Advertorial for Deakin University
Jaymie Hooper
February 2, 2026 — 9:27am
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Despite their existing skills and qualifications, refugees who arrive in Australia are often steered towards basic, entry-level jobs instead of roles more suited to their personal experience and expertise.
Between workplace discrimination and convoluted educational pathways, it can be difficult for refugees and those seeking asylum to live up to their potential, but that’s something Deakin University’s Centre for Refugee Employment, Advocacy, Training and Education (CREATE) has been working to change over the last seven years.
Founded in 2019, CREATE is an award-winning research centre that helps displaced professionals and students rebuild their careers through meaningful employment and education.
At just 16 years old, Arya left Iran with his family to seek asylum in Australia. While he completed high school and dreamed of attending university, he found the cost of tertiary education too prohibitive.
A CREATE career cohort clinic: connecting skilled refugees with the professional networks needed to thrive.
That desire to learn eventually led Arya to CREATE, a connection that transformed his professional trajectory. Thanks to the program’s tailored mentoring-to-employment model, Arya was able to complete a bachelor’s degree in commerce, followed by an MBA.
Today, he works full-time at a private equity firm. Arya’s sister, Ava, also followed in his footsteps and joined the CREATE career clinics, and is now working as an environmental sustainability specialist.
“This program is not only about enabling people to fulfil their potential with job readiness opportunities, but also giving participants confidence, professional networks and a clear sense of direction,” says CREATE director Dr Karen Dunwoodie.
“When our participants arrive in Australia, their previous professional career paths are often closed off and they’re left to take on low-skilled jobs that do not utilise their full capacity,” she adds.
CREATE director Dr Karen Dunwoodie (pictured) speaks on the importance of reclaiming professional career paths for refugees.
By offering a range of practical resources, scholarships and career clinics, CREATE has helped almost 1000 participants access education, broaden their network and translate their skills into relevant employment.
Investment in a resilient economy
Not only do these tales of resilience highlight what can happen when systemic bias is replaced with ongoing, personalised support, they also emphasise the need for programs like CREATE to continue.
Despite successful collaborations with government and non-government organisations, CREATE relies on donations and research grants – in addition to matched investment from Deakin University. This makes partnerships with philanthropic groups like the Hansen Little Foundation so vital.
In fact, the Hansen Little Foundation recently announced it will invest $432,000 to help expand CREATE’s career clinic offering. The free, eight-week clinics connect skilled refugees and asylum seekers with professional mentors, with around 70 per cent of participants moving into stable employment or additional study within six months of completing the program.
(From left) Hansen Little Foundation co-founders Jane Hansen AO and Paul Little AO are investing $432,000 to expand the program’s reach.
Backed by the Hansen Little Foundation, CREATE will deliver nine clinics over the next three years, providing support to an additional 150 people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds across Victoria.
“By investing in people who are motivated to build their skills and careers, we are supporting a stronger, more inclusive workforce,” says Paul Little AO, co-founder of the Hansen Little Foundation.
“This program benefits not only the individuals who participate but also the broader Victorian workforce,” he adds.
“By equipping people with skills and support, we’re helping create a stronger, more resilient economy.”
While Australia faces an ongoing skills shortage, collaborations like those between the Hansen Little Foundation and Deakin University allow qualified refugees to bring their unique perspectives and talents into the spotlight, benefiting both participants and the wider Victorian community.
“This partnership will allow CREATE to significantly extend its reach at a time when demand for our services continues to grow,” says Dunwoodie.
Jane Hansen AO, co-founder of the Hansen Little Foundation, agrees. “The program has shown that when young people and newly arrived communities are given the right support, they can achieve remarkable things,” she says.
“We are proud to help more CREATE participants take their next steps with confidence.”
More information is available at together.deakin.edu.au/giving-through-deakin/areas-to-support/create/
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