Our Impact at a Glance
800+
Individuals supported and serviced
We had reach in: WA, NSW,
QLD, SA, VIC, ACT
75% of people we helped came from a refugee background
91% of people who completed our pre-employment and coaching support programs secured paid work
Annual average retention rate for refugee hires was 93% at 6 months, 89% at 12 months
We doubled income earnings for our participants on average
The highest candidate placement earned a salary at $120,000 per annum into a skilled business role
64% of refugees we supported into work were in Australia 5 years or less
97% of employers reported they were very satisfied or satisfied with our partner service offerings
Our return on investment was assessed at a rate of $4.20 for every $1 investment
Over 300 executives, line managers and on-the-job buddies, participated in cultural confidence training delivered by Community Corporate
Over 36 employers engaged with Community Corporate through hiring, corporate volunteering and community engagement initiatives
Community Corporate engaged with over 90 NGOS, employment service providers and community groups
Who We Helped
Diversity Cohorts
Nature of Job Outcomes
Unemployment Rates
Participants were unemployed when prior to engaging with Community Corporate
Were receiving income support payments from Centrelink
Were under-employed working casually
Participants secured their first job through Community Corporate
We supported people from over
47
different cultural backgrounds
Refugees we supported had arrived in Australia between 1 month and 23 years
Referral Sources
Word of Mouth / Alumni
Employment Service Providers
NGOs and Settlement Organisations
Other Misc
Economic Impact: Return on Investment for our Partners
Benefits for our Employer Partners
As a majority migrant nation, our employer partners have committed to building the workforce of the future that reflects the diverse communities they serve. By embracing a focus on refugees and migrants, they have unleashed human potential and created opportunities for all Australians, from all walks of life. Our retention rates reflect this with the annual average for refugee hires retaining work at 93% for 6 months, and after 12 months in employment some 89% remained employed.
97% of employers reported they were very satisfied or satisfied with our service offerings
Our Return on Investment was assessed at a rate of $4.20 for every $1 investment
Referral Sources
In FY2023 Community Corporate reported over 66% of income from commercial sales, evidencing a strong financially viable business model not reliant on government grants or philanthropy.
Low absenteeism rates among refugees and migrants sourced through our programs.
Increased access to a hidden pool of talent through a targeted location-based attraction strategy to fill genuine workforce needs.
Highly engaged and value-aligned workforce with strong retention results through ongoing off-the-job coaching and customised pre-employment training support.
Greater employer value proposition by activating a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility contributing to ESG credentials.
High conversion of hires into promotions and career advancement in the company’s they are originally placed in.
“They have this incredible desire to want to add value from the minute they step through the door. They have longer tenure with us and they’re just an absolute delight. For anyone who hasn’t taken the leap I would say don’t hesitate for a moment, just jump straight in…. particularly if you’ve got a partner like Community Corporate then you can’t go wrong.”
“Our experience at Woolworths Group has just been phenomenal. I think all of the refugees who are part of our team bring something extra. Many of them are highly qualified. They have incredible advocacy.”
Catherine Hunter General Manager Inclusion Woolworths Group
CASE STUDY Yuliia Woolworths Digital and Tech Cadet
Yuliia, a 33-year-old woman from Ukraine, who sought refuge in Australia in May 2022, along with her husband and their two school-aged children. Given the devastating realities of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Yuliia and her family made the difficult decision to leave their homeland, seeking safety and a more stable future.
In Ukraine, Yuliia earned her Master’s degree in Economic Cybernetics in 2011. Following this achievement, she embarked on her professional career at Raiffeisen Bank, working as a Junior Specialist from 2010 to 2012. She was promoted to the position of Chief Specialist in 2012 which she held until 2019, Yuliia not only upheld her exceptional reputation for customer service but also played a crucial part in the successful achievement of the bank’s set targets.
