Social enterprises in farming, gardening and landscaping
In the heart of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, a quiet revolution is blooming. Social enterprises working in agriculture, horticulture, farming, gardening, and landscaping are not just growing produce or beautifying spaces; they're cultivating profound social and environmental impact.
These incredible organisations are championing sustainable practices, creating opportunities, and strengthening communities, proving that business can truly be a force for good.
Photo credit: Green Connect Farm
Wagtail Natives Nursery
Based in: Cootralantra, NSW
About: This nursery cultivates and supplies native plants that are endemic to the local region of Bega Valley NSW.
Visit their website: https://www.wagtailnativesnursery.com.au/
Bush to Bowl
Based in: Ingleside, NSW
About: Bush to Bowl is an Aboriginal-owned and led social enterprise based on Sydney's Northern Beaches, that aims to bring native foods and medicines to the wider community. It creates learning experiences to connect with culture, community, and country, working with schools, local councils, community groups, and the general public.
Visit their website: https://bushtobowl.com
Wildflower Gardens for Good
Based in: Sydney, NSW
About: Wildflower gardens for good is a Sydney-based social enterprise that employs, trains, and supports young people from a refugee background in horticulture. It creates beautiful nature-inspired gardens for homes, businesses, and community spaces.
Visit their website: https://www.wildflower.org.au/
Green Connect Farm
Based in: Wollongong, NSW
About: Green Connect is an award-winning not-for-profit social enterprise that employs young people and former refugees who face barriers to employment. It provides life-changing jobs, grows fruit, vegetables, herbs and animals, and offers tours of its multi-award-winning Farm.
Visit their website: https://green-connect.com.au/
Cold Country Organics
Based in: Armidale, NSW
About: Its mission is to produce and distribute certified organic food grown by and for the community, and in doing so, build social and ecological resilience. It fosters greater connection between people and their food, builds food sovereignty, and educates and enables people to actively participate in local food production.
Visit their website: https://coldcountryorganics.com
Muru Mittigar
Based in: Penrith (Sydney), NSW
About: Muru Mittigar means "Pathway to Friends" in Darug language. Its mission is to share its culture and create an inclusive pathway to a better future for its people and the wider community. Muru Mittigar is an Indigenous-controlled and operated not-for-profit social enterprise located in Western Sydney.
Visit their website: https://murumittigar.com.au
The Sustainable Gardener
Based in: Ngunnawal, ACT
About: The Sustainable Gardener offers ecological gardening services based on sustainable and regenerative principles within Canberra and surrounding regions. With a focus on enhancing biodiversity, improving soil health, and fostering a deeper connection to nature, its mission is to create a thriving ecosystem and community for the future.
Visit their website: https://www.thesustainablegardener.com.au/
EcoCrews
Based in: Batemans Bay, NSW
About: EcoCrews is an Australian disability enterprise providing employment and training for people with disability in natural area management, land rehabilitation, and landscape gardening. Its business model delivers environmental solutions whilst creating social impact by providing sustainable employment opportunities for people with a disability, a disadvantaged background, or experiencing unemployment.
Visit their website: http://ecocrews.org.au
Gadhungal Marring
Based in: Nowra, NSW
About: Gadhungal Marring is a 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated business committed to enhancing Aboriginal people and their communities through cultural land management practices. It delivers land and water management solutions and is proud to work collaboratively with businesses, government, and community groups to deliver cultural and ecological outcomes.
Visit their website: http://gadhungalmarring.com.au
Pocket City Farms
Based in: Camperdown (Sydney), NSW
About: Pocket City Farms is a not-for-profit social enterprise committed to providing a practical example of sustainable food production in the city, building community, and educating people about food and farming.
Visit their website: https://pocketcityfarms.com.au
Community Resources
Based in: Tuncurry, NSW / Western Sydney, NSW
About: Community Resources Limited (CRL) is a not-for-profit social enterprise focused on providing employment, training, education, and social development opportunities to people facing significant barriers to mainstream employment in the Mid Coast region of NSW.
Visit their website: https://communityresources.org.au
These social enterprises are more than just businesses; they are community builders, environmental stewards, and innovators. By supporting them, whether through purchasing their goods and services, volunteering your time, or spreading the word, you're investing in a more sustainable and equitable future for NSW and ACT.
Help us to champion these incredible organisations and help their impact grow!
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