Social Enterprise News

News from QSEC and the Social Enterprise Sector.

  • 21 September 2022 1:18 PM | Anonymous

    The Lord Mayor’s Women in Business Grant was launched to provide funding to support female business owners impacted by COVID-19 to grow and develop their businesses. $250,000 was made available to support businesses through education and training, procurement of business equipment and access to professional services.

    54 outstanding businesses have been successful with their application.

    Congratulations to our members:

    Meriel Chamberlin from Full Circle Fibres

    Kelly Willmott from Green Fox Training Studios

    Click here for details! 
  • 16 September 2022 12:55 PM | Anonymous member

    Congratulations to our Members White Box Enterprises in the successful launch of their Payment By Outcomes (PBO)  Scheme, in partnership with the Department of Social Services, Federal Government.

    White Box is a significant national work integrated social enterprise (WISE) and we welcome this landmark trial which explores alternative employment support services for people living with a disability.

    READ THE MEDIA RELEASE HERE (link to media release)

    White Box Enterprises (link to  their web page.)


  • 15 September 2022 4:21 PM | Anonymous member

    After the last two years as Social Traders CEO, Mike McKinstry has decided that it’s time in his career to retire. The Board respect Mike’s decision at this point in his life and thank him for his contribution to Social Traders.

    Following Mike’s retirement, the Board is delighted to announce that Tara Anderson has been appointed as its next Chief Executive Officer.

    Currently the Executive Director of Strategy & Growth at Social Traders and a member of the leadership team, the Board are confident that Tara will bring continuity to the role through her strong knowledge of Social Traders operations and relationships across the social enterprise sector.

    Tara brings significant international experience across social enterprise, charities, and for-purpose intermediaries in the UK, Europe and Australia. Tara’s career has spanned strategy, business development, innovation, marketing and cross-sector collaboration at executive and Board level. She has led large scale collaborations, designed and implemented organisational-wide strategies for growth and diversification, and repositioned brands for increased impact.

    Social Traders Chair, Sally Powell said: “The Board of Social Traders is delighted to appoint Tara Anderson as the organisation's third Chief Executive. Our Board was inspired by Tara’s passion, advocacy of the social enterprise sector and strong alignment with Social Traders' values and aspirations. Tara is an outstanding visionary leader who brings extensive international experience that will support our dedicated team to grow the Australian social enterprise sector.

    “It is an exciting time to position social enterprise as a unique solution to our nation's current economic and workforce challenges. Australians are increasingly expecting more socially responsible strategies from government and the business community, and social procurement provides that sustainable solution for a more inclusive and equitable Australia. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Tara leading the organisation at this important time.”

    Commenting on the appointment, Tara said: “It’s a privilege to have the opportunity to work with the Board to lead Social Traders in its next phase of development. I have always been energised by the opportunities that are unlocked by the social enterprise model - using business to create social impact. With the social enterprise sector in Australia maturing rapidly, and the business world increasingly focused on its responsibility to communities and the environment, it’s a great time to be at the frontier of social procurement and social enterprise development. I’m excited to continue working with the exceptional Social Traders team, our members and our partners, to make social enterprise and social procurement business as usual.”

    Mike will leave Social Traders in October. Mike commented that: “It has been a pleasure and delight to work with the Board and all of the Social Traders team over the last two years. From a personal point of view, it now feels time to enjoy the next stage in my life.”

    Sally said: “Together with a loyal and dedicated team, Mike has led the continued growth and awareness of social procurement that is delivering social impact through jobs, skills and training along with profound levels of community impact. Our Board farewells Mike and extends our sincere thanks for all that he has contributed to the organisation. Mike leaves a strong foundation for Tara to advance our mission to grow and develop the Australian social enterprise sector.”

    Social Traders


  • 15 September 2022 1:49 PM | Anonymous

    The Prime Minister announced a public holiday for the National Day of Mourning on September 22. 

    Queensland Parliament will resume on Thursday 15 September from 9.30am to enable the National Day of Mourning on September 22.

    Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said arrangements will be similar to the Australia Day public holiday with supermarkets, cafes and retail venues able to open.

    Media contact: Kate Talbot 0439 803 211 

    Full statement here 

  • 14 September 2022 10:19 AM | Anonymous

    QSEC was delighted to see Social Procurement featured in the latest "Buy Queensland" edition from the Queensland Government's Energy and Public Works Department. The September edition highlights the benefits it can bring to our local communities.

    Sharon Bailey, Deputy Director-General of Queensland Government Procurement, Department of Energy and Public Works says in the article: 

    "If social procurement and social enterprises is something you’ve always wanted to know more about, this edition is for you..."

    You can CLICK to read the full article here and subscribe to their newsletter further updates. 


  • 31 August 2022 11:42 AM | Anonymous

    Media Release – 31 August 2022   

    The Queensland Social Enterprise Council Ltd (QSEC) welcomes the release of the Queensland Government’s Workforce Strategy: Good People, Good Jobs. The plan highlights a pathway to address critical jobs shortages in Queensland, through a range of existing programs and new initiatives.   

    QSEC President, Richard Warner was delighted to see the State Government’s commitment to the Social Enterprise Jobs Fund (SEJF) throughout the workforce strategy, which featured as an important lever to provide good people access to good jobs. 

    “Social enterprises are businesses created to do good.” Mr Warner said. “They come in many forms, from cafés to software companies, but common to them all is the use of profit to achieve social and environmental impact. Our members have decades of experience creating inclusive work environments for Queenslanders, previously locked out of the labour market. We believe this will be highly valuable in contributing to the Workforce Strategy and current labour shortages,” Mr Warner continued.  “Our sector also has expertise in developing initiatives that address regional community needs, providing training, local employment and provision of critical services. Our members ability to work in partnership with communities, will be of great value in unlocking economic and workforce capacity across regional Queensland,” Warner said.   

    The Queensland Workforce Strategy was designed through significant consultation with many industry and sector leaders and includes focus areas addressing workforce participation derived from local solutions. QSEC CEO Elise Parups was particularly interested to see investment flow to innovative programs which can be utilised to support emerging markets and industry opportunities in regional areas.   

    “QSEC is a member-based peak body, empowering the diverse social enterprise community throughout Queensland. Our members often serve the most disadvantaged through job placement, social connection, cultural exchange, and tremendous environmental initiatives, as well as creating local economic resilience” Parups said.  

    “We thank the Small Business, Employment and Training Minister, Di Farmer for her continued support, and look forward to working constructively with the State Government to build on the SEJF. The initiative will help to connect industry partners and social enterprises, bringing meaningful employment and development opportunities to underserved communities throughout the state." Parups concluded.   

    CLICK to read the full QLD State Government’s Workforce Summit Strategy   


  • 30 August 2022 9:30 AM | Anonymous

    Together with @SocialTraders, we showcased the certified #socialenterprises leading the charge in #Business4Good at the Queensland and Northern Territory state-region event.

    Meet the QLD/NT game changers, @AustralianSpatialAnalytics and @Ventia.

    Certified #socialenterprise Australian Spatial Analytics changed the game in 2022 through their award-winning #socialprocurement partnership with Ventia. Together, they’re leading #Business4Good in supporting the training and employment of neurodiverse people. Keep an eye out for the full story in coming weeks.

    Thank you to those who shared their #socialprocurement success stories and celebrated the winners. Join us at @SEWF, where we’ll announce the national Social procurement trailblazer -2022 to a global audience . Learn more over at: https://bit.ly/3ONnVQ4


  • 30 August 2022 9:18 AM | Anonymous

    White Box Enterprises are running a free 12 week capacity building program for jobs-focused social enterprises in Far North Queensland. An experienced consultant will work directly with you to help to strengthen your business model, core operations and scale your impact – all that’s required from you is your time and willingness to grow. The Program has been funded by the Queensland Government to help boost jobs and employment pathways for First Nations communities in Far North QLD.

