Australian Social Enterprises

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 Industries provides a supportive and professional workplace that creates opportunities for people with disabilities achieve economic and community participation through meaningful employment. All employees of Access Industries receive training and support to deliver quality products and services for our commercal customers. As part of its commitment to providing quality services, Access Industries employs skilled Training Officers and Welfare Officers to provide or organise additional training and support for its supported employees (i.e. employees who have a disability). This enables supported employees to optimise their work potential and personal skills, and for those wishing to do so, helps to prepare them to move on into open employment. We provide services for people with disabilities in employment related areas. In doing so we create opportunities for our supported employees to develop personal and workplace skills to increase their social and financial independence.

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.

Activ has a strong and proud history of supporting people living with intellectual disability to reach their goals, achieve their dreams and break through barriers. Established in 1951 by a small group of motivated families who joined forces to build a better future for their children living with intellectual disability. Activ has grown into one of Western Australia’s leading not for profit, disability service provider. About ActivToday, Activ supports more than 2,000 people living with disability and their families across the state, offering a range of person centred services and supports including:• Accommodation• Employment• Community• Education and Training• Short-term Accommodation• Behaviour Support Services Activ provides meaningful employment to more than 160 people living with disability across metropolitan and Southwest regions. Activ social enterprises delivers a complete property care service for commercial customers, horticulture services such as indoor plant rental and a timber manufacturing business that produces quality pallets and crates to a large number of well know commercial customers.Working with Activ gives you access to on-the-job training to focus on practical and soft skills in the work place and opportunities to complete nationally recognised qualifications through our registered training organisation (RTO), Activ Pathways.

Afford is a leading not-for-profit disability organisation that has over 75 years’ experience in providing specialised supports that allow people to live the life they choose under the NDIS. Adopting a whole-of-life and individualised approach to disability services, Afford provides opportunities for people to discover new life experiences, work options and embrace social and balanced lifestyles.

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.

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 are a centre of excellence that supports artists with an intellectual disability, to promote their work and advocate their inclusion in contemporary art practice and dialogue.

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!

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.

Back to Back Theatre creates new forms of contemporary performance created by artists with disabilities, giving voice to social and political issues which speak to all people. Based in the regional centre of Geelong, the company is one of Australia’s most globally recognised and respected contemporary theatre companies. Seeking to make a body of work that exists in repertoire across time, the company tours extensively locally, nationally and internationally. Over the last decade, Back to Back Theatre has presented 40 national and 72 international seasons of its work. In addition to its professional practice Back to Back collaborates intensively with communities around the world, with a focus on artistic excellence and elevated social inclusion for all people of difference.

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.

Barossa Enterprises is a community organisation that supplies the wine industry with premium packaging solutions. We support over 100 people with disabilities providing an opportunity for people to engage in the industry that has shaped their community. Our manufacturing division, WoodWerx supplies major SA wineries.

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.

For over 45 years Brite Services, an Australian Disability Enterprise, has been providing supported employment and training services for people with a disability. Brite provides diverse employment opportunities in horticulture, manufacturing and assistive technology for over 140 people. As a social enterprise and a profit for purpose business, we’ve been changing people’s futures for more than 45 years by providing our community with jobs and opportunities.We know that real employment is a catalyst for change, breaking down barriers and setting people up for success in life. We offer a safe and supportive workplace for people with varying abilities, with a focus on personal development and training. But it’s not all about work. You’ll also learn things that will help you in your daily life. Our goal is to give our people a sense of pride and ownership of their workplace. Also, working with us means belonging to a social community and making long-term friendships.

