Australian Social Enterprises

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.

To increase the pace of innovation for social change by supporting social entrepreneurs to design, test, launch and grow social impact projects.

Cummeragunja Health and Development Aboriginal Corporation is an Indigenous organisation focused on improving the health and fostering the development of the Aboriginal community in Cummeragunja, NSW. It aims to deliver services that enhance well-being and promote community growth for its beneficiaries. The organisation's efforts contribute to the betterment of the Aboriginal community's overall quality of life.

Local Government bordering Victoria

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.

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.

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.

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.

To Nurture Small Businesses, Youth and the Community.

Jigsaw is a social enterprise that trains and transitions people with disability into award wage employment, based on the belief that people prepare best for work, through work. Jigsaw is a vibrant document management business, providing high quality business-to-business services to corporate and government clients. This commercial activity allows Jigsaw to create a range of training, employment and transitional opportunities for people with disability. Products and services include Business & Administrative Services, Office supplies & services, Printing and Distribution Services. Primary beneficiaries include People with disabilities. Social Traders status: Certified. Membership: Connections Membership.

As a not-for-profit community organisation, Achieve Australia has provided services and support with integrity, commitment and passion since 1952 for people with a disability to achieve a life that is meaningful and valued. We do this by facilitating the learning and maintenance of life and work skills, the development of relationships, the ability to make life choices and participation in community activities. Achieve Australia’s My Career services create opportunities for people with disability to learn, succeed, earn income and feel fulfilled through having a satisfying career and meaningful work. Paid employment facilitates independence, self-respect and opportunities to become fully contributing members of the community. It also enables My Career customers, volunteers, and the community in general to learn how people with disability are contributing to business and society through their skills and productivity, and financial independence. Achieve Australia’s My Career services benefit supported employees and their families by:• Equipping people with skills, confidence and qualifications• Helping to identify career and skill development options• Providing training and work experience opportunities• Offering travel training• Providing guidance on writing an impressive resume• Conducting training on successful recruitment interview techniques My Career provides workers with the individual supports and services they require so they can focus on their skill development, roles in the workplace, and enjoyment of a productive team environment.

CareerSeekers is a non-profit social enterprise unlocking the power of careers for humanitarian entrants. We connect professionals with refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds to careers that reflect their skills, experience, and ambition. We support people at pivotal moments whether they're completing university degrees or ready to re-enter their profession with tailored preparation, mentorship, and direct pathways into employment. Our model bridges opportunity and talent: partnering with employers who recognise that diverse teams make them stronger, and supporting professionals who bring global experience, adaptability, and capability to Australian workplaces.

Nelly's Healing Centre Aboriginal Corporation is an Indigenous organisation that provides healing and wellbeing services to support the health, cultural connection, and overall wellbeing of Aboriginal communities. The organisation aims to deliver social impact by addressing the unique needs of Aboriginal people. Its services likely focus on promoting holistic wellbeing and cultural connection.

The National Aboriginal Sporting Chance Academy is an Aboriginal Corporation that aims to empower Aboriginal individuals through engagement in sports and education. The organisation likely offers sporting opportunities and development programs to achieve its mission. By doing so, it contributes to the social and economic development of Aboriginal communities.

We are a trusted partner for a broad range of bold, forward-thinking organisations who are working to transform local communities and the world. We specialise in supporting social purpose organisations to design, demonstrate and scale their impact. Through advisory services, education, mobilising capital and ecosystem building support, we help create a world where people and the planet thrive.