    Expressions of Interest are open until 5pm Friday 2nd September. To find out more, head to White Box’s website to apply.


  • 11 August 2022 3:43 PM | Anonymous

    So, you want to change the world?

    We are looking for a super organised, positive and agile human who thrives in collaborative environments.

    Can you manage an excel spreadsheet like a boss, have a quiet love of data bases (we know you’re out there!) and have a high level of digital skills and administration?

    Do you have a strong communication style, love to whip events into shape and an untapped passion for purpose-led business?

    Come and work with our QSEC family!

    We are looking for a full time Membership and Events Coordinator! Read our position description here.

    Please forward to your networks.


  • 03 August 2022 10:46 AM | Anonymous

    South East Queensland's High Potential Impact Entrepreneurs Join The Elevate+ Accelerator Program To Meet A Range of Social & Environmental Issues


    A GROUP OF 13 HIGH POTENTIAL SOCIAL ENTERPRISES FROM ACROSS SOUTH EAST QUEENSLAND HAVE STARTED IMPACT BOOM’S ELEVATE+ ACCELERATOR PROGRAM.
    EACH OF THE ENTERPRISES, LED BY PURPOSE-LED ENTREPRENEURS, ARE MEETING A BROAD RANGE OF COMMUNITY ISSUES IN BOTH THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITY AND GLOBALLY.

    After a highly competitive, region-wide application process, these chosen entrepreneurs shone through as hard working, passionate leaders striving to create positive impact and to prove that it’s absolutely possible to do good and make money.

    These inspiring social entrepreneurs are well worth watching as they evolve, develop their enterprises and expand their impact. 

    This Social Enterprise Sector Development Grant project is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government. We’d like to thank the Yunus Centre, Griffith University for their ongoing support, as well as the entire cohort for the hard work and grit they have demonstrated in getting to where they are.

    MEET THE 2022 COHORT OF IMPACT ENTERPRISES

    ANNICA CERAMICS

    ANICCA CERAMICS’ INTENTION IS TO CREATE MINDFULNESS, INSPIRE POSITIVE ACTION AND NURTURE RESILIENCE.
    FOUNDER - CORINNE TRANG

    Anicca Ceramics’ core philosophy is the thread that connects and drives each creation, because the first change start with you. Every piece of work, embedded with soul & story, has its unique character. This is the beauty of receiving a gift handcrafted from the earth and packaged with 100% sustainably sourced materials.

    Our vision is to conduct workshops to our local community. The aim is to contribute to unleashing the creative mind through the medium of ceramics in a mindful, collaborative supportive environment.


    BUSHCARE SOLUTIONS

    BUSHCARE SOLUTIONS IS BUILDING A UNIQUE, SCALABLE, CLOUD-BASED PLATFORM THAT IS DESIGNED TO BOOST THE HOURS SPENT ON CARING FOR THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.
    FOUNDER - CAMERON TOLMIE

    The platform allows an individual to record their activities and outcomes in real time, conducted at a time that suits them and not overseen by a group. Photos can be added to their blogs and citizen science performed. Businesses can have their employees’ positive work digitally displayed on the platform, their website or via QR code on-site.

    Bushcare’s platform enables small business to advertise their ties to the local community and environment. For larger businesses with ESG/CSR obligations, the platform has scope to face the public, offering transparency and recordable outcomes for effective and meaningful change.


    CIRQLE GROUP

    CIRQLE GROUP IS A TECHNOLOGY SERVICES AND RECRUITMENT BUSINESS THAT EXISTS TO SHIFT THE WORLD CLOSER TO KINDNESS, SUSTAINABILITY, AWARENESS AND ACTION.
    FOUNDER - MICHAEL COOLICAN

    Operationally they provide organisations with IT project delivery and strategic talent acquisition solutions. Cirqle Group are a fully registered Social Enterprise with profits split 40% towards social causes, 40% towards environmental causes and 20% into a grant and investment fund to support up and coming purpose driven businesses and NFP's. Their goal is not to solve a single problem, rather to enable solutions through a cash flow for good.


