Polaron Connect proudly contributes to Australia’s economy by creating local jobs, partnering with Australian businesses and supporting inclusive growth across communities. All our projects are delivered onshore, with a strong focus on ethical employment, workforce diversity and sustainable supply chains. 

Local jobs and inclusive workforce 

We employ an Australia-based team across project management, client services and quality assurance, operating a remote-first but nationally distributed model. This ensures professionals in metropolitan, regional and remote areas benefit from meaningful employment. 

Over 90% of our team come from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, directly supporting economic participation for underrepresented communities. Our inclusive recruitment practices also create pathways for: 

• people with disability 

• newly arrived migrants and refugees 

• workers in transition 

• women re-entering the workforce 

• First Nations people 

• young people and older professionals. 

Partnering with Australian SMEs 

As a social enterprise, we prioritise Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as project partners. These include graphic designers, First Nations advisors and language professionals. With consultants across every state and territory, we collaborate with over 250 organisations nationwide, strengthening local economies and industries. 

Building skills and capacity 

We invest in training, placements and professional development for the next generation of language and communication professionals. 

• Since 2003, we have hosted 100+ work placements for emerging language specialists from universities and TAFEs. 

• In 2024, we launched a free national training program with Navitas and NAATI for bilingual Community Connectors, preparing 33 participants for NAATI testing. 

• Our forums and community events provide ongoing skills development for staff, clients and partners. 

Supporting communities 

We contribute to multicultural communities through pro bono projects, sponsorships, donations and micro-grants. In 2024 alone, we provided $54,246 in community support, including digital device donations and local initiatives. 

Our Multicultural Advisory Panel and Youth Advisory Panel bring together 47 leaders from across Australia, helping shape our projects while developing their leadership capacity. 

Innovation and Australian IP 

Polaron invests in Australian-made technology and intellectual property. 

• Our FeedbackNow multilingual survey system (developed locally) supports campaigns in over 50 languages. 

• We license homegrown translation technology and reinvest in Australian linguistic talent through our QA and Community Approved Translation models. 

• These tools not only support local projects but also create export opportunities. 

Alignment with national priorities 

Our work contributes to broader policy objectives such as gender equality, innovation, disability inclusion and Closing the Gap. We design projects that embed resilient economic participation from diverse groups while strengthening Australia’s language and communications industries. 

Quality, accessibility and accountability 

Our services are underpinned by internationally recognised standards: 

• ISO 9001 (Quality Management) 

• ISO 24495-1:2023 (Plain Language) 

• ISO 26000 (Social Responsibility) 

• ISO 45003 (Psychosocial Risk Management) 

We also apply accessibility tools such as Colour Contrast Checker, Microsoft and Adobe Accessibility Checkers, and guidance from the Plain Language Association International (PLAIN). 

Our memberships and partnerships reflect our commitment to sector-wide collaboration, including: 

• Women with Disabilities Victoria 

• Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria (ECCV) 

• The Research Society 

• NAATI (Regional Advisory Council) 

• Communications & Public Relations Australia (CPRA) 

• Sydney Health Partners 

• Deakin University CREATE  

• Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA) 

• Victorian Refugee Health Network 

• and many more. 

A collaborative approach 

Through our panels, pro bono programs and community partnerships, we ensure every project is meaningful, respectful and accessible. Our approach is guided by co-design with communities, best practice standards and a commitment to building lasting capability across industries and government. 

Get in touch

Building strong partnerships is at the heart of what we do. To discuss opportunities for collaboration, training or community impact, reach out to us at connect@polaron.org