Empowering Women. Transforming Homes.
At Habitat for Humanity Australia, we believe that safe, well-maintained homes are the foundation of strong, resilient communities. In FY25, our programs focused on equipping women with practical skills, creating employment opportunities, and improving the habitability of homes for people experiencing vulnerability. Through hands-on training, social enterprise initiatives, and community projects, we are building confidence, livelihoods, and liveable spaces, one home at a time.
Habitat Women Training Program
In FY25, 52 women across five cohorts graduated from the Habitat Women Training Program, completing 12 weeks of workshops, mentoring, and career development. The program builds confidence, wellbeing, and foundational repair and maintenance skills, preparing women to enter the construction and maintenance industry with purpose and pride.
“I was able to get my dream job because of this course.”
Program Highlights:
- 120 days in the workshop
- 8 days onsite with industry partners
- 17 days working in the Habitat Women Social Enterprise
Measurable Impact:
- 88% reported a significant increase in confidence
- 83% increased their construction knowledge
- 60% improved practical skills
- 36% secured employment at program completion
- 100% satisfaction rate
Meet a Habitat Women Graduate
As a child, Bhaggya was her father’s little shadow, watching and helping him build and repair. Yet, she never imagined a future in construction, growing up in a community where women were expected to “stay small” and role models were rare.
Through the Habitat Women Training Program, Bhaggya gained more than skills. She found purpose, direction, and the confidence to step into a male-dominated field. Alongside her peers, she discovered friendship, mentorship, and a sense of belonging.
“Here’s to Habitat Women, to women empowering women.”
Habitat Women Social Enterprise
Graduates can join the Habitat Women Social Enterprise, a values-driven initiative providing paid employment in repairs and maintenance while improving housing for communities. In FY25:
- 20 women employed
- Completed 15 jobs for community housing and service providers
Types of Work:
- Grounds and maintenance care
- Internal repairs
- Painting and patchwork
- Installation services
Social Enterprise Impact:
- 2,249 hours of work
- $112,371 paid in wages
- 9 organisations supported
Brush with Kindness Program
Our Brush with Kindness program (BWK), spanning Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia, has transformed homes and communities through volunteer-led maintenance and repairs. In the past year:
- 244 BWK days
- 185 homes improved
- 2,332 people supported
- 30 community organisations supported
Support Focus:
- People experiencing homelessness: 47%
- Victim-survivors of family and domestic violence: 28%
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: 6%
30 Homes in 30 Days – A Collaborative Transformation
Habitat for Humanity Australia set out to transform the front yards of 30 homes in 30 days, creating safe, welcoming spaces for families facing housing insecurity.
At the heart of this transformation were the Habitat Women Repairs and Maintenance Crew, leading planning and execution alongside Brush with Kindness volunteers. Together they:
- Pressure-cleaned, painted, repaired, landscaped, and uplifted streets
- Engaged 171 volunteers
- Employed 18 Habitat Women
- Partnered with 6 corporate partners
- Transformed 32 properties, supporting over 160 people at risk of homelessness
“We haven’t just refreshed walls and yards – we’ve lifted spirits and helped create a stronger, more connected community.”
Every task, from painting mailboxes to trimming trees, contributed to a sense of safety, stability, and pride. Habitat Women led with skill and care, mentoring volunteers and setting a new benchmark for women in construction leadership.
This project demonstrates the power of community-led innovation – combining professional skill with volunteer spirit to deliver lasting impact.
“Seeing the street come to life through everyone’s hard work and creativity was a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.”
Through the Habitat Women Training Program, Social Enterprise, and Brush with Kindness initiatives, Habitat for Humanity Australia is changing lives, strengthening communities, and transforming homes. Empowered women are leading the way, proving that when given the opportunity, women can excel in construction and maintenance while uplifting entire communities.
Together, we can build hope, homes and communities.
Join our mission – whether through volunteering, partnership, or donation, your support helps women gain skills, secure employment, and improve the lives of people experiencing housing vulnerability.
Learn more about our Australian programs here.