Green Connect Illawarra

Green Connect Illawarra

Environmental Services

Port Kembla, New South Wales 1,440 followers

We're a #socialenterprise, creating #employment opportunities in work that cares for people and planet.

About us

Green Connect is a #not-for-profit #socialenterprise and registered charity based in Wollongong, NSW. We create #employment opportunities for people with barriers to employment - including young people, refugees, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people - in work that cares for people and the planet. We support businesses and councils to reduce waste through our #ZeroWaste Services and fill staffing gaps with our Ethical #LabourHire. We grow #fairfood for the Illawarra community on our urban #permaculture farm in Warrawong, and we divert waste from landfill through our two #OpShops. Last year we proudly: - Grew and distributed 34,859 kgs of fair food - Diverted 143 tonnes of waste from landfill - Facilitated 7,893 community visits to Green Connect farm - Provided 138 employment opportunities - Delivered 107 training and development outcomes Visit our website or message us to find out how we can work together.

Industry
Environmental Services
Company size
51-200 employees
Headquarters
Port Kembla, New South Wales
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
2011
Specialties
Organic farming, Waste management, Sustainability, Labour hire, Employment, Environmental services, Environmental consulting, Environmental training, Horticulture, Zero waste, and Food production

Locations

Employees at Green Connect Illawarra

Updates

  • Green Connect Illawarra reposted this

    🔔 Big news: Green Connect is featured in the Future Now Exhibition in a series of videos, currently on display at the Australian Museum in Sydney! 🎥✨ This exhibition celebrates people and organisations making a real difference now for a sustainable future. Our videos highlight: 🌱 The impactful projects we lead at Green Connect, from sustainable urban farming to supporting former refugee communities and young people. 🌱 Personal reflections from our General Manager, Robert Servine, and Farm Manager, Emily Henderson, sharing their journeys and passion for creating change. 📍 Exhibition Details: The exhibition is running now and is free to attend! Visit the Australian Museum before 13 April 2025 to see our work and many more stories on display. 🎥 Sneak Peek: Watch two of the videos below – check out the full versions, along with inspiring stories from other #FutureNowMakers, on interactive touchscreens at the exhibit. 👉 For more info, visit the Australian Museum website: https://lnkd.in/g5t6jTnQ Australian Museum #Sustainability #FutureNowExhibition #AustralianMuseum #CommunityImpact #SocialEnterprise #SustainableFuture #LeadershipForChange #InnovationForGood

  • 👏👏👏

    View profile for Kylie Flament, graphic

    CEO, Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT | GAICD

    After years of research showing that Work Integrated Social Enterprises work, years of funding by philanthropists who saw the gaps and the opportunities, years of advocacy from social entrepreneurs, and more recently some payment-by-outcomes pilots from state and federal governments, I'm thrilled to see the Australian Government open a $10 million funding round for WISEs today. "The WorkFoundations grant opportunity aims to fund social enterprises and businesses who can provide tailored, paid employment placements with integrated wrap around services for job seekers facing challenging barriers to employment." It is a tiny fraction of the $1.9 billion the Australian government spends on employment services, but it is a step in the right direction and funding that has been a long time coming for the WISEs that have provide safe environments, work and life skills, social connections, confidence and purpose, and financial independence that people need until they are ready to join the mainstream workforce. I hope everyone who has been on this journey takes a little moment to celebrate today's milestone - and best of luck to all the WISEs who will be applying for this much-needed funding. #socialenterprise #workintegratedsocialenterprise Photo: a group of participants in our youth employment innovation challenge project from when I was at Green Connect Illawarra. We didn't realise it at the time, but it was possibly the first payment-by-outcomes employment funding for a WISE in Australia, thanks to the NSW Government.

