Townsville is leading the way in the development of the social enterprise sector in North Queensland, with two Townsville based organisations being showcased as best practice in the sector.

That’s the message from SVA’s Executive Director Employment, Kevin Robbie, who visited Townsville this week to address leaders from business, government and the non-profit sector about how social enterprise can create employment opportunities for people excluded from the mainstream labour market.

‘By partnering with the Queensland Government and progressive councils such as Townsville City Council, SVA has had great success supporting social enterprises in Queensland that help people with disabilities, people experiencing mental illness, Indigenous Australians, ex-offenders, homeless people, refugees or migrants obtain real work for real pay,’ said Mr Robbie.

‘There are terrific examples of social enterprises right here in Townsville, such as Brothers Act of Random Kindness (BARK) and North Queensland Green Solutions (NQGS). Both of these organisations are having significant impact in the community,’ added Mr Robbie.

BARK began as a project auspiced by Townsville City Council (TCC) with funding from both the Australian and Queensland Governments, when TCC were looking at ways to maintain one of their water pipelines. By providing work for Indigenous ex-offenders with a wrap-around support and mentoring program, founders, Gavin Kum Sing and Chris Townsend observed the significant changes in the men with whom they work. SVA helped BARK transition from a project into a viable social enterprise that today employs 25 people, 20 of whom are Indigenous ex-offenders.

NQGS is a community recycling venture, providing a program to ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’, NQGS diverts domestic waste before entering the landfill and sells reusable items to the public, while at the same time creating jobs and providing training in tip recycling and in the recycle shop for those who experience barriers to employment.

‘Working at a social enterprise like BARK can often help people who have had difficulties finding a job such as ex-offenders, successfully transition to the open labour market. Equally social enterprises play an important role as an alternative labour market for those people who need a supportive working environment, such as those with a disability or mental health issue. NQGS is a great example of this model,’ explained Mr Robbie.