Australian Social Enterprises

dal Café & Catering operates as a café and catering service. dal's mission is to reduce disadvantage and increase the participation of young adults with disability to open employment and enable them as valued members of the broader community.dal strives to provide leadership in building inclusive communities by fostering a culture that supports transition into full and equitable employment. dal models and facilitates inclusive, non-discriminatory employment practices. In 2011 dal received the Australian Disability Enterprise Excellence Award. dal creates pathways for young adults with disability to either supported or open employment and increases their independent living skills and confidence to access community supports and activities. Our vision is to provide adults with disability to experience meaningful employment in a commercial environment.

DARE Industries provides products and services for commercial and domestic customers in the Blue Mountains, Penrith, and Hawkesbury Regions. The Grounds and Maintenance team excel in commercial lawn mowing, turfing and lawn care, hazard reduction, removal of noxious weeds, garden restoration and makeovers, rubbish removal, squalor specialists. Dare Industries provides top quality Australian hardwood products including, wooden stakes and pegs required by Plumbers, Concretors, and Surveyors as well as environmentally friendly kindling in handy 5kg packs of hardwood off-cuts. The Package and Assembly team can assist your business with all your packing and assembly requirements such as, mailouts, assembly of products (from step blocks to wheel barrows), string cutting and tying, bespoke packaging, preparing business folders, labelling, secure document shredding, commercial book covering and packing and weighing. All staff are fully trained, enthusiastic and committed to assisting you and your business. By purchasing any of our business services or products you are helping to provide employment and other services for people with a disability. Since 1961 DARE Industries have provided products and services (such as grounds maintenance, woodwork and packing and assembly) to customers in the community. DARE provides meaningful employment for 65 people with a disability in the community who would otherwise not be able to work. At DARE, supported employees improve their social skills and as a result are able to interact with the community in their day-to-day lives leading to a more inclusive community. DARE also gives back to the community by frequently volunteering at community events such as foundation day and Anzac day. DARE provides meaningful employment for people with a disability who would otherwise not be able to work. Not only does it provide the supported employees with more money in the bank, but it also improves their self-esteem as they are contributing to society. Supported employees experience better health and well being, improve their skills and expand their social networks. DARE has had a number of apprentices who have gone on to join the open work force. Family members of DARE supported employees know that they are well looked after, building new skills, developing a social network and becoming more independent.

Delando Corporation is a not-for-profit charity and an Incorporated Company Limited by Guarantee. Delando is fortunate to have a pro-active Board of Directors who oversee the financial running of the organisation. As a group they get involved in strategic planning for the future and maintain regular contact with Delando and its Management team. Delando enclaves are run by competent Supervisors who have many years of experience in running work groups at host employer work sites. Each Supervisor holds a minimum of a Certificate IV in disabilities and receives regular opportunities for upskilling, attending seminars and network meetings to keep informed about current trends and services available in the community. Delando is now going through a process of change in the way it conducts its operations in a distinct effort to move with the times, increase its professionalism and remain competitive within the marketplace. Delando has been fortunate enough to develop many successful relationships through its Enclaves that have been set up and continue to run successfully with high profile organisations such as Kmart, Hunter Health Support and the University of Newcastle.

We offer a range of supports across our organisation to care for people on their journey in life and welcome you to explore as many or as little as you choose. - Supported Independent Living - 30 homes with shared accommodation - Short Term Accommodation - Respite & Short-Term accommodation - Community Access & Day Support - Programs of support to engage within the community - Supported Employment - Supported employment for Gardening, Hospitality & Coagulating and Sewing Room- In Home Support - Support for daily living services - Devonfield Services - Catering, Gardening, Meals to go, Business Services and more The Devonfield journey began in 1954 when a group of local community members created a school for disabled children within our community. After 5 years of fundraising the original Devonfield school was built in 1959. Today, 65 years on, we enter a new phase of our existence, however we continue to provide what we always have: supported accommodation, supported employment, disability support and positive encouragement towards the people we work with. Our extensive range of supports and accommodation offer people with disability the opportunity to explore life on their terms and the freedom to live an independent life. We have a dedicated team with experienced staff to support our employees and we are committed to each one of employees to develop a sense of belonging to our Devonfield community as a valued member. As a result, employees come and go over the time but many employees have been happy to work with us for 20+ years until they decide to retire. We celebrate each milestone and assist all employees to build confidence to be themselves and become more independent in our community. We provide a great supporting environment for all employees to thrive and their family members can rely on us.