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  • 🔔 Big news: Green Connect is featured in the Future Now Exhibition in a series of videos, currently on display at the Australian Museum in Sydney! 🎥✨ This exhibition celebrates people and organisations making a real difference now for a sustainable future. Our videos highlight: 🌱 The impactful projects we lead at Green Connect, from sustainable urban farming to supporting former refugee communities and young people. 🌱 Personal reflections from our General Manager, Robert Servine, and Farm Manager, Emily Henderson, sharing their journeys and passion for creating change. 📍 Exhibition Details: The exhibition is running now and is free to attend! Visit the Australian Museum before 13 April 2025 to see our work and many more stories on display. 🎥 Sneak Peek: Watch two of the videos below – check out the full versions, along with inspiring stories from other #FutureNowMakers, on interactive touchscreens at the exhibit. 👉 For more info, visit the Australian Museum website: https://lnkd.in/g5t6jTnQ Australian Museum #Sustainability #FutureNowExhibition #AustralianMuseum #CommunityImpact #SocialEnterprise #SustainableFuture #LeadershipForChange #InnovationForGood

  • Social procurement is a game-changer 🌏✨ It helps tackle inequality, reduce waste and build a more sustainable future. Through our Ethical Labour Hire and Zero Waste services, we partner with progressive councils, businesses and organisations to create real positive change for people and planet – all while driving business goals. Let’s work together to make an impact in 2025. Reach out to find out more! #SocialProcurement #Business4Good #Sustainability #EthicalLabourHire #ZeroWaste

    View organization page for Social Traders, graphic

    12,705 followers

    There's rising inequality and sustainability remains a challenge as we move into 2025. This year, make your actions count by focusing on social procurement as part of the solution to your organisation's strategy. We can help you partner with certified social enterprises and: ✅ Unlock social value ✅ Create employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed ✅ Tackle disadvantage ✅ Build a resilient supply chain ✅ Make a positive environmental impact Explore how businesses like Mirvac and Icon are using social procurement to reduce waste, create jobs, and promote sustainability. Read more 👉 https://loom.ly/SEbhN7w 📸- Green Connect Illawarra #Business4Good #Sustainability

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  • 🌱 The Green Connect Landcare team has been making incredible progress restoring the subtropical rainforest remnant known as Berkeley Brush 🌳 📍 Berkeley Brush is part of the Illawarra Subtropical Rainforest, a rare and endangered ecological community. This remnant ecosystem is endemic to the Illawarra, meaning it’s the only place in the world where this plant community can be found. 🧤 Once heavily infested with invasive lantana and privet, the area is now being restored through weed removal, replanting native species, and maintaining this important ecosystem. 🦎 Berkeley Brush provides vital habitat for native birds, reptiles, insects, amphibians and mammals who rely on it for survival. 🌱 The lush and diverse groundcover shows the incredible difference the team is making. A big thank you to everyone contributing to this important project! 👏💪 #GreenConnect #BushRegeneration #IllawarraRainforest #Landcare #Sustainability Landcare Australia Landcare NSW

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  • 🍅 "An urban farm growing fresh fruit and vegetables in the middle of suburbia is helping young men find their way in life." 🥕 Mitchell Garland and Thomas Basha, two of our incredible team members, recently shared their Green Connect journeys in this beautiful news story by WIN Television 🌟 🌱 Mitchell reflects, “I needed to do something after COVID – it was very hard to get into work. So I just decided to go into volunteering for something... After coming to Green Connect, I reconnected with some of my friends, and now I go to trivia and stuff like that. So yeah, good times!” 🌱 For Thomas, the rewards are found in the soil: “There's quite a bit of biodiversity and life, and it's just a really good way to nourish your soul. Working with the land and getting my hands dirty, I just find that inherently very rewarding.” 📽️ A big thank you to WIN News Illawarra for showcasing the stories behind our farm and the people who make it so special. Check out the video to hear more! 💚 #Sustainability #UrbanFarming #CommunityImpact #MeaningfulWork #GreenConnect

