December 2025 news
Thanks for working with us in 2025.
I end the year holding hope. And fear. And sadness.
Like many of you, I'm in shock over what happened in Bondi last Sunday.
It was an attack on the Jewish community, and an attack on an Australia where people can safely celebrate diversity in public. It was also people risking their lives to keep others safe.
I want to live in an Australia - and a world - where all people feel safe.
May we remember we are all human. May we find peace. And may we find hope in each other to build these things together.
I wish you all a restorative festive season.
Social Enterprise Australia will be closed from Monday 22 December to Monday 5 January.
We look forward to reconnecting in 2026.
Big news for social enterprise
The Australian Government just backed social enterprise, extending the Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI) and committing an additional $3.9 million.
Huge thanks to the Government for supporting this work.
SEDI's extension means more grants and online mentoring and education for the sector.
Until now, SEDI was an $11.6 million, three-year initiative supporting social enterprises to grow their impact. It includes grants for eligible social enterprises (administered by Impact Investing Australia) and online education and mentoring via Understorey (hosted by Social Enterprise Australia, and delivered by many across the sector). It was due to end mid-next year.
The extension is a strong vote of confidence in the sector - and a real credit to the people and organisations who do this work.
Social enterprise is a powerful but underused tool to help build an economy that puts people and planet first. Continued government backing sends a clear signal: this work matters and more is needed.
This news does not mean that SEDI will continue exactly as it is for another 12 months. These details are not known. We’ll share further information on the SEDI extension as soon as it's available.
National strategy - where we are and what's next
Work’s underway to strengthen the national strategy - a sector-led roadmap to unlock the power of social enterprise, together. Thank you to all who shared your ideas and experiences. You’ve given clear direction to shape this shared work.
See what we heard and take part in next steps
The strategy will only work if it is driven by the real experiences and ideas of people who work in and support the social enterprise sector. We invite you to take part in ways that fit your time, experience and interests. From a quick survey, to a hands-on workshop, every contribution will help shape Australia’s social enterprise future.
Three ways to help build the strategy in 2026:
February: Join online co-design workshops to develop the five challenge areas where social enterprise can drive the most impact (open to Social Enterprise Australia Members and participants with relevant experience).
March: Share feedback on the draft updated strategy via a survey.
April: Vote on the final strategy at our general meeting (Social Enterprise Australia voting Members).
Find out more and get involved
Jess Moore