    HASSLE FREE HAMPERS

    HASSLE FREE HAMPERS’ GOAL IS TO PROVIDE A HEALTHY FOOD SOURCE FOR HUNGRY VETERANS, HOMELESS, INDIGENOUS, ELDERLY & DISABLED PERSONS THROUGH THE DELIVERY OF THEIR WEEKLY FOOD HAMPERS. 
    FOUNDER - DAVID JOHNSTON + TEAM

    Currently, the food sources that are available are general without the thought to nutritional needs. Hassle Free Hamper’s program is based on dietitian prepared meal plans to assist with better health, gut health which in turn provides a greater mental health, improved living standards and a reduced stress on our hospital systems.

    The feedback from participants has shown that the hamper program and its associated social contact has not only met hunger needs but also reduced anxiety and been supportive with cultivating meaningful human connection.


    HELLO GOOD WORLD

    HELLO GOOD WORLD IS “THE AMAZON FOR IMPACT”. AN ONLINE MARKETPLACE WHERE CONSUMERS CAN SHOP BY THE SDGS (SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS) TO CREATE AN IMPACT WITH EVERY TRANSACTION.
    CO-FOUNDER - RACHEL WHITWORTH

    Their vision is to help the United Nations achieve their goals by 2030 through the power of conscious consumption. A proud advocate for purpose-led business, you will only find brands that reach an ethical, sustainable and impactful benchmark on platform. Their motto, 'an impact mind for humankind', Hello Good World is bridging the gaps between consumers and business for good to create a range of products and technologies for a better tomorrow.


    MEND

    MEND IS A PATIENT-FOCUSED, SOCIAL ENTERPRISE DESIGNED FOR THE CHRONIC-HEALTH COMMUNITY.
    CO-FOUNDERS - MATT DAVEY & NOAH DAVEY

    Mend work towards empowering, engaging and supporting those living with chronic conditions to manage their health journey, improve health outcomes and contribute to changing the patient experience. They are currently building a mobile app + are exploring ways to expand their business to maximise social impact.


    RENEE SHEA

    RENEE SHEA IS A COACH, PHOTOGRAPHER AND FACILITATOR WHO IS WORKING TO BRIDGE THE GENDER GAP IN LEADERSHIP.
    FOUNDER - RENEE SHEA

    Renee knows that sharing your story through a personal brand is powerful. Personally, it increases self-confidence, deeper identity, alignment to values, and greater fulfilment. Professionally, it also gives a platform for greater visibility so that purpose-led female professionals can be seen, heard and acknowledged so they can make the greatest impact. The women she works with see this resulting in better representation, and aligned career success whilst breaking-down workplace biases. Renee is creating the ripples of a more equal world of work with fairer levels of economic participation, inclusion and purpose. 


    STUFFIT STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL

    STUFFIT STUDENT FILM FESTIVAL IS AN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL RUN BY HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR HIGH-SCHOOL STUDENTS.
    TEAM - ROBYN COOK & SOPHIA MAGLIS + TEAM

    Established in 2011 by three teachers/staff of St. John’s College Nambour who sought to provide real-world experiences for students keen to develop skills in the creative industries.

    St. John’s College covers insurance, governance etc needed for this group generating minimal income. Now 11 years old, and with an annual average of 150 entries coming from students in Australia and over 20 countries, STUFFit requires a new structure to capitalise on growth.

    By creating a for-profit social enterprise, STUFFit Student Film Festival can capitalise on the opportunity built over years to become an educational asset for Queensland/Australian film/television industry.


    SWEET PEANUTS

    IF SOMEONE YOU KNEW HAD A MISCARRIAGE, WOULD YOU KNOW WHAT TO SAY OR HOW TO SUPPORT THEM?
    FOUNDER - BARBARA ARMSTRONG

    Sweet Peanuts is a social enterprise that educates and enables friends and family to support bereaved parents. A study in 2018 found that few women received support from their social networks following from a miscarriage however, most still reported a lack of support from friends and family.

