Australian Social Enterprises

It’s your journey. We take the time to listen to you, understand your needs and design tailored solutions. This personalised approach puts you firmly in the driver’s seat, so you can uncover the possibilities in your life.

With a proud history of servicing the Health and Aged Care Sector for over 130 years, Holy Cross is the longest serving commercial laundry operating in Australia. Having a balanced business in laundry, a decision was made to open a cleaning sector. We pride ourselves on being an Equal Opportunity Employer and a proactive proponent of providing people with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to gain meaningful employment. Founded in Brisbane in 1889 by Mother Mary Vincent Whitty, of the sisters of Mercy, the organisation still stands true to its original mission statement to this day: - To offer a unique work environment that empowers people to reach their full potential.- Efficiently and professionally meet customer needs in the commercial, health and hospitality industries- Attain environmental responsibility and financial sustainability.Forge mutually valued partnerships. By utilising our comprehensive range of cleaning and laundry services, you are helping the Brisbane, and broader Queensland community thrive and prosper. Holy Cross Services provides laundry and cleaning services to the major hospitals and aged care facilities in Brisbane and surrounding regional areas, including the Gold Coast, Gympie, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba. We are a Ministry of Mercy Partners that fulfills its Mission by restoring the dignity to those who are often locked out of employment due to disability and difference, by helping them gain meaningful employment in a safe, supportive and welcoming environment. As a provider of NDIS we employ a total of 30 people in Supported Employment; have open employment opportunities and a school based work experience program. We are an integrated workplace with a diverse workforce. Holy Cross Laundry has a close relationship with our Supported Employees and their families. Our program is about building the skills and confidence they need to maintain and enjoy their job. The skills and disciplines learnt in the work environment transfer into everyday life at home and it is important to us that we work with families to understand our employee’s needs and strengths. We offer a safe and supportive work environment with each of our supported employees working closely with support workers to help and guide them throughout their working day. By doing this we can provide the one-on-one support to each employee and strive to achieve the best outcomes for them. As a Mission based organisation and from feedback received, this is not only important to us but also to those who we do business with.

At Cleanable, we pride ourselves on delivering professional and high-quality cleaning solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your business. As a social enterprise, we stand out by creating positive change in the community. With a commitment to providing support and meaningful employment to all members of the community we pay all staff 100% Award wages and ongoing training. Our regular quality site inspections and commitment to quality ensure we maintain the highest cleaning and service standards and provide complete customer satisfaction. Cleanable was created by Westgate Community Initiatives Group Ltd in 2005. As a certified Social Enterprise Company by Social Traders, Cleanable can guarantee all profits are returned to the community through employment, training and upskilling programs to improve lives. As a social enterprise, we provide sustainable, 100% award wages paid employment to people facing barriers to finding and keeping a job.

Established in 1960, Mai-Wel offers a variety of innovative solutions for individuals and businesses. Mai-Wel Enterprises provides quality products and services made by people with a disability. As a customer of Mai-Wel Enterprises, you are contributing to long term employment opportunities for people with a disability in the Hunter. Mai-Wel contributes significantly to the local community by offering employment for people with disability, and services in the areas of living options, lifestyle and leisure and working life. Mai-Wel also supports those experiencing disadvantage or youth to get a job. The opportunities Mai-Wel provides, enhances the lives of people with disability or those experiencing disadvantage. Mai-Wel helps to link people to their local community, with the goal of empowerment and inclusion. Mai-Wel provides meaningful employment opportunities to people with a disability in the community through employment in Mai-Wel Enterprises, offering a range of employment options. Having a job benefits all people. Being in employment:• expands social networks• increases community connections• gives greater financial independence• improves health and wellbeing • creates a stronger sense of identity and self-worth.

Challenge Community Services has provided innovative and people-focused services to the community for over 65 years. Our offering to regional and metropolitan communities includes Disability Services, Foster Care, Allied Health and supported employment for people with a disability as part of our range of Business Services.Challenge Community Services operates throughout regional and metropolitan New South Wales, and the greater Brisbane area in Queensland. Our organisation is built on a strong workforce of over 1000 people, including over 90 employees with disability. Challenge Community Services is a registered not-for-profit organisation that has been making a difference in the lives of people in our community for over sixty five years.Challenge support people with disability, children and vulnerable members of the community to have the same rights and entitlements as all community members. This includes lifestyle, community access, accommodation, vocational and employment support. Supporting our business means that you are giving a person with a disability meaningful employment opportunities within a supported employment environment.

