Social enterprises in farming, gardening and landscaping
Published 25 September 2025
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
Sydney
Wildflower Gardens for Good
Based in: Sydney, NSW
About: Wildflower is an Aboriginal-led, not-for-profit social enterprise that focuses on creating and maintaining native gardens and cultural landscapes for schools, councils, hospitals, community spaces and commercial sites. They provide employment and training primarily for First Nations people and local young people, blending traditional ecological knowledge with modern horticulture.
Visit their website: wildflower.org.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: pocketcityfarms.com.au
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: murumittigar.com.au
Green Yakka
Based in: Sydney and the Illawarra, NSW
About: Green Yakka is a not-for-profit social enterprise and registered charity providing purpose-driven labour hire and zero waste services for councils, businesses and events across Sydney and the Illawarra. Services include bush regeneration, landscaping labour and lawn care, litter-picking and site cleaning, and waste audits and sustainable event waste management. Green Yakka is part of Community Resources, a national not-for-profit creating jobs that care for people and planet.
Visit their website: https://www.greenyakka.com.au/
Southern NSW
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 and children's activities of its multi-award-winning Farm.
Visit their website: green-connect.com.au
Greenacres Disability Services
Based in: Wollongong, NSW
About: Greenacres operates a dedicated garden and parks maintenance crew. The social enterprise currently mows and maintains four council parks and approximately 15 residential homes. This work creates vital training and employment opportunities for people with disability. All of their maintenance and landscaping work is completed under the supervision of a dedicated staff member, ensuring that all services are delivered to a very high standard.
Visit their website: greenacres.net.au/hire_crews/garden-maintenance-crew
Gadhungal Marring
Based in: Nowra, NSW
About: Gadhungal Marring is a 100% Aboriginal-owned and operated business dedicated to strengthening Aboriginal people and their communities through cultural land and water management practices. Guided by the principle of Buwindyala — working together in unity — we combine traditional knowledge with modern techniques to restore Country, protect waterways, and support sustainable futures. By working hand-in-hand with businesses, government, and community groups, we deliver outcomes that are both cultural and ecological — ensuring Country and culture thrive together.
Visit their website: gadhungalmarring.com.au
Grow The Future
Based in: Bega, NSW
About: Grow The Future create spaces for young people to grow. Through growing food and regenerating land, they offer engagement, training and employment opportunities to 12-24 year olds in a hands-on, project-based, supportive environment.
Visit their website: growthefuture.com.au
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: wagtailnativesnursery.com.au
Northern NSW
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: bushtobowl.com
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: coldcountryorganics.com
Canberra
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: thesustainablegardener.com.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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