    Their care packages are an aid to complement the education and have been developed by the bereaved parents' community to provide care, comfort, and compassion. Sweet Peanuts strives to fill the gaps in support for women and couples who experience this loss in our local community as well as regional, rural, and remote Australia.


    TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN UNIVERSE INC.

    A ‘SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE FIRST' FULL SPHERE PLANETARIUM; A HIGH TECH SCIENCE CENTRE, A THEATRE, AND A REPLICA OF THE FORMER TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN OBSERVATORY. 
    PRESIDENT - JAAP VOGEL + TEAM

    Tamborine Mountain Universe will provide an immersive astronomical learning experience to knowledge seekers and will be visually exciting in a self-sustaining eco-system. It will be a state of the art scientific and educational experience. This exciting new hub, focusing on the universe and space will explore life in the Universe or, more colloquially, ‘Are we alone?‘, the latest in Australian space research and as well as Indigenous Astronomy.

    Half of the annual 100,000 visitors will be students, the others 'tourists'. The precinct will be carbon neutral and fully owned by the local community. Profits will be used to reach out to children in remote and rural areas to improve their access to TM Universe’s scientific resources.


    TIVOLI SOCIAL ENTERPRISES

    TIVOLI SOCIAL ENTERPRISES EXISTS FOR THE SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC BENEFIT OF THE WIDER COMMUNITY OF IPSWICH AND THE LOCKYER VALLEY REGIONS.
    EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR - LISA SCHUBERT + TEAM

    They do this through their Drive In, offering low cost entry to weekly blockbuster movies, providing work skills traineeships in conservation, construction, hospitality and business for young unemployed or disadvantaged long-term unemployed people. They also run a Food Coop supporting local families with low cost groceries.

    Tivoli also operate the Food Hub which provides food to other local charities. They recently renovated a house to appropriately transfer it into a DV Shelter for local domestic violence victims.

    They host events year round, with their major annual events Community Christmas Carols, New Year’s Eve Celebrations and fundraising corporate dinner event generating proceeds to support Tivoli Social Enterprises to expand their impact in the local community.


    ULIFT

    THERE ARE APPROXIMATELY 63 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE WORLD THAT ARE WHEELCHAIR DEPENDENT. 2.8 MILLION IN THE USA, 127,000 IN AUSTRALIA.
    FOUNDER - COHAN WARN

    Something as simple as sitting on the ground or transferring oneself can be a very difficult task. Even with the help of caregivers, performing this task can cause serious injury. So we've come up with the solution. The ULift.

    The ULift is a portable lift designed to assist people with disabilities or injuries to be transferred in an easy and safe manner. Unlike other devices, the ULift can be used independently and with dignity, allowing individuals to have more mobility when not supervised or assisted by professionals.


    YOUTH FLOURISH OUTDOORS

    YFO IS A UNIQUE ORGANISATION, OFFERING EARLY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS TO ENGAGE YOUNG PEOPLE IN THERAPY UTILISING COMPLEX TRAUMA FOCUSED OUTDOOR ADVENTURE THERAPY.
    MANAGEMENT TEAM - JAIMEE GALLOWAY, GRAHAM PRINGLE & KAYLEEN JOHNSTON

    Their framework is backed up by new and emerging research in mental health showing the underlying importance of regulating the hind brain before accessing talking therapy, such as counselling. This is achieved using a phased treatment process of outdoor activities which allow participants to recognise their physiological states and emotions. Supporting young people with both emerging and established mental health concerns, Youth Flourish Outdoors adventure therapy practitioners embed their practice with human rights, along with neurodiverse affirming and trauma informed approaches.


 Queensland Social Enterprise Council Ltd is a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)
Brisbane Business Hub, Level 3, 155 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000

ABN: 85 736 525 663
ACN: 647 323 448

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