Wollongong, Australia—
Green Connect is a social enterprise in Wollongong (Australia) that works to create more jobs, less waste and fair food.
Through its activities it creates jobs for people who experience barriers to employment, including young people and former refugees.
The main objectives of Green Connect are to tackle unemployment, waste and an unsustainable food system – all three at the same time. To achieve its environmental aims, this social enterprise sells fair food to local residents and businesses, provides zero waste services to help reduce landfill waste and sells or recycles donated second-hand goods through an op-shop. To address unemployment, the enterprise creates jobs for people who experience barriers to employment, particularly young people and former refugees.
Green Connect employs young people and former refugees to grow fair food at an urban permaculture farm and offers labour hire and recruitment services, by connecting its staff to businesses and industries. Most of the employees have no prior work experience, thus, the organisation gives them the first access into the labour market. Green Connect provides training, personalised support and paid work that enables young people and newcomer to gain new skills, experience and self-confidence. In addition, Green Connect provides support for its staff to transition from the organisation to other meaningful, long-term jobs.
Green Connect is a social enterprise within Community Resources Ltd, a national not-for-profit organisation which focuses on creating jobs that make a difference to people and to the planet.
Between 2017 and 2019, Green Connect employed 166 former refugees and young people, created 42 000 hours of paid work for these target groups and transitioned more than 30 staff members into mainstream employment. Additionally, 91% of the staff reported an increase in confidence, and 93% reported increased employability. Furthermore, 96% of staff reported improved connection to the community and 73% reported an increase in financial independence.
Despite some challenges related to ensuring sufficient funding, Green Connect has been successful due to its open and flexible “come as you are” approach which promotes inclusion and encourages the target group to approach the enterprise. In addition, workers appreciate receiving paid employment, which gives them some financial independence, identity and self-confidence. Moreover, the programme addresses simultaneously environmental and social challenges.
OECD (2022), "Future-proofing adult learning systems in cities and regions: A policy manual for local governments", OECD Local Economic and Employment Development (LEED) Papers, No. 2022/03, OECD Publishing, Paris, https://doi.org/10.1787/11fa26cc-en.