For over 50 years, Barkuma has worked alongside people with disability to find rewarding jobs, learn new skills, explore their talents, and be included in the community. Barkuma provides services to over 700 people, making it one of the largest disability organisations in South Australia. Services include open and supported employment, transition services, community living support, training, counselling, advocacy and support. The Barkuma differences are a reflection of our deep-rooted commitment to inclusivity, innovation and individual empowerment. As a trusted and experienced partner in disability services, we are proud to continue to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals in South Australia, fostering a sense of belonging and independence. We are proud to have received the Service Provider Award at the 2023 South Australian Premier’s Food and Beverage Industry Awards. We have a 50-year history and are dedicated to South Australians. Barkuma’s not-for-profit ethos and person-centred approach distinguish us from others in the field. We work with people to establish the capacity and confidence to transition out of high school and continue to build a life of independence that makes quality employment and accommodation outcomes achievable.

IMPACT Community Services is a not-for-profit organisation that has been delivering support services in Bundaberg since 1978. IMPACT Community Services has also been known as Community Youth Support Service (CYSS), Bundaberg Skills Centre and IMPACT Make Your Mark, but we’ve always maintained our mission to build an inclusive community and empower our people to achieve the best they can. We offer a wide range of support, training and employment programs that help people live life, grow their potential and prosper in their future from new and exciting opportunities. IMPACT’s Recyling and Collection that is made up of 33 staff, 27 of whom have a disability plays an essential role in the recycling process. Last year IMPACT recovered more than 7,500 tonnes of recyclable material; they recycled 5,880 tonnes of paper and cardboard, saving the lives of approximately 76,650 trees, and their activities prevented 12,180 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the environment. The benefits include;> High productivity and output of products > They create an environment that is inclusive of all people > Very high attendance and long term loyalty

The Community Plan is the highest level plan prepared by Council on behalf of the community. In 2013 Council adopted the first Towards 2030 Community Plan where the future vision for the Mid-Western Region was developed collaboratively with the community

Weve been part of the Tumut community for over half a century. In that time, it has been our privilege to give people the support they need to lead fuller lives, gain satisfying work, and show the world at large the true potential of their hearts, minds and bodies. Valmar supports people with disabilities to live and work in their own communities. This enables families and communities to remain connected, it enables real economic participation by people with disabilities, it enhances local employment for support staff and also enables unpaid carers / parents to have a life outside of their caring / support roles. Employees with disabilities are engaged in secure, well supported, meaningful and locally relevant employment that provide a range of vocational opportunities and career pathways. Being not-for-profit Valmar reinvests all proceeds from our Disability Enterprises back into these businesses to achieve improved pay and conditions, better work environments and more productive work processes and equipment.

Ballina Shire Council is located in the Northern Rivers of the Far North Coast of New South Wales. It covers an area of 485 km² with a population of approximately 41,000 (2011 Census). We have a prosperous economy based on building, retail, tourism, hospitality, agriculture and education. Our services and facilities include numerous open spaces, two public swimming pools, three libraries, a number of community spaces, a community art gallery, and a regional airport providing numerous daily jet services between Sydney, Melbourne and Newcastle. Working with a regional community that is progressive, innovative and creative, our Council strategies and services are designed to deliver an outstanding lifestyle for our residents, workers and visitors. We are also mindful that as we are in one of the fastest growing regions in Australia we need to protect what we have now while planning for the future.

Gumnut Place was established in 1986 by a group of families/friends of people with disabilities. Our business includes provision of 5 business units:A wood workshop which manufactures heat treated hardwood/pine pallets suitable for export, blasting and survey pegs. A commercial kitchen supplying daily deliveries of cakes, slices, biscuits to a local supermarket and catering for meetings, forums and private catering. A commercial laundry with long standing contracts to launder work wear for the local mine as well as other weekly washing/ironing orders for domestic and local businesses. A Trophy, Engraving & Badge-Making Service supplying an extensive range of trophies, medallions, shields, awards, commemorative plaques and personalised engraving on almost any surface. A Secure Document Destruction Service for local businesses with pick up and delivery. Gumnut Place provide numerous high quality products through our many business units that ultimately meet the needs of our local community. We also provide community inclusion, skills development and career progression opportunities for a high number of paid/volunteer employees with disabilities. Gumnut Place provides a happy and productive work environment for Supported Employees to reach their full potential through skills development, training and career progression. We provide an avenue for Supported Employees to build long lasting friendships with work colleagues and gain a feeling of ownership and pride in the quality products they produce.

