A group of leaders with a stake in the social enterprise sector in South Australia have joined forces to establish the South Australian Social Enterprise Strategy Expert Advisory Group (the Advisory Group) in a bid to accelerate the development and implementation of a state government endorsed social enterprise strategy to drive a fairer and more inclusive economy for South Australia (SA).
Social enterprises are businesses like any other, but they exist specifically to make the world a better place. That could be creating jobs for the most marginalised, providing services for underserved communities or protecting the environment.
“A recent report released by Social Enterprise Australia estimates there are more than 800 social enterprises in South Australia, but there is yet to be any formal recognition or support for these innovative businesses from SA Government” said Amy Orange of Social Traders and Co-Chair of the Advisory Group.
“Social enterprise strategies have been developed and implemented by State Governments in Victoria and Queensland with incredible results - for example, Victoria’s first strategy was introduced in 2016 and they now have over 3,500 social enterprises employing around 60,000 people and generating $5.2 billion to the Victorian economy each year” said Theresa Brown, Chair of SASEC and Co-Chair of the Advisory Group.
“It is time for the SA Government to step up, recognise and invest in our State’s growing social enterprise sector to drive positive social and environmental outcomes through their innovative business models” said Ms Brown.
The Advisory Group of eight sector leaders was convened in November 2022 by the South Australian Social Enterprise Council (SASEC) and Social Traders, with the membership representing the key interests and diverse organisations who play a role in the SA social enterprise ecosystem, and who can contribute expert advice, support and networks to support the Group’s objectives.
The Advisory Group is rolling out a campaign in 2023 to increase awareness of social enterprise within SA Government, and to advocate for a co-designed SA Social Enterprise strategy to be developed, endorsed and implemented in partnership with the sector, with appropriate investment by SA Government.
Image courtesy of certified social enterprise One Culture Ltd and City of Port Adelaide Enfield.
For enquiries, contact Amy Orange, Social Procurement Lead, SA
M: 0458 296 855
E: Amy.orange@socialtraders.com.au
South Australian Social Enterprise Strategy Expert Advisory Group Members 2022-23 | |
Theresa Brown (Co-Chair) | South Australian Social Enterprise Council |
Amy Orange (Co-Chair) | Social Traders |
Dr Guy Turnbull | VIVA Mutual |
Helen Sheppard MAICD | Uniting Care Wesley Bowden/Social Impact Measurement Network Australia |
Carmen Garcia | Community Corporate Pty Ltd |
Freddie Brincat OAM MAICD | Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc. |
Dr Sanjaya Kuruppu | UniSA - Yunus Social Business Centre |
Rose Lacoon Williamson | Youth Inc. Enterprise Academy/ The Topsoil Garden Project/Social Impact Investment Network of SA |
Abby McKay (Observer) | Community Bridging Services (CBS) Inc. |