Colour in Canberra event sponsorship

Our Canberra office was proud to sponsor the SiTara’s Story, ‘Colour in Canberra’ Business expo.

Taking Place on Sunday 25th of February, it was a fantastic event promoting and highlighting local businesses and organisations run by Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) or Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM) women in Canberra. We heard from phenomenal speakers from Government, Social Enterprises, and SME businesses.

There were incredible discussions about the challenges facing women, and especially women of colour in the workplace and how individuals and organisations can work together to empower and uplift everyone.

Our very own Thiru Kandiah (Principal, Business Advisory) and Kirsty McGovern-Hooley (Senior Manager, Business Advisory) discuss below why RSM partnered with SiTara’s Story, and why we want to champion their excellent work. 

Q: What initially drew you to this particular organisation? 

A: We were drawn to SiTara’s Story because of its mission to support women in Canberra who are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) or Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM). The organisation believes that strong women build strong communities and nations, and we share this belief. As culturally diverse individuals ourselves, we feel passionate about supporting and empowering women from diverse backgrounds.  

Canberra is incredibly multicultural; Migrants make up 28 per cent of the ACT’s population and the ACT sees over 10,000 new arrivals annually. Migrant and refugee women can be disadvantaged due to intersecting factors such as economic hardship, language barrier, lack of social support and connection, culture and an absence of targeted support focusing on them.  

SiTara’s story 

Q: How does the mission of the organisation align with your personal values or beliefs?  

A: The mission of SiTara’s Story aligns with our personal values and beliefs because we believe in the importance of empowering women and building their self-esteem and self-worth. SiTara’s Story seeks to change the outlook on life of women within the community and beyond, broaden their horizons, and help them to empower themselves. As passionate advocates for women’s rights and empowerment, we feel strongly connected to the mission of this organisation.      

Q: Can you share any personal experiences or connections that motivated you to support this cause?  

A: We have both seen the challenges that migrant and refugee women face due to intersecting factors such as economic hardship, language barriers, lack of social support and connection, culture, and an absence of targeted support focusing on them. We believe that SiTara’s Story is making a real difference in the lives of these women by providing them with the support and resources they need to overcome these challenges. Our own cultural backgrounds and experiences have motivated us to support this cause and make a positive impact in the lives of these women.  

Q: In what specific ways do you believe this organisation is making a positive impact?   

A: SiTara’s Story is making a positive impact in several ways. The organisation has collaborated with ACT CALD associations to deliver mental health awareness programs, and it creates a bridge between Canberra and developing countries, especially Bangladesh, where vulnerable groups such as women and children require early education and intervention. We are passionate about the work that SiTara’s Story is doing and believe that it is making a real difference in the lives of women and children.   

Q: What distinguishes this charity from others working in a similar field, and why do you choose to support this one?   

A: What distinguishes SiTara’s Story from other charities working in a similar field is its focus on multicultural women and its commitment to advancing the rights and status of these women in Australia. The organisation is non-religious and reflects the sectarian, cultural, and linguistic diversity within the multicultural community. We choose to support SiTara’s Story because of its dedication to creating a safe and supportive community for those in need. As culturally diverse individuals, we feel a strong connection to the mission and values of this organisation.    

Learn more about SiTara’s Story

SiTara’s story Supports women in Canberra who are Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) or Culturally and Racially Marginalised (CARM).    

SiTara’s Story is a non-profit charitable organisation registered in Australia that believes strong women build strong communities and nations.    

SiTara’s Story seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of women within the community and beyond by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons, and helping them to empower themselves.    

SiTara's Story is a non-profit organization based in Canberra, Australia. Founded in 2017, the organization aims to provide support and resources to women and children who have experienced discrimination, trauma, abuse, or other challenges in their lives. SiTara's Story Inc offers programs and services such as support groups, educational workshops, Talkshops, skill and capability development programs, and advocacy to help empower individuals and improve their overall well-being. The organization is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive community for those in need. 

Pictured: The Canberra office staff attending the Colour in Canberra event