Yesterday's celebration honoured the game changers from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, recognising outstanding achievements among social entrepreneurs and social procurement leaders. This year's winners and finalists exemplified exceptional dedication to creating social and environmental impact, pioneering new approaches, and driving positive change in their communities.
We're proud to showcase their incredible achievements.
Social Procurement Impact Partnership of the Year
Winner: Green Connect and Mirvac
Mirvac's partnership with Green Connect has set a high bar for social procurement excellence. Since 2020, this collaboration has conducted over 41 waste audits across Sydney and the ACT. It has not only created employment for approximately 250 individuals from Green Connect but also provided essential job opportunities for those facing barriers to work. Mirvac’s support, amounting to over $250,000, has stabilized Green Connect and funded work readiness programs for refugees, unemployed youth, and Indigenous Australians.
Innovation and practice changes
Kim Host, Mirvac’s Resource Recovery Manager, has spearheaded changes in waste management practices, aligning with Mirvac’s goal of zero waste by 2030. The ‘Planet Positive: Waste & Materials’ plan focuses on a circular materials pathway, resulting in collaborations with Green Connect, Reground, and Mates on the Move. These partnerships are advancing Mirvac’s sustainability efforts and creating new social procurement opportunities.
Advocacy for social procurement
Mirvac and Green Connect are champions for social procurement, promoting its benefits both internally and externally. Mirvac has educated its senior leaders and procurement teams about social enterprises' value and showcased Green Connect’s success in waste reduction and community support. This proactive advocacy highlights the importance of integrating social enterprises into mainstream business practices.
Social and environmental impact
The partnership has made a significant impact on both waste management and social inclusion. Green Connect’s expertise supports Mirvac’s zero waste goal while offering job opportunities to marginalised individuals. This collaboration underscores Mirvac’s commitment to directing $100 million to the social sector by 2030 and illustrates how social enterprises can drive both environmental and social progress.
Finalists:
Forward Thinking Design & Stockland
In 2023, Stockland joined forces with Forward Thinking Design (FTD) on the FTD Circular Innovation project. This initiative aimed to transform retail de-fits with a circular economy approach, diverting 100% of loose items and 87% of construction materials from landfills in just six days.
FTD’s innovative asset management platform and supplier directory, featuring over 50 social enterprises and charities, were instrumental in achieving these results. The success of this project, highlighted in IFA magazine, serves as an inspiration for other organisations. The collaboration significantly reduced waste and supported the community by donating items to Mission Australia, saving the charity $40,000 and preventing two tonnes of material waste. Proceeds from sold items went to Re-Love, further showcasing the project’s profound environmental and social impact.
Muru Mittigar, Ventia & Transurban
Muru Mittigar, Ventia, and Transurban have expanded their shared value initiative to provide meaningful work and vocational opportunities for young First Nations Peoples. This initiative, starting in 2022, features a new Group Training Organisation (GTO) model, allowing First Nations individuals to work on Transurban road projects through Ventia. It also includes improved engagement with First Nations organisations and the adoption of the TOMS social value framework. It has doubled the number of First Nations apprenticeships and expanded its impact by creating additional apprenticeships, traineeships, and job opportunities for local artists.
The partners promote this initiative as a gold standard in social procurement. They actively encourage their teams to pursue social procurement opportunities, creating social value beyond traditional purchasing practices. This advocacy drives community impact and supports broader engagement with social enterprises.
Social Enterprise Pioneer of the Year
Winner: Freedom Hub
The Freedom Hub (TFH) has been a pioneer in integrating business success with humanitarian efforts since 2014. TFH channels 100% of profits from its café, events venue, advisory services, catering, and retail operations directly into its Survivor School, empowering survivors of modern slavery with education and employment support.
TFH supports 146 survivors through its Survivor School, with 50 now employed and 70 living independently. By fostering cultural integration and social cohesion, TFH provides survivors with the tools to rebuild their lives and enriches the broader community through education, employment opportunities, and independence. By sourcing from like-minded suppliers and staffing with human rights values, TFH creates a self-sustaining model for social change and sets a high standard for social enterprises dedicated to human rights.
Finalists:
Hotel Etico
Hotel Etico, Australia’s first NFP social enterprise hotel, stands out with its innovative approach to employing and training young people with disabilities. The hotel's program offers on-the-job learning and collaborates with external RTOs for top-notch hospitality certification, ensuring a smooth transition to open employment for graduates.
Hotel Etico has trained 28 young adults and plans to welcome 15 more. By partnering with industry leaders and transforming public perceptions of disability, the hotel advocates for systemic change and creates a more inclusive society. The hotel employs 30% young adults with disabilities across all business areas and has achieved $4 million in revenue. Its "One Etico" culture blends disability, hospitality, and social enterprise, focusing on personalized learning and exceptional customer experiences. This innovative approach has led to self-sustainability and plans for nationwide expansion.
Nama Jalu
Nama Jalu Consulting is Australia’s first Aboriginal social enterprise public policy consultancy. It combines consultancy with philanthropy to create lasting change for Aboriginal communities, using culturally-strong co-design methodologies and trauma-informed approaches. Nama Jalu enhances Aboriginal self-determination, improves outcomes in health, housing, and education, and supports healing from multi-generational trauma. The consultancy measures its impact through various metrics, including project completion numbers, pro bono hours, and community benefits.
Nama Jalu integrates social and cultural impact into its operations by selecting projects that align with its values and assessing community benefits. The consultancy’s approach ensures a continuous focus on social and cultural impact, supported by a community fund that involves staff in strategic investment opportunities.
