Supporting skilled people seeking refuge with professional experience in the aged care sector
1st October 2026 | 4 min readIn 2025 we welcomed five university students seeking refuge in Australia with internships at Opal HealthCare.
The UN Refugee Agency states that as at June 2025, 117.3 million people were forced to take refuge from their homes. Of those people, Australia hosted more than 34,500 people seeking refuge and 83,500 seeking asylum.
Finding a place to feel safe and secure remains an urgent need for people who are forced to flee and rebuild their lives. For many, finding meaningful employment is one step that can help them to see a brighter future.
Strengthening our commitment as an Article 23 partner
In 2025, having worked with Career Seekers for six years, we boosted our commitment by becoming an Article 23 partner.
We’ve worked with CareerSeekers since 2019 and our Article 23 partnership represents a higher level commitment to providing even more support for those with humanitarian needs.
Our interns supported our corporate services teams, with Fatima, Riyaz, Asra, Mahdi and Shirak, working with our IT, People & Culture, Risk, Compliance & Process Improvement, and Finance teams at our Sydney Home Office.
It entailed spending 12 weeks developing their skills, bringing valuable perspectives and gaining experience in the aged care sector. These roles often lead to further internships in university holidays or even permanent employment with us.
Ali’s story Ali’s journey from intern to applications support analyst
Ali came to Australia from Iran, where he had been studying computer science at the Islamic Azad University. He was awarded an Opal HealthCare internship through CareerSeekers.
Ali worked with our ICT team on our service desk, supporting our Care Communities and Home Office teams and gaining experience in the applications that help us care for our residents.
“I loved having the chance to help people,” says Ali. “I could see the difference I was making for the team and it felt good.”
Ali’s caring attitude and technical aptitude impressed our ICT team and those he helped, with many sharing positive feedback about their experience with him.
At the conclusion of his 12-week internship, we were pleased to offer Ali a role as a full-time ICT Service Desk Support Specialist at our Sydney Home Office. One year later, Ali has taken on a role as Applications Support Analyst with us, while completing a Bachelor of Information Technology degree at the University of Technology, Sydney.
“Ali consistently demonstrates a high level of professionalism, kindness and care in everything he does,” says Adam, our ICT Service Delivery Manager.
“He’s actively contributing to shaping a positive and inclusive team culture. His approach strongly reflects our values, particularly the care, respect and accountability he shows every day, and the excellence he strives for in supporting others.”
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Commonly asked questions
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Opal HealthCare has worked with CareerSeekers since 2019 to provide university students seeking refuge in Australia with professional internship opportunities.
Through 12 week placements, interns can develop their skills, gain experience in an Australian workplace and learn more about the corporate services that support the aged care sector.
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Becoming an Article 23 partner represents a higher level of commitment to supporting people with humanitarian needs. Opal HealthCare became an Article 23 partner in 2025 after working with CareerSeekers for six years.
Through the partnership, we provide professional experience and career opportunities for university students seeking refuge in Australia.
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CareerSeekers internships provide students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a professional setting, develop practical skills and build experience in an Australian workplace.
Interns can also develop professional networks and gain greater confidence as they continue their studies and careers. Some placements may lead to additional internships or permanent employment opportunities.
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In 2025, five interns supported corporate services teams at our Sydney Home Office. They worked across IT, People and Culture, Risk, Compliance and Process Improvement, and Finance.
During their internships, they developed their skills, shared valuable perspectives and gained experience in the aged care sector.
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Ali began with Opal HealthCare as a CareerSeekers intern supporting our ICT service desk. Following his 12 week internship, he was offered a full time position as an ICT Service Desk Support Specialist.
One year later, Ali progressed to an Applications Support Analyst role while completing his Bachelor of Information Technology at the University of Technology Sydney.
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CareerSeekers internships can create pathways to further professional experience or employment. Depending on available opportunities and individual circumstances, interns may return for placements during university holidays or be considered for permanent positions.
Ali’s journey from intern to Applications Support Analyst is one example of how an internship can support longer term career development.