The Bridge Inc. is a not-for-profit disability services provider located in the south-eastern and Northern suburbs of Melbourne. We’ve been helping people with disabilities develop key life skills for over 50 years. We offer job placement services, supported employment opportunities, learning in life skills, support to participate in social and leisure activities in the community. The Bridge Works is the warehousing and manufacturing service for The Bridge Employment. We provide meaningful employment for people with disabilities who require support to work. We assist with a range of business services, including labour hire, logistics support, manufacturing and e-fulfilment services. This service is useful for manufacturers experiencing space limitations; and wholesalers & importers requiring rework of products. The Bridge Works is part of The Bridge Employment which is a not–for-profit employment service provider delivering a comprehensive range of employment solutions to employers and jobseekers across South-East Melbourne. The Bridge Works provides warehouse solutions and commercial cleaning services to businesses through a supported employment enterprise. We match our supported employee's skills to the requirements of the jobs we have available, offering ongoing individualised training and guidance to complete tasks. Each employee is trained in Occupational Health and Safety Awareness, then specialised training is provided to gain new workplace skills. Our focus is on assisting people with disabilities or from disadvantaged backgrounds to maintain their employment, achieve goals and realise their full potential. We strive to ensure that each person achieves their own individual employment outcome.

Civic Industries provides paid employment to people with disability who have 'Finding and Keeping a Job' in their NDIS plan. A range of jobs including packaging, decanting, mail-outs, labeling, administration, lawn mowing, catering and barista are offered for differing skill levels within a supportive environment in South Sydney and other locations. We also work at the Department of Defence at Holsworthy Army Base delivering administrative work. Civic Disability Services provides supported accommodation, employment and social connectivity to more than 750 individuals with disability. Founded more than 60 years ago, Civic is an ambitious, forward-thinking organisation, which has built on its solid heritage and emerged as a true leader in the disability sector. Defining ourselves as a ‘for-purpose' organisation, our goal is to improve outcomes for individuals with disability by investing in innovation, technologies and pilot ideas which drive forward the delivery of disability services. Civic provide meaningful employment and every day we see the pride that clients take in having a job and working alongside their mates. We recognise that the social activities that arise from work are as equally important. The fact that the work is variable and interesting, and supported employees are working with staff they know, gives peace of mind.

Good Sammy Enterprises is a for-purpose organisation focused on creating employment opportunities for Western Australians with disability. We’ve been around since 1958 and, as a registered NDIS provider, we deliver quality personalised services that help achieve individualised outcomes. Good Sammy has a workforce of more than 800 people, with over 50% identifying as having disability. We reduce waste and help the environment by recycling almost 7 million kilos of used goods each year and as an official collection organisation for the Containers for Change program. Our op shops are the public face of our organisation and allow employees to explore opportunities in the retail industry, as well as supply chain operations and logistics. Our business services provide warehousing and logistics, packaging and assembly, and gardening services to the WA business community, while providing employment in a safe and structured environment. We work with business and government, providing social procurement opportunities that deliver on social and economic outcomes. Good Sammy’s Training Academy also provides structured learning and work experience opportunities through our contemporary programs and nationally recognised certifications, helping participants to build skills and confidence to progress into open employment. Good Sammy is an iconic Western Australian charity and a leading provider of employment and training opportunities for people with disability. For more than sixty years, Good Sammy has been supporting people with disability through meaningful social and economic participation. Good Sammy helps people with disability build confidence, skills and expand job opportunities. We offer a range of disability employment services to support people with disability as they achieve personal employment goals. Our services include:- Job opportunities at Good Sammy- Academy training programs- Certified traineeships- Employment support services - Work experience with us or one of our employer partners- Pathways to Open employment Good Sammy ensures employees are supported by a dedicated team, who help map personal plans to set employees up for success.

We are a commercially competitive not for profit social enterprise operating in Kew, Melbourne since 1963. As a social enterprise we trade and reinvest for the benefit of our employees and the community. We employ over 130 people and our purpose is clear: 'Through employment, we create opportunities for people living with a disability and those socially excluded, to discover their potential and enhance their lives" We have four operating units: wire & metal fabrication, digital document scanning and business services, packing & assembly, logistics & fundraising and engage with customers from many sectors. We are a solution focused, agile, innovative and results driven business which puts its people at the centre of its operation. Ability Works produces quality products and delivers outstanding services across four business units: * Wire & metal fabrication* Digital technology services* Packing & assembly* Logistics and fundraising Procurement from us provides meaningful employment for people living with a disability and economic, social and environment benefits for corporates, governments and the community. Work provides purpose and meaning for everyone. It provides huge personal wellness, social and community benefits for those people living with a disability and those socially disadvantaged. For Ability Works employees, there is a great sense of pride and achievement that comes with not only having a job, but being part of a team that creates outstanding results both for industry and for those who are working as part of the team. This sense of belonging and achievement is recognised and appreciated by a range of stakeholders including employee family members.