Disability Services Australia (DSA) is a respected not-for-profit organisation that provides essential community support, employment and training services to enhance the lives of people with a disability. DSA is an integral part of more than 65 communities and employs more than 1,300 people. From our early beginnings back in 1957 we have grown to become an innovative organisation, developing and evolving personalised services that drive true inclusion. We are a professional and flexible organisation, fit for the exciting future we face as the Australian disability sector undergoes profound and fundamental change. Our priority is supporting people to reach their full potential at home, at work and in their community life. Each year, we reaffirm our commitment to our mission of enabling opportunities for people with a disability to experience choice, inclusion and achievement.

Distinctive Options Noweyung continues its evolution as an organisation providing a range of quality disability support services to individuals aimed at delivering better life outcomes. Our community based organisation Noweyung Ltd was established in 1954 to provide a range of services for people with disabilities in East Gippsland. In 2024 Noweyung Ltd merged with Melbourne based Distinctive Options and Noweyung became Distinctive Options Noweyung. Distinctive Options Noweyung offers quality disability options with a range of innovative and collaborative partnerships within both the local and broader communities. Distinctive Options Noweyung provides a range of support services to adults in the areas of education, training, community development, pre-employment, employment and advocacy services.

Elouera Association LTD provides quality education and employment training to people with a disability in Cootamundra, Young, Temora, Harden and surrounding districts. The Elouera Special School has provided education to children in the area for over 50 years and more recently Elouera Hire, Elouera Laundry and Elouera Recycling have provided employment and training to adults with a disability. There are real benefits to the wider community from having people with a disability accessing employment at one of our Disability Enterprises. Money earned goes back into the local economy, social security expenses lower, health care costs lower and these businesses provide vital products and services to the community.Disability Employment costs tax payers a lot less that alternative day services. Every dollar spent at a Disability enterprise either for goods and services or funding produces a real social dividend to local communities. Employment at one of our Disability Enterprises provides individuals with additional financial independence, greater skills, the feeling of being part of a team with purpose and the pride of having a job as part of the community just like most other people. People that have a job in general are healthier and more fit. For families of those working at a Disability Enterprise, for many they also can re-enter the workforce giving the whole family greater financial security. They tell us how much more confident their family members are that work for us.

Commercial Steam Laundry,Resosurce recovery Recycling Transfer Station and small business packaging .

Eurella Community Services exists to provide the best practice, meaningful employment, residential and development services for children and adults of all ages with intellectial and other disabilities and to assist them to have their maximum possible quality of life and to develop their maximum potential. We encourage our customers to visit our site and speak with our supported employees to discuss the work we do for them. Our employees are very much part of the process. These discussions assist to develop relationships with the community. We also involve Work for the Dole and Workplace Rehabilitation participants in many aspects of our activities. We provide real work opportunities to our supported employees. The range of work we provide to them is very diverse and consequently both stimulating and challenging. They accept those challenges and embrace the self esteem that employment provides in their lives.

Supports in employment and workplace training in a Commercial business focused on putting people and the planet first. GDP Industries is a respected social enterprise that operates within the circular economy, reducing products from going to landfill.Currently the business recycles Mattresses, Polystyrene, Timber, Clothing and other material in various warehouses across Geelong. The business has major contracts and partnerships with City of Greater Geelong, City of Port Phillip, Cleanaway, Hanhwa Defence Australia, Infrabuild, Bellarine Bayside, Surf Coast Shire and Godfrey Hirst. GDP Industries' purpose is to provide employment opportunities, connection and support for those living with a disability, thereby significantly enhancing their lives. Our Vision, is to be a leader in the provision of inclusive, safe and sustainable support to significantly enrich the lives of those living with a disability. We offer long term employment and on the job training for people with disabilities, we support them while at work, and provide their families with the surety that all employees will be treated with respect and dignity while in the workplace.Our values are: Respectful - Everyone is treated with total respect regardless of position, background and beliefs. United - We collaborate and work together in the best interest of GDPI and our supported employees. Commercial and Considered - We are committed to realising good commercial results, while considering the needs of all our key stakeholders. Inclusive and Protective - Everyone is culturally, emotionally and physically safe and free to fully express themselves. Compassionate - We care for and trust each other and treat all with the utmost dignity. Excellence -We deliver our responsibilities, strive for excellence and are accountable in everything we do.

genU Business Enterprises is an Australian Disability Enterprise operating a range of businesses in the Geelong 7 Colac region. These businesses provide employment for people with a disability in a supportive work environment whilst operating to the highest commercial standards. Our businesses include hospitality, land care and business solutions genU provides meaningful employment to people with a disability whilst delivering quality and value for money products and services to our customers. genU offers a range of supported employment opportunities as well as training and pathways from school into employment as well as on to open employment.genU is a diverse and supportive workplace where supported employees will feel valued and included in their community.

