Woolworths initiative creates opportunities for refugees

Woolworths Group has hired 42 refugees as part of their refugee employment program to resource their new online customer fulfilment centre (CFC) in Rochedale, Brisbane.

Woolworths Group general manager for inclusion, Catherine Hunter said in a statement: “We are thrilled to be welcoming 42 refugees into our Rochedale CFC team and to provide a workplace where they can belong and grow community connections as they build their new lives here in Brisbane.”

“We’re grateful to have the support of these new team members who are helping to boost our online capacity in Brisbane and make up an important part of our recruitment program for this new facility,” said Ms Hunter.

“In the current job market, engaging our refugee communities is not only the right thing to do, but it’s an important source of untapped potential as we hire new team members to help us meet the growing needs of our customers.”

Woolworths Group in 2020 become the first organisation in Australia to join the Tent Partnership for Refugees, in collaboration with Community Corporate, who connect companies with refugee staff and provide pre-employment training.

CEO of Community Corporate, Carmen Garcia said: “The leadership Woolworths Group has shown is driven by a genuine desire to build inclusive communities and support our refugees to create a better life for themselves and their families in Australia through financial independence.”

She continued: “What is so unique about this program is that hiring refugees is part of Woolworths Group’s strategic workforce plan.”

“Refugees face many barriers to employment, including a lack of local work experience, but this partnership provides paid on-the-job training that allows them to demonstrate their ability and be hired on merit,” Ms Garcia said.

The new hires come from a variety of countries including Ukraine, The Congo, Burundi, and Syria. The majority have joined the pick-and-pack team, arranging customers’ online orders.

Minister for immigration, citizenship and multicultural affairs, Andrew Giles commented: “This program is a prime example of the ways that Australia can become more welcoming and inclusive to refugees. “

“It is a reminder to us all in cities, regions, business and of course, government, that we must strive to do better at welcoming new migrants and refugees into our communities,” he said.

Rochedale CFC opened on 14 July, creating over 700 jobs. Of the 42 new hires, over 60 per cent are women. They range in ages from people in their 20s to over-50s.

Jack Campbell

Jack is the editor at HR Leader.