Sekulic, Manager of Change and Development with Vinnies NSW.

The EPRI program of grants was funded by the Department of Home Affairs to improve the settlement experience and wellbeing of refugees and humanitarian entrants. People from these groups are among the most vulnerable members of our society. Most arrive in Australia with a determination to rebuild their lives and an eagerness to work. Notwithstanding the many systemic barriers that can lead to a poorer settlement experience for refugees, finding an employer willing to offer an initial opportunity can be especially challenging – particularly for those with low English language proficiency and low skill levels.

The EPRI program specifically tailors support for people in this group, recognising that they may contend with even greater disadvantage and struggle to find work. The vast network of Vinnies retail shops and the Auburn Distribution Centre has provided a highly suitable environment, replete with opportunities for hands-on learning, in which to implement the EPRI program. Through the retail and logistics infrastructure, EPRI participants have worked and gained skills in the areas of transport, warehousing, retail, e-commerce, sewing and administration.

Ali*, who arrived in Australia from Afghanistan with his family, is a Vinnies EPRI graduate whose journey to employment has been transformational. Ali was supported by the team to successfully complete his VET course and workplace training, despite his lack of English language skills. Ali made a positive impression with his attitude, disposition and work ethic during the Truck Driving Pathway, where he worked as an offsider.

Prior to this, Ali had been unable to attempt any training or qualifications and had found it impossible to secure a job. The distress of this was impacting Ali’s own wellbeing and his family’s. The EPRI team found ways to think outside the box and helped to integrate Ali within the team. Ali is a valued team member, now permanently employed at Vinnies, and is a happy, working dad and husband.

Evidence has shown that innovative approaches and early intervention are key to preventing a long tail of unemployment within Australia’s refugee community, as well as ensuring culturally appropriate programming. Whilst Vinnies’ EPRI program initially focused on developing pathways into the supply chain and logistics sector, the team went on to explore additional pathways into the retail and sewing industries, which has successfully engaged some harder to reach members of the refugee community, including vulnerable women. A sewing course taught by local ethical fashion designer, Gina Barjeel, resourced EPRI participants with skills in repairing, repurposing and recycling garments. With a globally increased interest in handmade and sustainable fashion, these employment skills are in growing demand.

By offering refugees opportunities to gain new skills relevant to the Australian job market, to familiarise themselves with the workplace culture, and to gain confidence with English, Vinnies’ EPRI program has had a strong focus on promoting individual and community empowerment.  By enabling inclusive and meaningful social and economic participation for refugees, the EPRI program has contributed to fostering strong, resilient communities that are richer for being built on deeper understanding and respect.

*name has been changed