Creating real social, environmental and community impact
We have another bumper issue of positive news about people and organisations doing their greatest good, so grab a cuppa, sit back and absorb all those feel good vibes.
Last month, we received our People and Planet First Certified Social Enterprise renewal. We are currently working on our B Corp renewal certification under the significantly updated standards that have just come into effect. These certifications validate that we are a business for good, doing all the things we say we are.
So, let's talk impact washing.... Both ASIC and the ACCC have upped their game in terms of enforcing green washing, environmental and other impact washing claims, handing out large fines to investment entities, energy companies and other corporates. On the social impact side, the Federal Government has held public consultations on proposed Modern Slavery reforms. Next month, large employers will report on gender equity targets which came into effect in April last year.
With my background in doing due diligence on investment managers, we have set the bar high for both our members and us to avoid impact washing. Sadly, I see as much impact washing in the social sector as I do in the investment industry. My advice is clear - if you can’t prove it, don’t say it. I’m heading to the Impact Investment Summit at the end of March (come say hi if you are there) and expect this to be a topic that gets discussed, as in previous years.
Next week, it is the United Nations International Women’s Day, an area where we see lots of pink or gender washing, as well as organisations celebrating the wrong theme. You can learn more on this LinkedIn post I did, to help you celebrate the right theme. March is also B Corp month, so keep an eye on our socials as we highlight all the good things happening in B Corp-land.
Finally, a quick update - member products that ran out in the run up to Christmas have been restocked, so if you want to treat yourself, buy an early Mother’s Day gift, or use your Greatest Good Gift card, jump back into the Shop and check out the items on offer. Every purchase on Greatest Good supports an Australian social enterprise, B Corp, Charity or NFP.
As always, please reach out if you have any queries or suggestions on how we can do more good.
Jenni Harding - Founder/Managing Director, Greatest Good
Inspiration from our members
Member news
- One of our foundation members, JAM the Label is turning 7 today. Happy Birthday!
- Nimmity Zappert, founder of All of the Good Things, is working with Social Enterprise Council of NSW & ACT (SECNA) to deliver an eight-week B2B sales training series for Social Enterprise Founders (which we are loving!)
- Melody Towns, Founding CEO of Be Hers, was recognised by Women’s Network Australia as an Impact Award winner at the Women’s Network Australia (WNA) Impact Awards. Melody and GM Allison Levinson, met with Senator Tammy Tyrrell, to discuss their plans for 2026, including the opening of a social enterprise café, Dream Free and renovations on The Be Hers Haven, a safe space for women and youth to access free counselling and support on their healing journey
- Checklist Legal launched their new podcast, Legal Lightbulbs, with many topical discussions and amazing guests. Founder, Verity White, was awarded Thought Leader of the Year Finalist 2025 by Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards
- Creative Plus Business is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with the launch of new workshops and a birthday discount
- Kathy Joyce from Good 4 Business completed the B Consultants 2025 CPD certification with B Lab Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, a credential and commitment to helping businesses embed sustainability and purpose into their strategy (Kathy is helping Greatest Good with our B Corp recertification)
- Ember Connect was announced as one of the inaugural Future Generation Women (FGW) non-profit partners. They also received a $25,000 grant from the CAGES Foundation to launch Early Sparks, a mentoring initiative for First Nations mums of children aged 0-5
- There’s so much happening at Hotel Etico! They celebrated the opening of their new Academy of Independence in Canberra, welcoming a new cohort of trainees with disabilities for a 12-month employment and independence program. Hotel Etico was also featured on ABC’s Canberra Mornings show. They received the Paul Rawlinson Award, allowing 12 trainees and graduates to undertake intensive PAID and supported work experience with Baker McKenzie, while the Hotel Etico team provide inclusion training to the firm’s staff
- Meanwhile, Hotel Etico’s CEO and Co-Founder, Andrea Comastri, is set to run over 400 kms across New South Wales and the ACT as Hotel Etico launches its Long Run to Inclusion. Find out how you can participate and support them
- Karuna Dawn Founder, Sridevi Blair, was featured in SEEMA Magazine discussing conscious fashion and purpose-driven business
- Under the direction of new CEO, Frances Goh, One Roof has begun its Rooftop Roundtables for 2026. Fran is also moderating 'How to Build a Truly Great Brand' at the Growth Summit, powered by Smart Company and Startup Daily this month
- Recognitions and awards galore at SisterWorks! They were recognised at the City of Greater Dandenong Australia Day Awards 2026, named Community Group of the Year, alongside their Dandenong Manager, Nika Suwarsih, who received the Community Leadership accolade. They were also featured on ABC’s Australia Story. The team also welcomed the Victorian Minister for Women, Mary-Anne Thomas, to their Carlton Empowerment Hub to meet Sisters who have just commenced their Small Business Program
- Texcoco Collective Founder, Monique Montfroy, hosted a Digital Marketing for Creatives event at Collarts (Australian College of the Arts)