Barossa Enterprises is a community organisation that supplies the wine industry with premium packaging solutions. We support over 100 people with disabilities providing an opportunity for people to engage in the industry that has shaped their community. Our manufacturing division, WoodWerx supplies major SA wineries.

Myhorizon Social Enterprises provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities. We do this through our Packaging and Mail House services along with our Conference facilities with accompany our Café and Catering businesses. Our organisation provides meaningful employment for people with disabilities across the mail and packaging industries as well as in Hospitality with our new Café and Function Venue.

Outlook Australia is a non-profit social enterprise committed to creating an inclusive society for all. Through two distinct but connected divisions - Social Enterprise and Community Services, Outlook creates opportunities for people with disability and people experiencing other forms of social disadvantage to develop work and life skills. Outlook Australia operates Australia's largest waste management social enterprise. Through the operation of recycling centre, transfer stations, landfills and reuse shops across Australia, Outlook creates opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. Outlook social enterprise currently operates waste management and recycling centres across Queensland and Victoria, with supported employees and priority workers making up over 70% of the workforce. Outlook Community Centre is located in Pakenham, VIc and offers a wide range programs, workshops and educational opportunities for the community in addition to extensive room hire options. Outlook is also a registered NDIS provider, delivering 1:1 and group based services and supports including high quality high intensity support in Victoria and New South Wales. Outlook is committed to creating 'An Inclusive Society for All' by creating opportunities for people with disability and people experiencing other forms of social disadvantage to thrive in life and work. This is Outlook's fair pay commitment: All employees at Outlook Australia, including supported employees, are paid 100% of the rates outlined in the award or EBA that they are employed under - including supported employees. Supported employees are NOT paid an apportioned wage at Outlook.

Greenacres is one of the largest disability service providers in the Illawarra. For over 70 years, we have been committed to enabling people with a disability to achieve their dreams. Our Social Enterprises teams are highly experienced in Light Manufacturing, Assembly, Industrial Sewing, Sandbag Production, Packing, Labelling, Rework, Shrink Wrapping and Metal Sheering. We have a fleet of trucks and run a daily service throughout Sydney and the Illawarra. Our own brand of Australian-made homewares and hampers are excellent for corporate and employee gifts. We operate a retail store and markets in Wollongong, and sell wholesale to various stockists, in addition to offering a white label service. We also operate three Cafes and a Catering division serving culinary delights for meetings and staff training days throughout the Illawarra. Our Labour Hire crews work at your location and come with a Supervisor to oversee all works. We currently provide Garden & Property Maintenance, Cleaning & Scaffolding Crews. Greenacres proudly supports over 500 people with disability. Greenacres Disability Services plays a pivotal role in our community by empowering individuals with disabilities to lead fulfilling lives. We offer employment opportunities, skill development, and social inclusion programs for over 500 participants, enabling them to integrate into society, contribute meaningfully, and gain independence. By breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity, and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities, we foster a more just and accepting community. Moreover, through our social enterprise initiatives, we create jobs, operate cafes, and produce locally sourced products, contributing to economic growth and showcasing the talents of individuals with disabilities. In essence, Greenacres enhances the fabric of our community through empowerment, advocacy, and economic participation. Our organisation significantly benefits supported employees and their families by providing stable employment, skill development, and a supportive environment. We offer employment opportunities for people with disabilities, allowing them to create their own positive future and transform their ideas and goals into experiences and achievements. Employees gain not only income but also a sense of purpose, self-esteem, and independence. Families witness their loved ones flourish, fostering pride and peace of mind. Additionally, our programs promote social connections, enhancing the overall well-being of both employees and their families. Through our advocacy efforts and community integration, we help reduce stigma and misconceptions about disabilities, creating a more inclusive and accepting society that benefits everyone involved. Ultimately, Greenacres Disability Services empowers individuals and strengthens family bonds while fostering a more inclusive community.

Workpower is based in Perth and provides a varied range of products and services within our social enterprises across Western Australia providing employment and training opportunities for people with disability Workpower operates a diverse group of commercial businesses that employ people with disability who work alongside industry professionals. Some of our businesses include environmental services, property services, fire equipment testing, electrical test & tag, packaging & warehousing and recycling. Workpower’s diverse range of enterprises provide a vehicle to develop a positive public profile for people with disability and give the community better understanding of the impact of disability. Having businesses that work in the community is one of the most effective ways to show that people with disability can make a valued contribution to the everyday life of the community. Each year Workpower assists over 1,000 people with disability and/or mental illness to secure and maintain employment in its own commercial businesses or with community employers. The benefits to our employees and their families extend beyond just earning an income, for example our integrated business model facilitates an environment of self-help and self-reliance which supports the development of natural networks and relationships around shared interests.

