The QLD Social Enterprise Council

Australia’s first representative council for social enterprises has hit the ground running since its official launch in September.

The Queensland Social Enterprise Council (QSEC) is described as the peak body democratically representing social enterprise in Queensland.  

“The appetite for social enterprise development in Queensland has gathered momentum in the past 4-6 years as key sections of the community, government and business sectors have recognized that traditional models of business have a limited ability to address wide-ranging social and environmental concerns,” Council Chairperson, Steve Williams said.

“We define social enterprises as organisations carrying out business for a social purpose, and using their profits for good. They aim to generate social, ecological and cultural outcomes, as well as a financial return.

“The Council exists to support the development of a vibrant, innovative and capable social enterprise sector in Queensland that is sufficiently resourced and supported to achieve high social, cultural and environmental impact.

“There are currently around 300 social enterprises operating throughout Queensland,” he said.

It’s been estimated that there are some 20,000 social enterprises Australia wide.

“Last year, a group of social enterprises came together to form the Council to directly represent the needs of Social Enterprise in Queensland.

The founding members were Human Ventures, Entekom, Nundah Community Enterprise Cooperative, SPIRAL Social Enterprise Hub, Just Earth, Sustainable Gardening Services, SEED, and Mu’ooz restaurant.

“Since this time many more social enterprises have joined the Council.

Steve Williams is the manager of the Sandgate Enterprise for Economic Development (SEED), a Brisbane based social enterprise, auspiced by the community organisation SANDBAG.

“SEED has grown quickly in the last two years, now employing 15 staff. SEED provides landscape maintenance, and commercial cleaning services to a variety of clients including Brisbane City Council, State Government, and various private customers.

Williams has previously worked in community development and youth work; he also has trade qualifications and has owned and operated a successful contracting business and retail store.

steve@seedppm.com.au