Australian Social Enterprises

ASTERIA is a proud diverse organisation, offering tailored disability support and commercial services to the residents of central Victoria, with operations based in Maryborough and Bendigo.ASTERIA provides a comprehensive range of services, including individual and programs of support, in-home and community-based assistance, respite and accommodation services, support coordination as well as children and youth support. Our supported employment program underpins our commercial services, which are available to the community and local businesses.At ASTERIA, we are dedicated to removing barriers, creating opportunities, and empowering individuals to make their own choices. Through inclusive services and employment programs, we strengthen community connections and promote social participation, helping individuals thrive while contributing to a more equitable and supportive society. ASTERIA’s supported employment program empowers individuals with disabilities by providing meaningful work opportunities in a safe, inclusive environment. Employees gain practical job skills, soft skills like communication and teamwork, and health and safety knowledge through tailored training. This fosters independence, confidence, and career growth. Families benefit from the stability and sense of purpose these roles provide, knowing their loved ones are supported and valued.

Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) is a for-purpose social enterprise established in 2013 in Victoria that supports rural communities by building entrepreneurial capability and capacity. ACRE helps young people and emerging entrepreneurs develop skills to create opportunities that rejuvenate rural Australia through training, workshops, and accelerator programs.

The Australian Indigenous Lecturers in Initial Teacher Education Association is an Indigenous Corporation focused on supporting Indigenous lecturers within initial teacher education. It likely aims to enhance Indigenous representation and cultural competency in the Australian education sector by empowering these educators.

Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience Indigenous Corporation delivers structured mentoring programs that pair Indigenous students with university and industry mentors to support their educational and career aspirations. Through sustained guidance and skill‑building, the organisation helps close the gap in attainment and employment outcomes for Indigenous Australians while fostering community leadership and cultural pride.

The Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (Aboriginal Corporation) supports and advocates for Indigenous psychologists while promoting culturally appropriate mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. The organisation works to strengthen the Indigenous mental health workforce and improve access to culturally safe psychological support. Through its advocacy and professional support, it contributes to addressing the significant mental health disparities experienced by Indigenous Australians.

The Baaka Cultural Centre Wilcannia Aboriginal Corporation is an Indigenous organisation based in Wilcannia, NSW. It is likely focused on the preservation and promotion of local Baaka Aboriginal culture and heritage. Its social impact would stem from fostering cultural identity and community engagement within the Wilcannia region.

Baby First Aid Qld is North Queensland's first permanent social enterprise dedicated to providing parents and caregivers with essential first aid knowledge and skills to care for infants and children. Through certified courses covering emergencies like choking, CPR, and poisoning, they empower families with the confidence to respond effectively when every second counts.

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.

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.

Bedford is a not-for-profit registered charity that exists to support people with disability to live the life they choose through jobs, pathways and opportunities. As the second-largest employer of people with disability in Australia, Bedford provides a broad range of employment options, services and supports for nearly 1400 clients across 22 sites in South Australia. Bedford exists to support people with disability to live the life they choose through jobs, pathways and opportunities. Our Bedford-backed social enterprises offer a range of products and services, including food and beverage, manufacturing and landscape construction, with all profits returning to Bedford to create more opportunities. Providing employees and clients with meaningful employment and a variety of services and supports, such as social programs, residential care, training programs, and capacity-building.

Benefolk is a professional services intermediary connecting the social sector with a pre-vetted network of 100 small business service providers offering consulting, coaching, training and advisory services. Their focus on social sector wellbeing aims to build capacity and capability within community organisations.

BGT Jobs and Training is a not-for-profit social enterprise in Ballarat, Victoria that provides comprehensive employment services including apprenticeships and traineeships, along with registered training organization (RTO) delivery across various qualifications. The organization supports disadvantaged youth and long-term unemployed individuals through community services, financial literacy programs, and work readiness initiatives to address skills shortages in the Grampians region.

Bindal Sharks United is an Aboriginal Corporation that provides training, employment, sport, and recreation opportunities to empower Indigenous individuals and communities. It focuses on skill development, job creation, and promoting healthy lifestyles. This approach aims to enhance community engagement and overall well-being.

Birrelee Multi-Functional Aboriginal Children's Service Aboriginal Corporation provides dedicated services supporting the well-being and development of Aboriginal children in NSW. The organisation strengthens Indigenous youth and communities by fostering cultural identity and providing comprehensive child and family support services.

Blackroo Community Indigenous Corporation is an Indigenous social enterprise and charity focused on supporting Indigenous communities. While specific activities are not detailed, it likely aims to improve social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through community-led initiatives.

Body Buddies is an Australian social enterprise selling soft toys and accessories shaped like body organs to raise health awareness among the next generation. They aim to foster a more health-engaged and proactive community, donating 50% of their profits to Transplant Australia.

Bounce Academy (Charity Bounce) is an NSW-based social enterprise that uses basketball as a vehicle to engage at-risk youth in underserved communities, particularly Indigenous and culturally diverse young people. The organisation builds participants' confidence, resilience and life skills while guiding them toward sustainable education and employment outcomes.