The event recognised six participants who completed the second intake of 2025, while welcoming seven new participants set to begin their first placements of 2026.

This year’s celebration represented more than individual achievement; the program is expected to support around 14 people in 2026, a significant increase from the early years when just four or five took part.

This highlights partner and mentor commitment, as well as the meaningful relationships forming across the community, and the growing demand for pathways that support people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds to rebuild their professional futures.

The Refugee Mentoring Program is a flexible 12‑week workplace experience guided by trained, caring mentors. Participants work alongside teams across Calvary’s Canberra sites, gaining genuine exposure to aged care and healthcare environments.

The program offers an opportunity to build confidence, gain practical skills and deepen understanding of Australian workplace culture.

Many past participants have gone on to begin meaningful, purpose‑driven careers in health and aged care within Calvary services.

The graduates recognised at this event brought resilience, generosity and determination to every placement. Their contributions made a lasting impact on the teams they joined and reinforced the relationships central to this program.

One participant shared that the experience had been transformative and said, “This program gave me more than experience. It gave me confidence, community, and the feeling that my skills are valued.”

The influence of the program has also been strongly felt across Calvary teams. Mentors frequently express how much they gain from the experience, including broader cultural understanding, deeper empathy and the privilege of supporting someone as they rebuild their professional life.

The exchange of knowledge, stories and perspectives benefits everyone involved.

Caila Waring, Community Engagement Manager, acknowledged the importance of the program and the remarkable contribution of participants, saying, “Every participant brings courage, skill and lived experience that enriches our teams. The mentoring relationships create connection that genuinely changes people’s lives.”

The Refugee Mentoring Program supports participants to step into new environments with confidence, while also creating space for staff and mentors to learn, connect and evolve alongside them.

Thank you to our mentors, partners and supporters who make this program possible. Congratulations to our graduates, and a warm welcome to our new cohort.

Click here to find out more about the program.