Yesterday at Stone & Chalk, we honoured the incredible achievements of the 2024 South Australia and Western Australia Game Changer Award winners and finalists. This event highlighted exceptional social entrepreneurs and their contributions to social procurement.
Here’s a closer look at these inspiring accomplishments!
Social Procurement Impact Partnership of the Year
Winner: Community Corporate & DHS, SA Government
The partnership between Department of Human Services (DHS) and Community Corporate (CC) has set a new standard in social procurement. Their pilot program matched skilled refugees with tech roles through customised training and recruitment. CC offered industry training from Cisco and AWS, job readiness coaching, and support for employers. Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)’s procurement of these services tackled government hiring barriers, creating a model for future social procurement initiatives.
DHS promoted social enterprises in South Australia, integrating them into grants and recognition programs. The initiative addressed the underutilisation of migrant talent, estimated at a $1.25 billion annual loss in wages. Two refugees secured skilled employment, and 96% of the 50 participants had their cadetships extended, many transitioning to permanent roles. Participants saw a 60% average income increase, with one individual at Woolworths experiencing a 150% boost. The program effectively reduced unemployment and underemployment, showing substantial economic and social benefits.
Finalists:
Redrawn & BHP Group
Redrawn and BHP have teamed up to boost equitable workforce participation. Initially collaborating on 300 As-building drawings for the Refinery Capacity Project, Redrawn now handles more complex projects for BHP. This partnership exemplifies how they achieve project goals while driving social change without extra costs.
BHP’s social procurement strategy includes pathways for Aboriginal-owned businesses, regional suppliers, and social enterprises, creating diverse supplier opportunities and delivering ambitious projects.
Redrawn is revolutionising engineering by fostering a learning environment for underrepresented groups, leading in gender participation, and employing people with disabilities, refugees, migrants, and LGBTQI+ individuals. This partnership improves participants' skills and expands BHP's talent pool for project delivery.
Social Enterprise Pioneer of the Year
Winner: The Fulcrum Agency
The Fulcrum Agency’s partnership with Jamukurnu-Yapalikurnu Aboriginal Corporation (JYAC) has transformed Martu communities by placing them at the center of housing and infrastructure decisions. This approach has empowered Martu to regain control over their development, addressing past issues and integrating cultural, family, and community values. Social Return on Design Investment studies confirm that involving communities in decision-making boosts their happiness, confidence, and sense of empowerment.
Fulcrum Agency has embedded co-design and co-production principles into its operations by working exclusively with First Nations communities where they drive decision-making. In 2023, the agency revised its Social Purpose to emphasise partnership with First Nations, supporting their self-determination through mutual learning and community-led decisions. This shift has enriched their practice, enhancing project outcomes by valuing cultural insights alongside technical expertise and fostering a more collaborative approach.
Finalists:
Redrawn
Redrawn specialises in engineering, drafting, and design for the energy and industrial sectors. The company uses engineering projects as teaching tools, pairing experienced engineers with individuals from underrepresented groups to build skills in drafting, project management, and technical engineering.
Redrawn actively promotes inclusivity by employing and upskilling a diverse workforce, including:
- 51% women
- 18% individuals with disabilities
- 3.3% Indigenous staff
- 3.5% LGBTIQA+ individuals
- 3.5% refugees.
Founded by Huw and James, Redrawn integrates inclusivity into every aspect of its operations. The team speaks 10 languages and has learned AUSLAN to support a hearing-impaired colleague, demonstrating their commitment to fostering a culturally rich and inclusive environment.
Sunny Spectrum Supports
Run by neurodivergent individuals and people with disability, Sunny Spectrum Supports offers therapeutic services tailored for neurodivergent clients. Their "Neuro-Life" framework includes programs such as "Neuro-Me," "Neuro-Homes," "Neuro-Connect," "Neuro-Works," and "Neuro-Learn," which support clients and advocate for inclusivity. With a high staff retention rate and significant impact on over 200 clients, Sunny Spectrum Supports challenges stigmas and fosters a supportive community.
Business for Good Game Changer
Social Enterprise Winner: Sarah Gun - GOGO Events
Sarah Gun, founder of GOGO Events, has significantly impacted the employment landscape for women facing complex barriers. Her enterprise provides jobs for women overcoming homelessness, domestic abuse, and other challenges. Sarah’s leadership has shaped the social enterprise sector in South Australia through her 'social procurement first' policy, environmentally regenerative practices, and Carbon Neutral certification. GOGO Events offsets 164% of its CO2 emissions and maintains a circular procurement strategy.
Sarah also founded the GOGO Foundation to enhance social impact through its Inclusive Work Program. Her role in founding the South Australian Social Enterprise Council and developing the state’s social enterprise strategy underscores her commitment. Sarah’s leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including the Westpac Social Change Fellowship and the SXSW Impact through Innovation award.
Finalists:
Sam Hunter - Bedford Group
As COO of Bedford Social Enterprises, Sam Hunter focuses on creating meaningful jobs for people with intellectual disabilities. His innovative business models and capital raise for social impact investment expand opportunities and set new benchmarks. BSE is on track to become Australia’s largest social enterprise group, generating over $80M in commercial revenue and featuring a $45M social enterprise hub in Salisbury.
David Paterson – YMCA
Under David’s leadership, YMCA South Australia delivered approximately $24.5 million in social value through diverse programs. His efforts increased revenue, created 420 new jobs, and expanded the organisation’s impact. David also designed the Leadership Development Program and secured YMCA’s certification as a social trader, enhancing their social value.
Thank you to all the suppliers, caterers, and certified social enterprises who made this celebration possible. Your contributions showcased the talent and dedication within our community. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists for your extraordinary achievements. Together, we are advancing business for good and building a more equitable future.
Coming up next
Join us for the Social Traders National Trailblazer Awards 2024 on September 5. We’ll announce the national winners for the Social Procurement Partnership of the Year and Social Enterprise Pioneer Awards and highlight organisations driving social and environmental impact.