We’re delighted to announce the Queensland and Northern Territory Game Changer Awards!
This year’s winners and finalists have demonstrated remarkable achievements to social and environmental impact. Check out their inspiring work.
Social Procurement Impact Partnership of the Year
Winner: Civil Geotechnical Consultants & Fulton Hogan
Since 2017, Civil Geotechnical Consultants (CGC) and Fulton Hogan have transformed their partnership from a modest start into a multi-million-dollar success. CGC, Australia’s first certified engineering consulting social enterprise, now integrates seamlessly into Fulton Hogan’s infrastructure projects. This collaboration has led to significant social investment, with CGC channelling 50% of its profits into community programs.
The partnership has:
- supported 170 students in STEM,
- donated 100 laptops, and
- provided around 8,000 breakfasts.
Both companies advocate for social procurement through industry presentations, strategic roadshows, and exploring new opportunities, significantly amplifying their social and environmental impact.
Finalists:
Creating Positive Futures Foundation, yourtown, Qbuild, and Lendlease
The Yarrabilba Social Impact Housing Project, led by Creating Positive Futures Foundation (CPF), has built two sustainable homes and created career opportunities for young people in Logan and Yarrabilba. The project generated a $1.92 million social impact, engaged 67 young people, and resulted in over $1 million in transactions with certified social enterprises and government departments. The partnership has also created 32 job and training opportunities, reduced local youth crime, and environmentally sustainable housing. CPF’s mentoring programs and collaboration with various stakeholders have boosted local employment and contributed to cost savings for the government and taxpayers.
CPB Contractors & TradeMutt
CPB Contractors partnered with TradeMutt to address mental health issues in the construction industry. In response to the high suicide rate among construction workers, CPB and TradeMutt launched the "Building Connections" workwear design with ‘Australia’s Largest Funky Shirt Friday’ in February 2024. TradeMutt, which donates 50% of its profits to TIACS for free mental health counselling, has supported over 18,230 individuals. The campaign reached 214,000 online impressions, increased website traffic, and led to a national distribution plan for CPB’s 10,000+ staff. CPB plans a second campaign in 2025 to continue supporting mental health.
Social Enterprise Pioneer of the Year
Winner: Chatstat
Chatstat uses advanced AI technology to monitor social media content and protect youth mental health without invasive apps. By providing real-time alerts for issues like cyberbullying and self-harm, Chatstat has safeguarded over 28,000 young Australians. The platform’s partnerships with educational institutions have increased timely interventions by 25%. Chatstat balances privacy with impactful results, continually improving its AI technology to enhance detection capabilities and user experience and leading the way in online safety.
Finalists:
Substation33
Substation33 operates within a circular economy model, focusing on recycling e-waste and containers, supporting disadvantaged individuals, and repurposing e-waste into commercial products. The enterprise has:
- processed over 2 million kilograms of e-waste,
- repurposed 7,000 computers, and
- processed 70 million containers.
It has created over 500 devices for road flooding monitoring and is expanding into Auckland, NZ. More than 50 people transition into mainstream employment annually through its programs. Substation33’s innovative approach combines commercial strategies with social commitments, ensuring sustainable employment and meaningful opportunities.
Creating Positive Futures Foundation (CPF)
CPF’s project in Logan and Yarrabilba has built two environmentally sustainable homes and provided skills development for disadvantaged young people. The initiative generated $1.92 million in social value, created 22 jobs and traineeships, and constructed two architecturally designed homes with high environmental ratings. CPF’s mentoring programs have engaged 67 young people, with 12 directly involved in the project. The collaboration with NGOs, government bodies, and industry partners has enhanced community engagement and reduced local youth crime, contributing to the local economy and improving housing standards.
Business for Good Game Changer
Social Enterprise Winner: Nora Fraser, The Multicultural Professional Network
Nora Fraser, founder of The Multicultural Professional Network (MPN), has driven significant advancements in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB). With her extensive background as a People & Culture Leader, Nora has reshaped DEIB strategies and engaged in public speaking and coaching to address systemic gaps. Her work through MPN and Equi Consultancy Partners promotes mutual respect and diverse talent, fostering inclusive workplaces and community initiatives that advance social cohesion and economic empowerment.
Finalists:
Claire Harris, Human Quotient Group
Claire Harris, co-founder of Human Quotient Group (HQG), has led her company to become the first certified social enterprise in the Australian Defence industry. Claire advocates for social entrepreneurship, presenting to government agencies and writing about leveraging social enterprise opportunities. Her development of the Cowork Coplay programs has secured funding, attracted media attention and demonstrated a solution for addressing employment challenges for partners of serving and former-serving Defence Force.
Sonia Brown-Diaz, Yoga on the Inside
Sonia Brown-Diaz actively promotes social procurement through Yoga on the Inside’s collaboration with Queensland Corrective Services. Her advocacy on LinkedIn raises awareness about social enterprise and procurement, inspiring others to engage with initiatives. Sonia’s commitment to certification and ethical business practices highlights her dedication to driving positive change through socially responsible practices.
Business and Government Winner: Thomas Hilleary, JLL
Thomas Hilleary, JLL’s Vendor Engagement Specialist, supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders by building their confidence and capability to engage with JLL. As a member of JLL’s Reconciliation Action Committee, Thomas helps shape reconciliation strategies and enhances supplier diversity. He simplifies the onboarding process for Indigenous suppliers, reducing contract complexity and payment times.
Since March 2023, Thomas has contacted 385 suppliers, met with over 50 face-to-face, and contributed $276,084.41 in new business from regional and remote Indigenous suppliers. His work has significantly influenced JLL’s engagement with Indigenous communities.
Finalists:
Grant Dorrington, Herbert Smith Freehills
Grant Dorrington has championed supplier diversity at Herbert Smith Freehills by organising Brisbane’s first Diverse Supplier Expo. The event showcased 22 suppliers and attracted around 100 attendees, generating positive feedback and promising leads. Grant’s efforts have increased awareness about social enterprises within the office and demonstrated the benefits of integrating social procurement practices.
Taniqua Smith, City of Moreton Bay
Taniqua Smith, a new member of the City of Moreton Bay council, has rapidly advanced social procurement efforts. Her proactive approach and collaboration have increased confidence and awareness about social enterprises, significantly advancing the council’s social procurement goals.
Thank you to all the suppliers, caterers, and certified social enterprises who made this celebration a success. Your contributions showcased the incredible talent and dedication within our community. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for your extraordinary efforts. Business for good is catching on, and you are driving a brighter, more equitable future for everyone.
Coming up next: National Trailblazer Awards
We’ll announce 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 for this live and interactive online event on September 5.