Australian Social Enterprises

Ability Enterprises is a not-for-profit social enterprise based in Toowoomba, Queensland, providing meaningful employment opportunities to marginalised individuals facing barriers to work. Since 2012, they have supported over 400 people including those living with mental illness, people with disabilities, refugees, and Indigenous Australians across their seven social enterprise ventures.

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.

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.

Access Employment Enterprises is a social enterprise that employs people experiencing disability or disadvantage, providing various services to support their integration into the workforce. The organisation offers a range of services, including commercial carwash and detailing, landcare, and contract completion. By doing so, it aims to create a positive social impact on the lives of people with disabilities.

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.

The Adnyamathanha Traditional Lands Association (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC is an Indigenous organisation responsible for holding and managing native title rights and interests for the Adnyamathanha people in South Australia. As a Registered Native Title Body Corporate, its core social impact involves the protection and promotion of Adnyamathanha culture, land, and community well-being, though it is currently under special administration.

Akwerrperl Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC is an Indigenous corporation registered to hold and manage native title rights and interests on behalf of its traditional owners in the Northern Territory. Its primary social impact is enabling self-determination, cultural heritage protection, and community development for its Indigenous members through the management of their native title.

ParaQuad Industries is an Australian Disability Enterprise based in Shenton Park WA. We provide general packaging, bulk breaking and repetitive assembly services as well as picture framing and courier services. We also manufacture rag wipers and recycle donated goods through sale in our three Op Shops and through export. Each year ParaQuad Industries collects and recycles about 1,500 tonnes of donated used goods, approximately 75% of which are diverted from landfill. This assists local governments and provides metropolitan residents a convenient way of disposing of unwanted items. ParaQuad Industries provides a wide variety of meaningful employment and social interaction opportunities to all of our supported employees in a modern facility. We enable the transition to open employment where appropriate and encourage eligible employees to upgrade their skills by sponsoring advanced training for them.

The Allodial Land and Sea Council Indigenous Corporation's name indicates a focus on land and sea management and native title matters for Indigenous communities. While specific activities are not detailed, its likely social impact would involve supporting Indigenous land rights, cultural heritage, and environmental stewardship.

Alpurrurulam Land Aboriginal Corporation is an Indigenous corporation, registered with ORIC, likely focused on the management of land and resources for the Alpurrurulam Aboriginal community in Queensland. While specific program details are unavailable from the provided information, its core social impact would involve promoting Indigenous self-determination, cultural preservation, and community well-being through responsible land stewardship.

Apmere-mer Ngkwengkerrenh Aboriginal Corporation is an Indigenous organisation in the Northern Territory. While specific activities are not detailed, its registration as an Aboriginal Corporation and association with the Central Land Council suggest a focus on land management, native title, and community development for Aboriginal people, aiming to empower communities and preserve cultural heritage.

The Arabana Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC is an Indigenous corporation and a Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC). Its core function is to hold and manage native title rights and interests for the Arabana people, aiming to protect their land, culture, and heritage.

Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation is an Indigenous organisation likely focused on the environmental and cultural management of the Arafura Swamp region in the Northern Territory. As an Aboriginal Corporation, it aims to deliver social impact through land and sea management activities, which typically include cultural heritage protection and providing employment opportunities for local Indigenous people.

Are-able focuses on offering meaningful employment opportunities for people with a disability through a range of business enterprises and community support services. These enterprises provide a supported environment for people with a disability to develop their job skills and work ethic, along with an opportunity to make the transition from supported, to open employment. We believe employment opportunities are critical in creating an inclusive & empowering community for people with a disability. All employment opportunities at are-able offer valuable hands-on employment experience in a supportive & social environment. Social and community participation is about connecting with your local community and, in turn, ensuring a sense of purpose and well being. Employment isn't just about having a job. Our Social Enterprise can provide you with a sense of purpose, an opportunity to contribute skills, gain achievement, economic & social participation. Supported Employment can boost your confidence & self-esteem. It connects you with your community and gives you a strong sense of purpose.

