Thriving in Work and Life: Pathways to Employment and Job-Readiness for Vulnerable Women Project

Dress for Success Western Australia (DFSWA), a grass roots, volunteer-powered charity, is bringing a transformative opportunity to vulnerable women in regional WA, thanks to support from the Mt Burdett Foundation through its Rural and Regional Advancement Foundation (RRAF). With the launch of two new projects in the Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions, DFSWA is set to help 100 women thrive in work and life through a comprehensive program of virtual services that foster job-readiness, self-confidence, and economic independence. 

The project, titled “Thriving in Work and Life: Pathways to Employment and Job-Readiness for Vulnerable Women”, is a tailored initiative responding to the unique barriers faced by women in remote and rural communities. From limited access to employment support services, to the compounding challenges of poverty, low self-confidence, and social isolation, the need for targeted, accessible assistance is both urgent and widespread. 

Across the Wheatbelt and Great Southern regions, the project will support 50 women in each region, particularly in towns such as Northam, Narrogin, Merredin, Albany, and Denmark. These women often fall through the cracks of traditional employment pathways, including those under-employed, recent migrants, or those experiencing coercive control or poor mental health. 

The DFSWA model combines practical, emotional and peer support through a carefully curated set of services:

• Virtual styling appointments - Each client is paired with a volunteer stylist for a one-on-one video consultation. They receive at least two complete outfits, styled from DFSWA’s professional clothing boutique, and shipped directly to them. When they gain employment, they’re offered a follow-up styling session with additional workwear.

• Career coaching and mentoring - Clients are connected with HR and recruitment experts who provide resume and interview coaching via phone or video. They also access weekly online workshops and two bespoke sessions tailored to their needs. 

• Peer connection - Participants will be invited to join a local support group, formed as part of the program, to help reduce isolation, share experiences, and foster community connection beyond the life of the project. 

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All services are free to participants and easily accessible via phone, tablet, or through local Community Resource Centres. 

The expected outcome of the program are both immediate and long-lasting. Participants will gain not only tools for employment, but the self-agency to move confidently toward their goals. Measurable outcomes include:

• Increased self-confidence and job-readiness

• Identification of personal and professional skills gaps

• Stronger community connection 

• Higher employment rates

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DFSWA’s pilot programs have already shown outstanding results, with 94% of participants reporting increased confidence and job-readiness. 

By supporting this initiative, the Mt Burdett Foundation is helping to dismantle systemic barriers faced by women in regional WA and equipping them with the resources to build brighter futures, not just for themselves, but for their families and communities. 

This partnership not only responds to an urgent need, it sets a precedent for inclusive, accessible professional development in rural areas. 

Learn more about the impact of Mt Burdett Foundation’s work, and how you can gain support for initiatives like this one at mtburdettfoundation.com.au.