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Tag: Social Enterprise / Impact

The Social Economy: A Framework for Change or Just Another Label?

The Social Economy is gaining traction on the global stage – but what does it really mean for Australia? 

Join this timely conversation as the Centre for Social Impact launches Year One findings of its landmark research into the social economy.

From UN and OECD action to local innovation and fragmentation, we’ll unpack what’s working, where the gaps lie, and what it will take to shift from recognition to real reform. Featuring insights from leading voices across government, advocacy, social enterprise and business, this session will challenge assumptions and ignite debate.

Speakers include:

  • The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP – Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury
  • Cassandra Goldie AO – CEO, Australian Council of Social Service
  • Andrew Davies – CEO, B Lab Australia & New Zealand
  • Kylie Flament – CEO, Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT
  • A/Professor Melissa Edwards – Director of Research and Innovation, CSI UNSW
  • Host: Arminé Nalbandian – CEO, Centre for Social Impact

Key themes:

✔ The rise of the social economy on the global policy stage
✔ Where Australia stands and what’s holding us back
✔ The levers of change: policy, law and funding
✔ Why data and research matter more than ever

DEADLINE: Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships 2026

What are the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships?

The Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships aim to support breakthrough solutions to Australia’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

A Fellowship offers a unique opportunity for recipients to take 12 months, supported by $180,000, to focus on their existing projects that have the potential to achieve positive outcomes for society and the environment, supporting initiatives that align with one or more of the program themes of inclusion & equality, sustainability & environment including climate change, or human, civil & legal rights.

Fellows receive a combination of time, resources and a program of support to help progress their existing work, and grow and scale their impact.

What is offered?

Up to $180,000 is available to each Fellow for their 12-month Fellowship comprising a stipend of $140,000 and up to $40,000 for approved project expenses. Project expenses are those directly related to the Fellowship from its commencement such as renting a separate workspace (if required), travel and contracting of external expertise, and available on a reimbursement basis. During the 12-months, Fellows have access to a range of supports including a panel of experts, who meet quarterly, a mentor and the network of past Fellows.

  1. The 2026 iteration of the Kenneth Myer Innovation Fellowships program has opened for Expressions of Interest (EoIs). EoIs are due by 11.59pm AEST on Sunday 17 August 2025. 
  2. Please ensure that you read the program criteria, and that you and your initiative are eligible, before commencing and submitting an EoI. 
  3. The EoI form is available here

Impact Café Online: Turning Purpose into Measurable Impact

Live Demo: Using the Lotterywest Community Impact Hub for Planning, Outcomes Measurement & Funding Readiness

Who should attend?
Social enterprises, purpose-driven businesses, and community organisations looking to sharpen their impact story, attract values-aligned funding, or strengthen their evaluation capability.

Why attend?
This one-hour online session will show you how to plan, measure and communicate your impact—clearly and confidently. You’ll get a live walkthrough of the Lotterywest Community Impact Hub tools and learn how to:

  • Turn your mission into measurable outcomes
  • Build a simple logic model or theory of change
  • Select indicators that resonate with funders and stakeholders
  • Streamline your evaluation and reporting processes

Whether you’re grant-seeking, pitching for impact investment, or refining your strategy—this session will help you align your purpose with practical tools to drive real-world change.

Facilitator: Melanie Bainbridge
Senior Manager, Impact Design & Capability, Lotterywest

Melanie has over 20 years of experience in impact strategy and community-led innovation. She works with organisations across WA to design accessible, outcome-focused approaches that drive funding readiness, organisational clarity, and social value.

10×10 Perth

Want to help accelerate social innovation in WA?

Join on 6 November 2025 at His Majesty’s Theatre for a high-energy, high-impact night – a shark-tank style pitch and crowdfunding event supporting three exceptional early-stage NFPs innovating to solve WA’s toughest social challenges.

Hosted by a committee of passionate volunteers, this is where bold ideas get their breakthrough — and where generosity becomes real, measurable change for our WA community.

View the event page for updates and more information

DEADLINE: Diversity & Inclusion Awards

The CCIWA Diversity & Inclusion Awards, together with BHP, recognise the organisations and individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to diversity and inclusion, acknowledging their innovative strategies and visionary leadership.

Entries close July 25th – learn more and nominate here: DEADLINE: Diversity & Inclusion Awards

National Care and Support Sector Conference 2025

National Care and Support Sector Conference, a pivotal event that brings together five key care sectors—Disability, Aged Care, Mental Health, Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), and Veterans’ Care. This conference will serve as a national platform for discussing the shared challenges and opportunities across these rapidly reforming sectors.