We might have a new name, but we’re not the new kids on the block. You once knew us as House with No Steps and The Tipping Foundation – two great organisations, with over 100 years of combined experience, who came together in 2018. Yes, we’re a disability service provider, but we’re also so much more. We’re the helper, mentor, coach, and trusted partner of around 5000 people with a disability throughout the east coast of Australia. We’re also proud to employ nearly 400 people with a disability across our seven businesses. From packaging and facility services to delicious biscuits and a working avocado and macadamia farm, our businesses offer quality products and services whilst advocating for Australians living with disability. All our Businesses are Social Enterprises certified by Social Traders. Meaning we are profit for purpose! We are sustainable and commercially competitive, but we exist for the sole purpose of creating meaningful, enjoyable employment for people with disability. We know that our Businesses are productive, creative, innovative, and great at problem solving. But work with us and find out for yourself! By including people with disabilities into your supply chain you help to increase their exposure to corporate sourcing, whilst improving employment, training, and social inclusion opportunities. Aruma is committed to participating in the communities in which we operate. We strive to increase local spending and create jobs for local suppliers and contractors. In 2022, our Businesses contributed over $17.3 million into the economy and for every dollar invested into an Aruma businesses there is a $2.05 return on investment to our local communities via improved incomes for employees, disability support pension savings and increased economic activity of carers. There are numerous benefits to employment such as improved relationships, self-reliance, and self-esteem. And, supported employment with Aruma gives people with a disability opportunity to learn new skills, get work experience, meet new people, work on their career goals, and earn an income. Our employees can work in different roles throughout our businesses including gardening, administration, biscuit manufacturing, tour guides, cooks and more. We never use a one-size-fits-all approach - supporting people to live a great life, the life they want, the life they choose!

Assembled Threads is a Melbourne-based social enterprise established in 2021 that provides training and employment in garment manufacturing for disadvantaged groups, including refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant women. They produce sustainable garments and PPE locally using recycled materials while offering textile industry apprenticeship training in partnership with Holmesglen.

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.

Atambaya Native Title Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC is an Indigenous corporation responsible for holding and managing native title rights and interests for the Atambaya people in Queensland. Its primary social impact lies in upholding the legal recognition of Indigenous land rights and ensuring the cultural and economic benefit of its community through the management of these rights.

Auburn Hawkwood People Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC is a Registered Native Title Body Corporate that holds and manages native title rights and interests on behalf of the Auburn Hawkwood People in Queensland. The corporation focuses on cultural heritage protection, land and water stewardship, and ensuring community benefit flows to its native title holders through responsible governance and advocacy.

AWABAKAL Heritage ECO Village Indigenous Corporation is an Indigenous organisation likely focused on preserving Awabakal cultural heritage and promoting ecological sustainability. It aims to achieve social impact through initiatives related to traditional knowledge, environmental care, and potentially community development within an eco-village framework.

Awu-Laya Indigenous Corporation RNTBC is an Indigenous corporation in Queensland responsible for holding and managing native title rights and interests on behalf of its members. Its primary social impact involves supporting Indigenous self-determination, cultural heritage protection, and the sustainable management of traditional lands and waters.

B-Alternative is a Victorian social enterprise that provides low bono environmental consultancy, waste reduction strategies, and reuse systems to businesses, events, and communities. They actively divert waste from landfill through reusable dish services, waste education programs, and regeneration initiatives that restore natural ecosystems, particularly marine environments.

Badimia Land Aboriginal Corporation is an Indigenous organisation established to represent the Badimia people in Western Australia. While specific activities are not detailed in the provided information, its name and status as an Aboriginal Corporation suggest a focus on native title, land management, and cultural heritage for the benefit of its members.

Balanggarra Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC is an Indigenous corporation in Western Australia, registered as a Native Title Body Corporate. It is responsible for holding and managing the native title rights and interests of the Balanggarra people, aiming to support their self-determination and cultural heritage.

Bar-Barrum Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC is an Indigenous corporation established to hold and manage native title rights and interests for the Bar-Barrum people in Queensland, preserving cultural heritage, ensuring sustainable land management, and promoting social and economic well-being. The corporation's social impact is focused on the native title holders, aiming to improve their quality of life. By managing native title rights, the corporation contributes to the preservation of Indigenous culture and the environment.