Business and community members gathered at Holiday Inn Dandenong for Council’s annual South east Business Networks (SEBN) “Showcasing Women in Business” luncheon, delivered in partnership with SisterWorks.
Emceed by Marjan Hajjari, Greater Dandenong City Council's Executive Director Strategy and Corporate Services, the event featured honest and at times emotional conversations about the experiences of migrant women building careers and new lives in Australia.
Mayor Cr Sophie Tan welcomed attendees and acknowledged the important contribution migrants make to Greater Dandenong's diverse and vibrant community, sharing her own migration experience.
Through personal stories, speakers reflected on challenges including language barriers, unfamiliar recruitment processes, limited professional networks and balancing family responsibilities while settling into a new country. A recurring theme was that meaningful employment provides more than income; creating confidence, connection and a sense of belonging.
For many in the room, the discussion sparked reflection on their own migration journey, or those of parents, grandparents, colleagues and friends. Attendees were reminded that behind every résumé is a personal story and that a single opportunity can make a lasting difference.
SisterWorks also shared how its training, mentoring and employment programs help migrant women build essential skills and professional networks.
Key Advice for Businesses, Employers and Leaders
Speakers encouraged businesses to:
- Look beyond résumés and traditional work experience to recognise potential, skills and resilience.
- Create welcoming workplaces where people feel valued and supported.
- Understand that migrants may face challenges that are not immediately visible.
- Recognise that work provides purpose, connection and belonging, not just income.
- Be open to providing opportunities, even when a candidate does not meet every criterion on paper.
- Acknowledge and celebrate the contributions migrant employees make to workplaces and communities.
The event concluded with networking and further discussion on how businesses can help unlock opportunities for diverse talent.
Join Women in Business
The Women in Business (WIB) Network provides a welcoming space for local women to connect, learn and be inspired through regular events and networking opportunities.
If you know someone who would benefit from joining the network, or would like to get involved yourself, membership is free. Email sebn@cgd.vic.gov.au to register your interest.
The next WIB event will be held on Thursday 12 November, featuring Ashley Orchard, Marketing, Events and PR Coordinator at Dandenong Market, who will share practical insights on goal setting and turning ideas into action.
More Business Events
Whatever stage you're at in your career or business journey, Council offers a range of events and programs designed to help you learn and connect.
Visit our Business Workshops, Events and Networking page to find out what's coming up.