Operating since 1968, Brunswick Industries is a Victorian Disability Social Enterprise providing employment opportunities for people living with disabilities. We specialise in the manufacture of commercial and industrial liquid cleaning chemicals including our own RIBBON Contractor range of liquid cleaning chemicals. Combined with our liquid chemical manufacturing, we also offer a broad range of packing and assembly services and the supply of marketing collateral, promotional merchandise and offer warehouse facilities. This flexibility and capability, opens new employment opportunities and a diverse scope of skills training programs that can cater for the individual needs of our supported employees. Contract Liquid Chemical Filling:• Pet Care & Conditioning• Leather Care & Automotive • Commercial Cleaning & Janitorial• Fragrances & Candle Supplies Ribbon Liquid Cleaning Chemicals:• Commercial Offices & Retail Outlets• Hospitality & Healthcare Facilities• Events & Venue Cleaning Supplies• Construction Sites & Portable Amenities We Pack & Assemble:• Exhibition & Promotion Kits• Shrink Wrap & Co-Packing• Product Packing• Reworks & Labelling• Component Assembly The unemployment rate for people with disability has been more than double the unemployment rate of people without disability. Employment plays significant importance in the changes and life experiences for people living with disability. Improving employment opportunities and outcomes for people with disabilities can significantly improve the economy, community, and individuals’ lives. The more business we secure, the more opportunities we have to employ people living with disability. For every $20,000 that we earn, we can provide up to 1600 hours of employment over a year for two people living with disability. Our Social Value and contribution is not just limited to employment opportunities, we can make a difference and help break the barriers and misconceptions held against people with disability. We provide employment and progressive training and development programs for people living with disabilities. With purpose-built facilities, we provide a safe, secure and supportive environment for our employees and encourage them to reach their potential. Support is a mixture of 1:1 and group support 1:4 to 1:7 depending on your employment goals and Program of Support which is developed with you using a person-centred approach. Our Employment Supports Program provides on the job training and development across a broad range of meaningful work. Individualised, these opportunities include manufacturing, warehousing, administration, cleaning, workplace safety, teamwork, and leadership, plus the opportunity to undertake Certificate Courses. All of which contribute to the inclusion, well-being and financial security for people living with disability, their families and greater community.

Caloola Vocational Services is located in Cessnock NSW and has been operating for the past 30 - 40 years. The service provides supported employment to individuals who have an intellectual disability in the areas of shop assistance and/or ground maintenance work. It has created a well- respected name in the Lower Hunter community for being reliable, flexible and thoughtful through its delivery of quality landscaping and grounds maintenance work and shop assistance services. The Caloola Crews and Management work together to make sure their commercial customers receive the highest quality results and that the people of Caloola continually learn and develop their life and work skills.

cape solutions provide supported employment to more than 300 people with disability. Our team offers co-packing and assembly services, warehousing and third-party logistics, food packing, corporate gifting, nursery services, and print and communications solutions. All cape solutions sites and services are ISO-9001 certified. Our capabilities- A HACCP food-safe room- A commercial print and multimedia room- Container docking facilities- More than 12,000 square meters of factory and warehouse space between our sites- Capacity to store 1,500 pallets indoors across both sites, as well as outdoor storage options Our locations - cape solutions North (1-7 Belfast Street Broadmeadows)- cape solutions East (52-62 Rooks Road Nunawading) We are a certified social enterprise with over fifty years in operation that employs a large and flexible team of Australians with disability. cape group aims to deliver social impact by providing people with disability the opportunity to work, build connections, and reach their full potential. Our goal is to equip, educate and inspire our people so, should they wish to, they can progress into open and mainstream employment. We work with a wide range of industries so our people can build varying and transferable skills that reflect the current job market. This variety also provides an opportunity to explore their passions and purpose.