The George Gray Centre is a long standing Not for Profit organisation that delivers disability supports for adults that reside in Maffra, Sale and surrounding areas. George Gray supports its clientele with daily living tasks, creative and recreational pursuits and vocational training. The George Gray Centre runs a lawn and garden maintenance crew that undertakes domestic, commercial and contractual works. The vision that directs and drives the lawn and garden maintenance business is the strong belief that all people should be supported in pursuing their vocational interests and be given an opportunity to secure gainful employment. GGC Lawn and Garden Maintenance provides a quality service to our domestic and commercial customers. Our Supervisors and Supported Employees have built a strong connection with the communities we service. We provide an enjoyable workplace for our two teams of Supported Employees and provide a fantastic service to our customers. Supported Employment provides opportunities for those living with disability to gain employment and build useful work/life skills. A tailored approach to each individuals needs and supports is undertaken to ensure an enjoyable and safe work is experienced each day. Our aim is to develop social skills, confidence and push comfort zones for personal development whilst earning an income. At the GGC our goal is to ensure each Supported Employee reaches their full potential to create pathways to open employment.

Glen Industries is an Australian Disability Enterprise providing supported employment and training for people with a disability. We ar a not for profit charitable organisation and receive some funding from the Federal Government, Department of Social Services, to provide on the job support, skill development and assessments for individuals whom otherwise may not be active in the workforce. In addition, we have a responsibility under corporations law to maintain a viable business and as such provide a range of valuable products and services within Glen Innes and surrounding communities.. . We are located in beautiful Glen Innes, Celtic Country, which is a rural community of approximately 7500 people. Glen Innes is ppositioned on the intersection of the New England and Gwydir Highways, which offers scenic routes North to Brisbane and South to Sydney, and East to the coast, Coffs Harbour 2.5 hours, and West to the ranges and plains. . . We enjoy a temperate Summer, colourful Autumn, brisk Winter, with the occassional snow fall in neighbouring communities, and flourishing Spring.

Glenray is one of the largest NDIS registered support providers in the Bathurst region. We provide a range of support to meet your individual needs, from specialist disability accommodation through to community and individuals support, supported employment and lifestyle and learning day programs. We operate two commercial Social Enterprises:Glenray Industrial Services and Glenray Laundry. Our business model in these commercially competitive enterprises is to provide employment opportunities and workplace skills development for people with disability. We currently employ in excess of 50 people living with disability across our two locations. Glenray Industrial Services produces Timber products for domestic and export markets; Facilities Management and Grounds Maintenance services; Document Destruction; Packaging and Labelling onsite or offsite; Warehousing and Distribution. Glenray Laundry is a fully commercial and high volume production laundry servicing the Central Tablelands region. We provide linen hire for hotels, motels and the restaurant industry. We provide meaningful employment for people living with a disability in a supportive environment. We offer opportuniities to build capacity and learn new skills, through on the job and external training. Our employees gain confidence, independence and purpose from working with us and this reflects in their social interactions with friends, family and the community.

Registered NDIS Service Provider providing employment and training for people with a disability. We run the local Recyclit Depot which provides a variety of tasks such as sorting loading, weighing product. Shredding, customer service etc. Recyclit also has a second hand goods shop called BowerBird. At the main office we have a community contracts area providing letter/pamphlet folding, rag cutting, laminating, photocopying etc, a costume hire shop and the Mooki Woodworks suppling pegs and stakes to Mines, surveyors etc. We provide a variety of services to the community such as collecting of kerbside Recycling bins and picking up commercial recycling, shredding of confidential documents. Providing training and support to people with a disability in our community. Assisting with support coordination of NDIS plans. Packaging, folding, mailouts, laminating. We also supply a large variety of pegs and stakes for the mine and surveyors. We provide an environment which makes our employees feel safe, comfortable promoting self esteem making them valued in our community and their workplace. We offer support to them, their families, carers and advocates including then in meetings and any social events. Our open door policy provides them with the knowledge they can approach Management and staff with any issues or concerns.

