September newsletter
The cost of housing and strained infrastructure are making life hard for many Australians. And hugely hard for those with the least. Recent anti-immigration protests blamed migration. But house prices started booming mid-pandemic when migration was at record lows.
It’s the wrong answer to the right question.
The challenge we focus on is how to shift to an economy that puts people and planet first. This will take evidence-based responses and learning through doing. And building connection.
So many of you are doing this work. Together, we can imagine and shape something different. Below are some of the ways Social Enterprise Australia and others are doing this - and ways to be involved.
Shared learning, support and collaboration to spark change
We have three updates on opportunities we are coordinating under the Australian Government’s Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI), to grow social impact.
1. Learn with systems changers and ‘next generation’ social entrepreneurs:
18 September online: Regen Labs and Regen Melbourne will explore real-world examples of economic systems change, from grassroots projects to city-wide and regional transformations. Register here.
25 September online: The ACE Group will bring together young social entrepreneurs making impact across AI innovation, healthcare access and technology equality. Register here.
2. Join learning communities welcoming new participants:
The Data Conversation is sharing learnings for social enterprise on collecting and using data.
Future Minds Network is creating pathways for young people to thrive in social enterprise.
STREAT is connecting jobs-focused social enterprise practitioners across Australia, for sharing, problem-solving and peer support.
3. Help shape a resource by Impact Business School and Catalysr to make human rights part of everyday business. Commissioned by Social Enterprise Australia as part of SEDI, this project aims to:
Build awareness of Australian human rights laws and obligations in the social enterprise sector and beyond
Strengthen business capabilities to prevent discrimination, harassment, exploitation and modern slavery
Grow workplace practices that respect safety, wellbeing and dignity.
The first step is a survey to gather insights from people leading and working in Australian social enterprises and businesses. Your input will directly shape the resource, and you’ll also get exclusive, first-look access to early drafts as they’re developed.
Impact North Community
People and organisations in the Northern Territory can now apply to join Impact North Community. And they can apply to join Social Enterprise Australia with the same application at no extra cost - opening up new opportunities for connection and voice.
The launch of Impact North Community membership builds on Impact North’s work empowering First Nations entrepreneurs through skills, knowledge and networks. It connects social entrepreneurs across the Northern Territory - and nationally through reciprocal membership with Social Enterprise Australia.
For entrepreneurs working in the Northern Territory, often in remote communities, this connects them to work to help grow the impact of social enterprise in Australia, and to help create an economy that puts people and planet first. It means access to national conversations, and having a voice in the future of our sector through input on the national strategy.
Find out more about Impact North Community
To find out more about Social Enterprise Australia membership visit our website or email Kate Kutty, Membership and Engagement Lead, at members@socialenterpriseaustralia.org.au
Free SXSW Sydney passes
We’re offering free passes to SXSW Sydney 2025 (valued at $995) for 100 social enterprises and hundreds more for those who meet this eligibility criteria:
people living with disability
members of First Nations communities.
Apply by 15 September for the next round of review by our judges. All applications close at the end of September.
SXSW Sydney is one of the world’s leading conferences in tech, business and culture; an opportunity to connect with people whose ideas are shaping the future through sessions and networking, including a Social Enterprise Australia meet-up.
This is our third year increasing diversity and inclusion by distributing free passes.
If you work with people who may benefit from a shorter form/alternative ways of applying, reach out via hello@socialenterpriseaustralia.org.au
Jess Moore