Intelife is a social enterprise dedicated to empowering people with disabilities; enabling them to lead fulfilling lives. We are committed to offering innovative solutions for job opportunities and supporting pathways to open employment, fostering a sense of belonging, enabling independence. Intelife supports people living with intellectual disabilities to live a life of purpose, enjoyment and independence. We offer a variety of services that support foundational skill development for independent living and community inclusion, including personal development, skills training, employment pathways, and independent living skills. Intelife provides supported employees with meaningful work, skill development, and opportunities for independence. Through tailored training, workplace support, and real-world experience, we empower individuals to build confidence, achieve personal goals, and contribute to their communities. For families, this brings peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where they can grow and thrive. Through fostering independence and connection, Intelife Work also improves the overall well-being of Supported Employees, ensuring lasting benefits for both individuals and their families.

Packforce has been providing reliable, cost-effective assembly and packaging services for over 50 years.Packforce has grown into a renowned service provider utilised by businesses throughout NSW. With warehouses in Frenchs Forest and Wetherill Park, we have Sydney covered. Packforce is an Australian Disability Enterprise.

GOODWILL ENGINEERING is a unique business specialising in a wide range of building hardware that services both housing and commercial construction. With over 50 years of experience in the building industry we provide quality products to the community. Goodwill Engineering is located in Malaga WA. CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE is a recycling scheme out to reduce the amount of drink containers that end up as landfill. We have two sites across the Perth Metropolitan area located in Midvale and Bibra Lake. Ability WA has been providing services for people living with disability for over 70 years, giving us the experience and expertise to assist people of all ages with a broad range of support needs. Fully NDIS registered, we are one of the few providers with a comprehensive range of services – therapy, accommodation, equipment, support and employment services – and teams that can work across these services. We provide services across the Perth metropolitan area. We can provide therapy services in a home, community or school location or alternatively, you can choose to come to one of our Ability WA hubs in Currambine, Coolbinia or Canning Vale or use our teletherapy service. Our in-home support services and Opportunities program can be delivered in your home, anywhere in the Perth metropolitan area. Our services include finding and keeping a job, supports in employment, customised employment, Disability Employment Services and school leaver employment supports. Our focus is to empower people with disability to achieve their employment goals and aspirations by providing opportunities for work, work experience, training and skill development in professional environments across a range of workplace settings. We endorse the National Disability Insurance Scheme and Disability Employment Service (DES) expectation of inclusive workplaces that offer practical and productive environments with access to career pathways.

As the largest and most experienced not-for-profit intellectual disability service provider in South Australia, we support you to achieve all the things you want in life, bridging the gap between what you can do, and what you want to do. We help you create your version of success and happiness in many ways. We offer services in housing accommodation, home and living supports, short-term and medium-term accommodation, allied health, day options programs, children’s and youth services, supported employment and training possibilities. We’re focussed on building lifelong relationships, where we take-away, or lessen, many of the barriers that stand in your way of living the life you want and achieving the things that are important to you. We are the largest not-for-profit disability service provider and employer in SA, providing advocacy, support and services to enable people living with an intellectual disability to live their best lives. All of our programs and services are provided by highly-skilled staff consisting of disability support workers, health professionals, administrators and volunteers. They are guided by our values of Respect, Heart, Opportunity and Community. As one of the largest employers in South Australia – with close to 1,630 staff members, including supported employees – we have a range of commercial enterprises offering supported employment opportunities in a range of fields. We give supported employees the opportunity to experience work in environments that are nurtuting and respectful. One of our major commitments is to create opportunities for people with a disability and offer a range of job opportunities.

Macarthur Disability Services provides a range of support services including employment for people with a disability and or a mental illness (psycho-social disability). Specialising in lawn mowing, garden maintenance and commercial cleaning. Macarthur Disability Services (MDS) provides support for people with a disability and those living with a mental illness living in our community. MDS has over 40 years experience in delivering high quality supports that enable people with a disability and those with a mental illness to participate in the community and enjoy a meaningful life. Macarthur Disability Services (MDS) provides a safe and flexible workplace for its supported employees that enables people to enjoy the benefits of work. These benefits include, improved financial status, opportunities to socialise, build self esteem and contribute to the community through work.