Caringa was created by the community, for you. We support the experience and enjoyment of ‘A Complete Life’ with choice and independence, delivering services and support across the Clarence Valley and Coffs Coast areas. We are a community-focused charity organisation that delivers the person-centred and co-designed supports that you expect and deserve. Caringa Australia was created by the community, for you. We support the experience and enjoyment of ‘A Complete Life’ with choice and independence, delivering services and support across the Clarence Valley and Coffs Coast areas. We are a community-focused organisation that delivers the person-centred and co-designed supports that you expect and deserve. Caringa is proud to provide Australian made, quality products and services at cost effective rates Australia wide. Caringa pursues sustainability through our people, processes and business decisions to enhance the wellbeing of clients and our wider local community. Caringa Store provides opportunities for people with disability to gain specialist knowledge and skills within supported employment. Caringa promotes inclusion, takes action for effective change and partners with our community for social change so that our clients experience acceptance, empowerment and inclusion. The Caringa Store is proud to be open to the general public for all products and services and welcomes all queries, sales, purchases and questions from the wider Community at any time.

CatholicCare’s Disability Service recognises your potential! We believe that everyone has the right to Learn, Work and Connect. Our Disability Services will give you that opportunity. If you’re looking for:- Social programs to make lasting friendships and explore your community,- Life skills development to live more independently,- Support to build skills for work and help to find the right job, or, - Assistance at home and in the community, including the best gardening and cleaning services. We are here to help. We know that your goals are as unique and individual as you are, so together we’ll design a plan that is just for you. Your team will champion and support you along the journey to achieve your goals. To find out more, contact our friendly team for an obligation free discussion.

Challenge Community Services has provided innovative and people-focused services to the community for over 65 years. Our offering to regional and metropolitan communities includes Disability Services, Foster Care, Allied Health and supported employment for people with a disability as part of our range of Business Services.Challenge Community Services operates throughout regional and metropolitan New South Wales, and the greater Brisbane area in Queensland. Our organisation is built on a strong workforce of over 1000 people, including over 90 employees with disability. Challenge Community Services is a registered not-for-profit organisation that has been making a difference in the lives of people in our community for over sixty five years.Challenge support people with disability, children and vulnerable members of the community to have the same rights and entitlements as all community members. This includes lifestyle, community access, accommodation, vocational and employment support. Supporting our business means that you are giving a person with a disability meaningful employment opportunities within a supported employment environment.

Australia’s ONLY NDIS Accredited Electronics Manufacturer & Precision Product Assembly At our Hornsby based manufacturing center of excellence we provide state-of-the-art Mycronic Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Assembly Services while providing meaningful and rewarding employment for individuals with disabilities. Australian-Made since 1984, CNS has taken pride to expand its supported workforce which now accounts for over 60% of employees at CNS. The remainder includes engineers, technicians and production personnel who are highly skilled and have years of experience. Supported by a quality system accreditation to ISO9001 2015, we specialise in high quality printed circuit boards and product assembly services that provide value, responsive service, technical excellence, global component procurement and agility. CNS is a manufacturing company operating as an Australian Disability Enterprise. This allows CNS to provide employment opportunities to people with a disability that may find it troublesome to enter the mainstream workforce. The work done at CNS by the Supported Workers offers them a sense of community belonging, as they interact with others with similar disabilities to themselves, as well as staff member without a disability. CNS always strives and has prided itself on workplace integration, with everyone’s work just as important as anyone else’s in the organisation, working together to achieve our outcomes. The Supported Workers of CNS are heavily involved in the day to day manufacturing process, using the abilities they have and skills they have learnt to contribute high quality work that goes towards supporting Australia’s mining, transport, animal conservation, to name just a few industries. Their employment also allows them financial independence, a social platform to interact with friends and colleagues and the opportunity to learn new skills, giving the feeling we all perceive from what society deems a “normal” life.

Challenge is an ADE supporting people with disabilities. Activities include Welby garden centre nursery, garden maintenance service, secure document destruction, light manufacturing, letterbox deliveries. Registered as an NDIS Service Provider Challenge supports the community by engaging disadvantaged individuals in employment and training in variety of meaningful activities, including horticultural, garden maintenance, light manufacturing, packing, secure document destruction, and mail box distribution. By having a opportunities of activities employees are able to engage in activities that best suite their skills and abilities. This variety assist the employees to maximise their potential and productivity and creates a genuine job satisfaction for the individuals.