George and Jaqui Maree Stamas Fellowship

Building pathways into the care sector

Helping women build confidence, connection and agency for meaningful careers in care

Applications Now Open
Are you interested in building your confidence, learning new skills and exploring a career in the care sector?
 
Based in Parramatta, the Fellowship is a 10-week program designed to support women to take practical steps towards employment in aged care, disability support and community services.

Program Information

The Fellowship is an empowerment program that supports women experiencing housing insecurity and complex life challenges to build pathways into the care and community services sector. It provides a safe, supportive environment where participants can strengthen their confidence, regain personal agency, reconnect with community and explore employment, study and volunteering opportunities in care work.

Recognising the growing demand for skilled and compassionate workers across aged care, disability support, community services and related fields, the program supports women to identify their strengths, develop transferable skills and gain exposure to career opportunities that align with their lived experience and aspirations.

The program acknowledges that progress looks different for every woman. By prioritising trust, choice and participant voice, the Fellowship creates space for women to engage at their own pace and take practical steps towards a future that contributes to both their own wellbeing and the broader community.
Building Pathways into the Care Sector
  • Build confidence and develop practical life skills
  • Complete components of a Certificate III in Individual Support
  • Learn about careers in aged care, disability and community services
  • Receive support from staff and other women participating in the program
  • Build connections and expand your support network
  • Receive financial incentives for participation and achieving key milestones
  • Receive support to secure employment or complete placement requirements for your qualification
The program includes:
  • Weekly workshops and activities
  • Personal development and goal setting
  • Peer support and mentoring
  • Employment and career planning
  • Training towards a recognised qualification
  • Individual support throughout your journey
What happens after the program?

Our goal is to support every participant to:

  • Move into paid employment; or
  • Complete the practical placement requirements needed to obtain a Certificate III in Individual Support

Whether you are returning to work, changing careers or taking your first step towards employment, the Fellowship will provide support, skills and opportunities to help you succeed.

Important Dates

Sessions held every Wednesday and Thursday in Parramatta (four hours each day).

Applications close: Wednesday, 24 June 2026

Program starts: Wednesday, 22 July 2026

Program finishes: Thursday, 29 October 2026

Only 12 positions available.

Women’s Housing Company gratefully acknowledges George and Jaqui Maree Stamas, whose generous support make this Fellowship possible.

Their continued investment creates meaningful pathways for women to move beyond crisis and towards stability, connection and opportunity.

Fellowship Impact

The Fellowship has demonstrated clear and consistent positive outcomes across all areas measured, with particularly strong gains in confidence, personal agency and social connection.

Evaluation shows that participants experienced meaningful shifts in how they view themselves and their capacity to shape their own lives. These outcomes represent more than skill development – they form critical foundations for longer‑term goals such as employment, education, community participation and sustained wellbeing.

Impact was assessed using a trauma‑informed evaluation approach that combined:

  • Attendance and completion data
  • Voluntary participant surveys conducted at different stages of the program
  • Reflections and observations from facilitators

While baseline and final surveys used different question phrasing to reflect participants’ stage of engagement, responses were mapped into consistent outcome domains. This approach enabled meaningful comparison over time while respecting the realities of recovery and engagement. Findings aligned closely with facilitator observations and participant feedback.

Importantly, the Fellowship reinforces that progress is not always linear. Creating safe, supportive environments where women feel respected and empowered is central to achieving lasting change.

Expression of Interest

Please complete the form to apply for the Fellowship. Applications close Wednesday, 24 June 2026.

Once we receive your application, Arpita, Program Coordinator, will contact you to discuss the Fellowship and next steps. 

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
The Women’s Housing Company acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora nation as the traditional custodians of the land on which we operate, and pays respect to Elders both past and present.

George and Jaqui Maree Fellowship