Motivated by a desire for change, Yuliia chose to redirect her career towards her passion for IT. From 2021 to 2022, she enrolled in a Full Stack Developer Bootcamp. She assumed developer roles in various projects, which included the creation of a website, development of a movie search and personal library application, design of an image search platform, and the development of a phonebook application. However, the escalating situation in Ukraine presented pressing concerns for her family’s safety resulting in the family seeking refuge in Australia.
Upon her arrival in Australia, Yuliia wasted no time pursuing her career and enrolled in an English course at TAFE. Alongside this, she undertook a Full Stack Developer Course, both to refresh her IT expertise and to gear up for potential IT opportunities in her new home. Yet, according to Yuliia, breaking into the Australian IT industry posed its own set of challenges, primarily due to her lack of local work experience.
Yuliia was referred to the Refugee Digital Cadetship by the Ukrainian Council of NSW. Through this program, Yuliia underwent pre-employment training with Community Corporate, which aimed to equip her for potential employers interested in honing her tech talents and enhancing her skills through a cadetship.
Yuliia expressed her enthusiasm about securing a place in the cadetship program, stating, “This cadetship is an incredible opportunity for me. It offers a fresh start in a new country, allowing me to grow personally and professionally. I’m wholly dedicated and eager to work with a team that prioritises both personal growth and positive impact. I’m keen to leverage my expertise and play a role in the company’s success.”
Yuliia completed her on the job cadetship with the Woolworths’ WIQ team. During her 6-month cadetship with Woolworths, Yuliia made notable strides in her professional development. She enhanced her coding abilities by undertaking complex projects and learning from experienced developers. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in product delivery and significantly contributed to her team’s successes.
This local experience allowed her to immerse herself in various areas, from project management to software development, and improved her teamwork skills. Moreover, her communication skills were refined, enhancing her interactions with colleagues.
“I deeply value the unwavering support from my team throughout these six months. The journey has been an invaluable learning curve, significantly enriching my skills.” “I’m excited about the journey ahead and look forward to the next chapter in my career with great enthusiasm!”
Yuliia was offered an ongoing permanent full-time role with the Woolworths’ WIQ team, as an Associate Engineer. Yuliia said “I am profoundly grateful to Community Corporate for setting the foundation of my IT career and unveiling new opportunities.”
Yuliia, Ukranian
CASE STUDY Natalia OTR SA
Natalia is very happy and grateful to be able to have gained a stable role with OTR, and at the same time is able to start planning and saving for her future in Australia. During a visit to Natalia at her store, she talked of her gratitude and pride she takes in her work, “Thank you so much for all your help and support, you have always made me feel like I can do it. I am very grateful to be part of the program and work at OTR.”
Natalia says “the program [New Beginnings] is really nice because it opened the doors for my work in Australia”.
Natalia, Brazilian
Natalia is a 35-year-old Brazilian woman who came to Australia with her husband in March 2023 on a Secondary Student Visa.
In Brazil, Natalia completed her Post Graduate Degree in Portuguese Language at the Pontifical Catholic University of Sao Paulo in 2011. Natalia has over 5 years teaching experience in Brazil and was a Portuguese and English Teacher at Dom Macario Schmmit Education of Excellence. Working as an English teacher was her passion, and she would like to pursue her career as an English Teacher in Australia.
Natalia was unable to secure employment in Australia since arrival and then she was connected to Community Corporate for job support. She participated in the OTR New Beginnings program, as a stepping stone towards pursuing her interest and expertise in teaching and training, with a large national company that can offer career pathways.
After completing in the OTR New Beginnings Program, Natalia stated, “I love working at the OTR Drive-thru store. I am learning lots, meeting new people and getting experience. The team here are very helpful and the manager has been teaching me lots. I am having fun. I get to work the hours I can and OTR don’t mind about my Visa restrictions.” After completing the paid work trial placement at OTR South Plympton Drive-thru, Natalia was offered ongoing employment and is working an average of 20 hours per week. She actively encourages other new arrivals to Australia she meets to contact Community Corporate if they are looking for work.