Gwydir Industries provide employment training and real work experience for people with a disability

We are a Queensland-based social enterprise helping people with disability lead fulfilling and independent lives. Over the past 50+ years, we’ve created an integrated network of services to provide people with disability the essentials, routine, and stretch they seek in life. Whether it’s employment, learning, living arrangements, community involvement, or anything else in between – we work alongside people to help them achieve the things they set out to. We do this with the help of our social enterprise businesses, organisational partnerships, and DES and NDIS service streams. We like to think of it as an ecosystem of opportunity. Help impact lives by directly employing over 300 people with disabilities and helping others find meaningful work with inclusive employers. We enable independent living for those with cognitive disabilities and provide social connections and daily routines through our hubs. We also help businesses become inclusive employers and have a ripple effect of social good. At Help, our vision is clear: an inclusive world where people with disability lead fulfilling, independent lives. With our scope of services available to our supported employees, we've created what we call our 'ecosystem of opportunity,' empowering them through high-impact services shaped around their goals.

Est in 1969 we currently employ 134 people.Our services include, packaging, kitting, electronic waste, Return & Earn depots, 3PL, warehousing, media/product destruction & recycling, Candle manufacturing and retail No ordinary workplace!Hoxton – operating since 1969. We employ more than 100 people with barriers to mainstream employment Hoxton has grown from humble beginnings into a modern workplace. We now proudly provide meaningful employment to more than 100 people who face barriers to mainstream employment, including people living with disabilities. We balance a business-like approach to contract packaging with a friendly and supportive work environment for the people we employ.All our packaging services are performed by a proficient and experienced workforce. Every one of our employees takes great pride in their work. Hoxton also provides valuable add-on packaging services such as labels, barcode labels, batch labels, pallet wrapping, pallet storage and inventory control. Packaging is more than putting things in boxes. Protection, handling, storage, savings on materials and presentation for sale are important aspects of packaging. All our packaging solutions and add-on services meet high quality standards. And they are competitively priced, so you get value for money. We create jobs for people facing barriers to mainstream employment we are RESPECTFUL, we are FUN, we are OPEN, we are SUPPORTIVE, we take RESPONSIBILITY. WE ARE HOXTON – AND THESE ARE OUR VALUES At Hoxton, success is measured by the impact we have on the lives of our employees. Over the past 47 years we’ve learned that participating in work transforms lives in ways people don’t expect. We have a workforce filled with happy, proud, confident and productive people. They give their best and they know that’s appreciated. At Hoxton everyone is welcome We have an active social club. A designated public transport bus runs to and from Liverpool Station every morning and afternoon. Here’s what our employees and their families say about Hoxton “People with disabilities don’t get accepted in a lot of workplaces but here they are accepted and appreciated by the supervisors. We make a lot of friends here, in the outside world we are seen as different but here they are seen as people not disabilities. I like working at Hoxton because it’s a safe environment. The people and supervisors are so friendly, lovely training officer and boss who understands us and isn’t hard on us but if we do something wrong they will come down on us.” ~ Sergio “Since Lauren has been working at Hoxton I have found that she is a lot more confident and is not worried about voicing her opinions anymore. She is also showing a much more mature attitude and doesn’t react to situations as quickly. She now has a good network of friends and she looks forward to going on the social outings that are held through work.”~ Anne – Lauren’s Mum When Ryan joined Hoxton Industries in January 2014 my first impression of the workplace was “wow” as it was clear that Hoxton was run very professionally and that it was more than just a place of employment – it was a hub where relationships are built and friendships are formed.It was clear from the outset that Ryan would thrive here. He has developed skills he didn’t even know he had – work wise, emotionally and socially.Ryan is supported in doing something different every day, expanding his skills and giving him the courage to continue to develop.His confidence has increased immensely – and the knowledge that he is contributing to the workforce, home and the community gives him a sense of pride in himself he didn’t previously have. Ryan is a changed person since starting at Hoxton. Because of all the help and support he receives, he is happier, healthier and more confident than we ever thought possible. Hoxton has given him the sense of responsibility and dedication required to hold down a job – and he has forged new friendships which enrich his life.He can’t wait to go to work every day because he just loves it! Every day is a great day for Ryan at Hoxton Industries!

Aware Programs is a registered NDIS provider offering positive options for people with disability. A variety of employment, training and lifestyle opportunities are offered at Aware. The Kane Rd building has a working factory, computer labs, classrooms, a recreation room, gym, movie theatre room and other facilities. Aware provides meaningful employment for people with disability.Aware-supported employees choose from a range of roles that suit their interests and capabilities. Tasks can include forklift use, vehicle detailing, production line work, embroidery, dismantling and light engineering. The Albury Upcycle Shop and Wodonga Re-use Shop are managed by Aware Programs. Aware participants are involved with the day-to-day operation of both stores. Employees are given opportunities in sorting goods, cleaning, customer service and cash handling. Not only does Aware aim to equip employees with disabilities to access mainstream employment we also provide Lifestyle and Training programs.This is to acquire the skills and qualifications needed to achieve personal and work goals. All Aware supported employees are given the opportunity to increase their skill levels. We provided people with a disability in our community the opportunity to have meaningful employment and we also offer Training and Lifestyle Programs at our Kane Road Site. Our employees have the opportunity to have more choice and control in their lives by gaining independence by earning an income.