  • 🌞 Tips for a Litter-Free Summer 🌞 We hope you’re enjoying the warm weather and everything summer has to offer! Beach days, park picnics and outdoor events are what this season is all about – but with all the fun comes a serious challenge: litter. 🗑️ While outdoor waste has decreased across NSW in recent years, as the weather warms up, so does our litter problem. Plastic still dominates, making up 70% of litter by volume and threatening our beautiful spaces, waterways and wildlife. 🌟 We’re taking action through beach clean-ups along the Wollongong Foreshore, from Stuart Park to Stanwell Park, and litter-picking at outdoor events. But the key is preventing litter in the first place. Here’s how you can help make a difference this summer: 🍃 Pack smart: Bring reusable drink bottles, cutlery and containers to reduce reliance on single use items and avoid plastic items like straws. 🌿 Skip the snacks wrapped in plastic. Fresh food, like a summer fruit salad, is delicious and litter-free! 🌸 Decorate thoughtfully: If you’re bringing decorations for picnics, birthdays, or gatherings in parks, opt for reusable or biodegradable options or natural materials like flowers and leaves. 🗑️ Dispose responsibly: Always use the correct bins for recycling and waste and take your rubbish with you if bins are full. 🌱 Support sustainable events: Choose to attend events that prioritise sustainability. 💡 Read all of our General Manager Robert Servine's tips for a litter-free summer in the Illawarra Mercury: https://lnkd.in/gjQZrfg7 Let’s make this a summer that leaves no trace but great memories 🌞 #GreenConnect #LitterFreeSummer #ZeroWaste #Sustainability

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  • Thank you for an incredible year! 💚🎄 As the year draws to a close, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported us in 2024. From hiring our Zero Waste and Ethical Labour Hire services, purchasing our Veg Boxes and visiting the farm, to volunteering, being a valuable member of our team, partnering with us and funding our work – your contribution has helped us create meaningful employment opportunities and care for our planet. Together, we’re building a better future for all 🌏 🎁 Need a thoughtful, last-minute gift? If you're still searching for something meaningful, see our selection of 'Good Gifts' and give the gift of social impact! Every purchase helps support our mission: https://lnkd.in/gmjdiXu3 We look forward to working together in 2025 to continue creating positive change. Until then, we wish you a joyful festive season and a wonderful start to the new year! 🌱💫 #GreenConnect #Sustainability #CommunityImpact #ThankYou #SocialEnterprise

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  • 🌟 #2024Highlights: The Launch of Green Connect Illawarra Ethical Labour Hire 🌟 This year, we proudly launched our Ethical Labour Hire service – a new way to get the job done while doing good for people and the planet. 🤝 Through our Work Readiness Program, we recruit and train people with barriers to employment to work in our team. 💬 Callum Sweeny, one of our team members, says: “Working in this team has changed my life massively. It’s given me a lot of skills and a massive boost in confidence. I went from having no job to having three, and I’m on track to a solid income. So, I’d say my future looks pretty positive!” 🤝 At the same time, we support Sydney and Illawarra businesses to fill staffing gaps, complete projects efficiently and meet sustainability objectives. Our dedicated team contributed their diverse skills to numerous successful projects this year, including: 🌱 Planting 450 native endemic trees at Hanson Australia’s Bass Point Quarry site. 🌏 Collaborating with Greening Australia on bush regeneration in Western Sydney Parklands. ♻️ Partnering with SOILCO to divert green waste from landfill. Our Ethical Labour Hire team have made a real difference on the ground this year – but this is just the beginning! As we look to 2025, we’re eager to grow and demonstrate the incredible power of a labour hire service with a social impact difference 💥🚀 #EthicalLabourHire #SocialImpact #Sustainability #SocialEnterprise

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  • 🔔 Our General Manager, Robert Servine, was recently featured on Episode 534 of Impact Boom! In this insightful podcast, Robert discusses: 💡 Balancing charity and business to run a successful social enterprise 🌍 The power of business as a force for good 🤝 The importance of community engagement in driving meaningful change ✨ Strategies for creating sustainable impact 🗨️ "Putting in the groundwork to be able to take opportunities means putting in place and demonstrating the appropriate systems, policies, and procedures. There's an increasing number of social enterprises every day, and it's beautiful to see." – Robert Servine 🎧 Tune in here: https://lnkd.in/gUmwZP-c ✅ If you’re passionate about making a difference and want actionable steps to grow your impact, this episode is worth a listen. #SocialEnterprise #ImpactBoom #Leadership #Sustainability #Changemakers

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