- The Reconnect Project has partnered with the Bank of Sydney, backed by a $20,000 Grant for Good and a mobile device donation drive supporting disadvantaged schoolchildren. They have become a charity partner with TOMRA Cleanaway’s latest Return & Earn depot. CEO, Annette Brodie, spoke at the AlterCOP event, discussing how the circular economy intersects with climate change and the importance of circularity for the longevity of our planet
News and Updates
For-purpose sector news
Staff updates
- Sue Middleton has been appointed Chair of Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) following the retirement of Tim Fairfax AC. FRRR has also welcomed two new appointments to its leadership team. Deb Samuels has moved into the Head of Partnerships role, and Claire McClelland has joined as Head of Insights and Influence
- Diane McDonald has resigned from the Frankston Social Enterprise & Innovation Hub Board due to personal reasons
- Impact Seed marks an important milestone as their Founding Directors, Kylie Hansen and Sven Stenvers, step off the Impact Seed Board, concluding a decade of Board service. Kylie and Sven will remain part of the Impact Seed family as Founders and Advisors
Other news
- The Queensland Government is delivering the biggest social impact shift in the state’s history with the release of a landmark roadmap and unveiling of the first recipients of the funding program
- Small, medium, and new businesses have a rare opportunity to secure contracts and showcase their capabilities on a global stage through the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Procurement Opportunities
- The Australian Government has extended the Social Enterprise Development Initiative (SEDI) and committed an additional $3.9 million
- The Paul Ramsay Foundation has released its 2025 Annual Review, highlighting its commitment to invest, build, and influence the conditions required to stop disadvantage in Australia
- $35 million in funding towards justice reform will be used to establish a Centre of Excellence to reduce reincarceration across Australia. Led by CSI Flinders University and supported by 41 global partners contributing $70 million in total value, the Centre will work across 32 correctional sites and 16 communities
- The Federal Government have extended the Payment By Outcomes (PBO) Trial until 2027. An additional $830K will go to participating social enterprises, allowing them to support 55 more individuals into work
- Impact Investing Australia and the UNSW Centre for Social Impact in have released a landmark report: What investors need to know in 2026
- Regional Development Australia NT released a new 2026–2029 Strategy and three new funding initiatives, providing $200,000 to support NT regional and remote organisations
- The Frankston Social Enterprise & Innovation Hub (FSEIH) celebrated its 4th birthday with a community gathering at the Hub. They continue to offer co-working spaces each Wednesday in 2026 and are broadening this service to anyone who needs a co-working space, charging a nominal fee
- Australians Investing in Women has released the 2026 - 2030 Strategy, and plan to accelerate gender equality and strengthen the systems that enable it
- The Australian Communities Foundation (ACF) has released their 2026–28 Strategy: Giving for a thriving and inclusive Australia
- UN Global Compact Network Australia have released their latest report on human rights and modern slavery in 2026
- The World Economic Forum’s 2026 Global Risks Report identifies and analyses global risk issues leaders will face as the world enters an ‘age of competition’, with 57% of experts predicting turbulent or stormy times over the next decade
- The UN Global Compact Strategy 2026–2030 is the United Nations' answer to business leadership that is grounded in action. The strategy aims to highlight the integral need for businesses to pursue meaningful progress to create a competitive advantage and long-term value, rather than a burden
- The Queensland Government have released a new overarching policy for the procurement of goods and services, the Queensland Procurement Policy 2026 (QPP 2026), which commenced January 1st 2026
- The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal released its Annual Review for FY2025, highlighting achievements during this reporting year and showcasing examples of the impacts of its support
Opportunities to do your greatest good
We are updating the Events/Courses and Paid/Volunteer work pages weekly, so keep checking back to find new events and job opportunities throughout March and beyond.
Asks/offers and resources
We now have over 120 free resources in our Asks/Offers & Resources section designed to help you and your organisation maximise your impact - everything from offers to grow and develop, free guides and toolkits, through to expert advice and services. Use our filters and search bar to quickly find what you need to do your greatest good. Here’s a handful of things we’ve added recently:
- Partnering for Impact Fund - Queensland Social Enterprise Council Information Sessions
- Business Skills Mentoring Program: Victorian small business owners in selected industry sectors can register for mentoring here
- The Skilled Refugee Labour Agreement Pilot has been extended. Businesses can recruit the skilled workers they need by accessing thousands of skilled refugees registered on the Talent Beyond Boundaries Talent Catalog
- Take your startup to the next level with The Startmate Accelerator program. Applications closing May 2026
- XERO offer 25% off online accounting software for not-for-profits and charities. Find out more
- Canva offers a free premium plan for not-for-profits and social enterprises. Learn more
- Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA) Applications are now open for CEOs from VIC and TAS
- Create a more inclusive workplace through JobAccess - a free service that helps employers hire and support people with disability
Regulatory updates
Our regulatory updates provide a summary of the key regulatory updates, guidance and announcements affecting the for-purpose sector.