The Albanese Labor Government is investing almost $2.5 million in 24 social enterprises to help break cycles of disadvantage across Australia as part of our Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI).
This funding will open up new opportunities for some of the most marginalised communities across Australia, including First Nations people, refugees, asylum seekers and newly arrived migrants and young people.
One of the 24 grants has been awarded to the Eritrean Australian Women's and Families Support Network Inc (EAWFSN), a Brisbane-based social enterprise that aids the settlement of people from refugee, asylum seeker and migrant backgrounds.
Minister Plibersek visited Mu'ooz Eritrean Restaurant and Catering, established by EAWFSN, in West End, Brisbane to hear firsthand how this new grant will support more women with training and employment opportunities.
Other social enterprises which will receive funding include:
- The Man Cave, a Victorian based preventative mental health social enterprise that works with boys and young people to deliver early-intervention workshops in schools that challenge outdated stereotypes and help boys to build healthier relationships.
- Girls on Fire, a NSW-based camp organisation that works with schools, councils and fire and emergency services to support young girls from marginalised communities to overcome barriers and explore careers in emergency services.
- The Deadly Vision Centre, a Northern Territory based eye care service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to provide timely interventions and equitable access to care through a clinic and mobile facility to communities where the service is needed most.
A total of 56 social enterprises have now been successful for grants under SEDI.
This funding is a key component of the Albanese Labor Government's $230 million Targeting Entrenched Disadvantage Package.