Why This Conference Matters: The insights gathered from this conference will contribute to shaping the future reforms, ensuring that the voices of sector leaders, providers, and individuals with lived experience are heard at the highest levels of policy-making.

Key Themes and Topics covered:

The conference will focus on five critical themes that are shaping the future of care and support services in Australia:

  1. Care Models: Explore innovative approaches to delivering high-quality care that meets the diverse needs of individuals and families across sectors.
  2. Funding and Governance: Discuss sustainable funding models and governance structures that ensure long-term viability and equity in care delivery.
  3. Workforce and Regulation: Address workforce challenges, from shortages to skill development, and consider how regulation can support a thriving care workforce.
  4. Quality and Safeguarding: Focus on maintaining high standards of care, ensuring safety and protection for vulnerable individuals, and promoting continuous improvement
  5. Technology and Digital Transformation: Examine how technology and digital solutions can drive innovation, improve service delivery, and enhance the quality of care.

Online or In Person

Get Tickets

DEADLINE: WASEC Social Impact Incubator

The WA Social Enterprise Council (WASEC) is pleased to launch the inaugural Social Impact Incubator 2025 in line with their focus to build a thriving social enterprise sector in Western Australia. This highly subsidised 6 month incubator has been created in collaboration with the local social enterprise community to support early-stage Western Australian based social enterprises.

Drawing on the expertise of WASEC’s 300+ member network, the incubator will provide both practical skills and industry connections through expert-led sessions, interactive workshops, and real-world engagement. The incubator will provide you with tools, mentors, networks, investment pathways and support to help turn your bold ideas into a sustainable business.

Program at a glance:

  • What: 6 month incubator helping early-stage WA social enterprises grow from idea to impact
  • Who: early-stage founders and committed idea-stage changemakers
  • Where: 11 sessions, alternating between in-person (Perth) and online via Zoom
  • Cost: $500 per participant (heavily subsidised thanks to funding partners) *some regional travel bursaries available
  • Apply by: Monday 21 July 2025

Learn more and apply here: WASEC Social Impact Incubator

Impact Economy Forum 2025

Western Australia’s flagship event for the impact economy returns — bringing together 200+ changemakers, including investors, corporates, government, community leaders, and First Nations and non-Indigenous impact enterprises. From funders and investors to enterprises across the impact spectrum, early-stage startups to established ventures, join the conversation on how we reimagine our economy and scale solutions to our most pressing social and environmental challenges.

With over 20 speakers and through a dynamic mix of panels, workshops, and an impact enterprise showcase, we’ll tackle the big questions and pressing challenges that equitable innovation and impact-driven investment can help address.

Impact Economy Forum 2025

Regenerative Food Systems Conference

The Regenerative Food Systems Conference will showcase how change within the food and agricultural systems can help address pressing environmental and societal issues by adopting a regenerative approach. Brought to you by Western Australia’s leading advocate of regenerative agriculture, RegenWA Ltd. To address the pressing challenges facing our agriculture and food systems today, while identifying the key changes needed to transform our food systems for a sustainable and healthier future.  

Participants will gain insights from real-world, evidence-based strategies to build food systems that are profitable, environmentally sustainable, and deliver quality food. From scientific advances to grassroots solutions, delegates will explore ways to tackle the interconnected challenges of food production, environmental health, and social equity.

The conference will equip participants with actionable knowledge, tools, and valuable connections to drive change to restore land, strengthen communities, and transform the systems that support and depend on farming.

Join us for this dynamic, interdisciplinary event where we will work together to develop actionable solutions that regenerate our food systems, improve human well-being, and build a more sustainable, healthy food future for all.

Regenerative Food Systems Conference

WiTWA Tech [+] Awards Launch + Meet Previous Winners

It’s time for WiTWA’s annual Meet & Greet event to launch the 2025 WiTWA Tech [+] Awards. This program is dedicated to shining a sparkling light on the incredible talents in our industry and giving them the recognition they deserve.

This event is your chance to get a clear overview of how the Tech [+] Awards work, hear directly from past winners and judges about what makes a standout nomination, and connect with an inspiring community of women and allies in tech.

This event is perfect for anyone who:

  • Has considered applying for the Tech [+] Awards before but lacked the motivation or clarity to do so.
  • Knows a potential nominee and wants to encourage them to nominate themselves — or would like to submit a nomination on their behalf.
  • Is a past WiTWA Tech [+] Award winner and keen to reconnect with fellow alumni or inspire a new generation.
  • Is excited to mingle with WiTWA’s incredible community of women and allies.

Learn more and register WiTWA Tech [+] Awards Launch + Meet Previous Winners