Building women’s economic security: a new hub for Geelong

WHEN Mandy Richards founded Global Sisters in 2013, her mission was clear: to remove the barriers holding women back from economic security—particularly those facing financial hardship, welfare dependence, or exclusion from stable, well-paid employment.

What started as in-person business support hubs for communities across Australia has evolved into a national online solution, providing more than 7,000 women with business education, networks, and financial pathways to build sustainable micro-businesses.

As a social entrepreneur, Mandy focused on driving scalable solutions to poverty and women’s economic security. She saw that for many women, mainstream employment wasn’t an option. Caring responsibilities, limited job opportunities, and systemic barriers left them unemployed, underemployed, or reliant on welfare. Self-employment became a crucial alternative, allowing women to generate income flexibly, around their circumstances. By starting and growing their own businesses, women can break cycles of financial instability and create long-term economic security for themselves and their families.

Since 2016, Global Sisters has been supporting women across regional and urban Victoria, with a strong community in Geelong, and in mid-2025, will launch a community-driven business hub in Geelong, alongside its national online support.

This hub will provide in-person business support, coaching, tailored programs, and financial access – helping women, especially those affected by violence, achieve financial independence through self-employment. By partnering with local organisations, businesses, and corporate supporters, the Geelong Hub will drive lasting economic impact.

The hub will be led by Geelong local Narelle Arthur, who brings more than 20 years of experience in the community services sector supporting women and young people. She is committed to ensuring women in her community have the right support to build and sustain their businesses.

“This is more than just business – it’s about equipping women with the tools, confidence, and community backing they need to achieve financial security for themselves and their families,” Narelle said.

Beyond business support, Geelong is also a strong candidate for Global Sisters’ Little Green Houses pilot, a home ownership model designed for women facing housing insecurity. Solo mothers and women over 50 are at high risk of homelessness due to limited affordable housing options. The pilot will offer modular, sustainable homes, providing a pathway to ownership.

“This is a crucial next step. The current housing system isn’t working for many women locked out of traditional home ownership, so we’re providing a direct solution by putting homes – and assets – into the hands of those who need them most,” Mandy said.

This first-of-its-kind model ensures that women in unstable housing situations have an affordable, scalable alternative to traditional housing ownership. The pilot, already backed by a grant from Citi Foundation, not only provides housing but also enables asset ownership, helping to break cycles of poverty. These cutting-edge homes are beautifully designed, future-proofed, highly sustainable, and energy-efficient, serving as lasting and valuable assets for the community.

With the Geelong Hub and Little Green Houses initiative, Global Sisters is not just supporting women in business – it’s driving systemic change to help women in Geelong and beyond take control of their economic future.

Women interested in business support can sign up at portal.globalsisters.org or email [email protected] to learn more about the Geelong Hub.

Community and corporate organisations looking to get involved with the Geelong Hub or housing initiative can connect with Global Sisters at [email protected]

Mandy Richards

Narelle Arthur