Business for Good Game Changer
Business and Government Winner: Katrina Brooks
Katrina drives sustainability and social impact with her innovative approach to social enterprise procurement. She has developed the groundbreaking Supplier Development Program with Social Traders and showcased its success through Mirvac’s Leadership Membership. Kat also contributed to Tier 2 impact reporting and champions social procurement through the Property Council of Australia.
She leverages her strong internal connections at Mirvac to secure mentors for the program and promotes knowledge sharing via events like the Social Procurement Practitioner Masterclass. Kat actively connects social enterprises with the right contacts, including linking GlowUp with Mirvac’s Director of People Strategy. Respected by peers and social enterprises alike, Kat is a dedicated advocate for social procurement and a deserving award recipient.
Finalists:
Kim Host, Mirvac
Kim Host, Mirvac’s Resource Recovery Manager, is a leading advocate for social procurement. Under her guidance, Mirvac is on track to direct $100 million to social procurement by 2030. Kim launched a groundbreaking Supplier Development Program (SDP) with Social Traders in FY24, helping social enterprises like YMCA Rebuild and Green Connect enhance their capabilities. She has reshaped Mirvac’s approach to social procurement, influencing leaders and simplifying internal processes for greater accessibility.
Beyond Mirvac, Kim champions social enterprises through platforms like Better Building Partnership and City Switch, and connects them with potential partners. Known as “The Waste Whisperer,” her efforts in waste management and procurement reform make her a great finalist for the Business for Good Game Changer Award.
Tarah Spencer, Lendlease
Tarah Spencer, Head of Corporate Real Estate at Lendlease, actively drives commitment to social enterprise and social procurement. She champions CandleXchange, supporting them through corporate gifts and team-building workshops during COVID-19. She also sponsors CandleXchange’s UpCandle program, transforming used candle containers into resources for survivors of domestic violence, homelessness, and refugees.
Tarah donates office materials to CandleXchange and supports Lendlease’s upcycling initiatives, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability. She also founded Flex Fridays, offering co-working spaces to social impact and community partners. Her proactive leadership and innovative approach significantly benefit both Lendlease and the wider community, setting a high standard for corporate social responsibility.
Social Enterprise Winner: David Burns, Collective Leisure
David Burns, the founder of Collective Leisure, has made a significant impact on Western Sydney by improving health and reducing inactivity. His initiatives include providing free training and jobs for young refugees and reducing senior isolation through well-being activities at Lurnea Community Hub.
David's efforts have led to Collective Leisure’s services being procured by various organisations, benefiting hundreds, including seniors, people with disabilities, and at-risk youth. His tireless work includes organizing community conferences and volunteering on the Social Enterprise Council of NSW/ACT, making him a deserving recipient of recognition for his contributions to social impact.
Finalists:
Nick Packham, Vivability/Green Hills Bathurst
Nick Packham, CEO of Vivability Limited, has championed the inclusion of people with disabilities through the establishment of The Bathurst Cleaning Company and Cafe Viva. His initiatives offer free community meals and support local businesses, enhancing financial independence and inclusion for people with disabilities.
Nick’s dedication has led to significant community impact, including the serving of over 3,310 free meals and the establishment of a new coffee lounge/cocktail bar in Central Bathurst. His ongoing support for social enterprises and promotion of disability inclusion make him a notable game changer in the sector.
Irma Del Mundo, Brandkind
Irma Del Mundo, founder of Brandkind, has used branding to drive social good, supporting businesses like Aunty’s Ginger Tonic and BREED. Her network of over 70 volunteers and strategic partnerships with organisations like Foodlab Sydney and Canva help small businesses compete and succeed, despite funding constraints.
Irma's collaborations leverage resources to support small businesses dedicated to social impact. Her approach of securing low-bono or pro bono resources demonstrates her commitment to driving positive change through branding and strategic partnerships.
‘S’ in ESG Frontrunner
Winner: Mirvac
Mirvac’s Supplier Development Program is a standout initiative that mentors social enterprises, opening doors to large companies like Mirvac. This program, developed in collaboration with Social Traders, empowers social enterprises to become "revenue ready" and sets a precedent for other buyers in supporting the sector.
Mirvac's "This Changes Everything" strategy integrates environmental and social responsibility into every facet of its business. With ambitious targets like diverting $100 million to social procurement by 2030, Mirvac leads the way in sustainability and social impact, delivering exceptional value and reducing environmental impact.
Finalist
Lion Group
Lion’s diverse sustainability initiatives address various ESG issues, from reducing carbon emissions to improving mental health and supporting the inclusion of women. The company's comprehensive approach includes partnerships with organizations like Australian Women in Agriculture and a focus on waste reduction and sustainable sourcing.
Lion’s commitment to ESG principles and its multifaceted approach to sustainability have set a high standard in the industry. By addressing social and environmental challenges, Lion contributes to creating a more sustainable and inclusive future.
Congratulations to all the winners and finalists! Your commitment to social procurement, social enterprise, and impactful innovation continues to inspire and drive positive change across our communities.
Get ready!
We’ll be announcing the national winners for the Social Procurement Partnership of the Year and Social Enterprise Pioneer Awards at the Social Traders National Trailblazer Awards 2024! Join us at this live and interactive online session on September 5. We’ll also showcase organisations and certified social enterprises collaborating in innovative ways to drive social and environmental impact.