Jye has been commended for working in partnership with Voice to the Nations Church in Granville Sydney to create a support program for a group of Iranian women.

These nine women are living in Australia on humanitarian grounds after fleeing their home country. But due to the restrictions of their visa the women have found it difficult to obtain employment.

ACU Properties and Facilities staff and a number of program partners collaborated to provide the women with the opportunity to train in a Certificate III in Cleaning Operations as well as to gain a Construction White Card. Over the course of their training program, they gained professional experience through on-the-job training at ACU’s Sydney campuses.

“I’m proud and honored to have walked beside these women and be a part of their growth and development and to offer them the chance to be a part of our Australian society,” Jye said.
“I believe this additional video best tells the story of the difference this program has made in their lives.”

The group trained at the ACU Strathfield Campus where they gained practical experience in the use of industrial cleaning machines. The women also trained at the ACU North Sydney Campus where they used the ACU hospital simulation wards to gain first-hand knowledge of the strict cleaning protocols that apply in hospital settings.

Language support was provided by a volunteer translator who helped the group to overcome any language difficulties and feel confident in undertaking the course.

“It has been incredible to watch how many people and business partners have come together to support these ladies, due to a shared value of social justice,” Jye said.

Jye thanks the partners who generously contributed to making the program possible:

• ANET Training
• Asset Group Solutions
• BIC Services
• BSI Learning
• Facilities First

Jye says he feels honored to receive the award and plans to donate the prize money to a local women’s shelter.