The mission of the Intellectual Disability Foundation of St George is to provide appropriate employment and training of people with intellectual disabilities through the operation of its own business. People with intellectual disabilities have benefited from being able to work and socialise in an environment which provides them with the opportunity to develop their skills and achieve their full potential. The foundation focus is to meet a wide spectrum of the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community. High on the list of priorities is to assist in addressing the shortages of accommodation and respite services available in the St George region and to prepare for the NDIS which could and should be one of the most important developments in the advancement of the rights of people with disabilities.

Not for Profit Organisation employing people with a disability. provide meaningful employment for people with a disabilty and highlight their sense of inclusion in our community. A safe work environment for people with a disability ongoing upskill training and providing a sense of belonging and improving their self esteem

Byron Bay Herb Nursery is a non-profit charity that provides employment and training opportunities for people with a disability who require on-going support to work. Our primary business is the environmentally best practice production of high quality herbs to the horticulture market. Katia Project Inc provides paid employment and training opportunities in the Byron Shire for people with a disability who require training and support to work. Our person-centred approach ensures that our workers are in the centre of service design, planning, delivery and review. This enables them to shape and direct service and support arrangements to suit their strengths, needs and goals, with the support of their family, friends, carers and advocates. Our primary business is the environmentally best practice production and profitable sales of high quality herbs to the horticulture and retail markets. We are committed to the physical, mental and spiritual health of our employees, customers and the community. To this end we seek to provide a place of business that is accessible, respectful and inclusive, provides challenges, rewards accomplishments, promotes learning, and encourages contributions to the business, industry and community.

Knoxbrooke was born out of an initiative of Rotary Ferntree Gully and Belgrave in 1966 when it was identified that the local area required such a service for a growing local community. It has been Knoxbrooke’s long and proud tradition of being there for people with disabilities and their families in a way that is valued. Knoxbrooke offer's social enterprises in both the West Gippsland and Outer Eastern areas of Melbourne, providing a broad range of employment, training and support options. Knoxbrooke Nursery - a commercial wholesale nursery supplying a broad range of plants to the retail and landscape markets in VIC, NSW, ACT, SA & VIC. Knoxbrooke Pack+Assemble - offering commercial packaging, assembly, collation, 3PL and container unloading services. Knoxbrooke Garden - commercial and domestic garden maintenance (West Gippsland only) Knoxbrooke Coffee - cafe and catering services (West Gippsland only) Vintage Vibes - upcycling clothing, furniture, jewelry and housewares (West Gippsland only) Knoxbrooke is a major local employer in both regions it operates offering employment, training and support options. With over 150 people living with disability employed and being paid award wages, through employment we change give the opportunity to help people live a fulfilling life to achieve their personal goals and contribute in the community. Each person that works for Knoxbrooke brings a particular skill set that is required to successfully operate our social enterprises. As an organisation we focus on people strengths which in turn brings the best out of people. In doing this, each persons confidence is boosted and brings about a healthy culture of working together.

Kurrajong operates 10 commercial enterprises across the Murrumbidgee region including Wagga Wagga, Deniliquin, Leeton, Narrandera and West Wyalong. 130 supported employees are employed providing services in and to the community including general commercial and domestic recycling, e-recycling, bin management, solar panel recycling, property services, laundry, catering and timber processing. Our vision is to create open, accessible and inclusive communities for all people. Our supported employees and staff make a valuable contribution to our community by providing quality, reliable and safe services that are important to the people we live and work with. Kurrajong takes pride in the person centred supports we provide to our supported employees that assist them to attain their work goals and to lead the productive and rewarding lives of their choice. We support our people with training, staying safe, and conquering any barriers to achievement.

Kyeema Support Services supports around 90 individuals and their families across the Glenelg Shire, and has been in operation for 50 years. Kyeema's mission is to Support and empower individuals to make choices to enrich their lives. Seawinds Nursery provides plants that suit Portland's coastal environment and advice from experienced horticulturists.Green Fingers Gardening does mowing, edging, trimming.Windward provides a pick up and drop off car cleaning service. Kyeema provides meaningful, interesting and community inclusive supported employment options. Employees are enabled to expand their skills and have some flexibility to work across different sites.