Creating social housing homes with heart

When people in crisis access social housing, they often have few possessions and limited capacity to furnish a new home. At the same time, corporates, hotels and the community regularly dispose of great quality furniture and household items into landfill.

At ReLove, they have created a Free Store, a space filled with beautiful furniture and household goods rescued from corporates, hotels and the community. Clients accessing social housing can choose everything they need to set up their home, giving them the dignity to choose their own furnishings, and all for free, while diverting tonnes of furniture from landfill.

ReLove have supported over 1500 families, totaling more than 2800 individuals, and diverted 4500 tonnes of furniture from landfills. The impact is particularly significant for women, with approximately 75% of supported individuals being female, and over two-thirds having experienced domestic violence or homelessness.

Started in a tiny shed by founders Ben and Ren, ReLove has grown into a big 2200sqm warehouse and three trucks that help 10-15 families every week. They face challenges like expensive warehouse rent but overcome them with community volunteers and a their "Shop for Good," store that sells second-hand office and designer furniture to fund their work.

ReLove's future looks bright with initiatives like "Thousand Homes," aiming to furnish 1000 homes in a year, and the upcoming "Shop for Good" store. They're not just about saving furniture; they're about creating a kinder world. As they partner with businesses and align with sustainable goals, ReLove's vision is of a future where everyone has a safe, comfy home, breaking the cycle of poverty for many.

Developing safer, more effective, non-opioid treatments for chronic pain

Chronic pain will affect approximately 30% of population and represents one of the most serious health challenges facing society. It causes lost productivity, reduces quality of life, and the cost to society from chronic pain is estimated to be $600B.

The current treatments are opioids, but multi-billion dollar lawsuits and the opioid crises underscore the need for safer, more effective, non-addictive alternatives. Zymedyne Therapeutics steps in with a solution—a drugs that provide effective pain relief without the drawbacks of addiction and respiratory issues associated with opioids.

Zymedyne's unique approach targets proteins called "T-type" calcium channels, disrupting pain signals. What sets them apart is their technology's ability to normalize aberrant behavior without directly blocking the target, reducing the risk of side effects. Unlike opioids, their non-addictive drugs offer a safer alternative for pain relief.

Zymedyne aims to complete pre-clinical testing by late 2024, leading to phase I human trials. The co-founders, both with PhDs in Neuroscience, bring a wealth of experience, and the company has already completed phase I development of its lead compound.

Zymedyne's vision is to secure regulatory approval, progress to phase I trials, and attract VC financing and partnerships with pharmaceutical giants to bring their innovative pain relief drugs to the global market, alleviating the suffering of millions.

An on the farm circular economy solution for vegetable waste

Between 20% and 40% of all soft vegetable crops planted do not make it into the food supply chain, they simply don't meet retail specification, however 100% of crops are nutrients and have a value.

Nutri V’s mission is to solve this substantial issue and help Aussies consume more vegetables. The company has established a sustainable circular economy system to allow 100% of crops to be harvested and all non retail specification produce used to create nutrient-dense vegetable powders.

Their process captures and converts all vegetable loss on the farm, and during post-harvest production to convert it into shelf-stable vegetable powders. They use the entire vegetable with a focus on nutrition retention, while many other vegetable powders are from bi-products from other processes, such as pulp from juicing.

The company's vision is to create additional value for Australian farmers, minimise food waste, and provide healthy food to consumers using existing resources in the supply chain.

Nutri V have diverted approximately 125 tonnes of vegetables from landfill in the last financial year and creating an additional 1.8 million serves of vegetables. This year, they aim to convert 450 tonnes of vegetables, equating to an extra 6.5 million serves. At full scale, their goal is to divert 4,000 tonnes annually, providing an additional 60 million serves of vegetables.

Collaborating with their parent company Fresh Select, CSIRO, and Sustainability Victoria, Nutri V has access to funding, farms for testing processes, and valuable research support. Their impact extends to tens of thousands, contributing to the goal of Zero Hunger.

Decarbonising the primary sector and restoring native forests

CarbonCrop is on a mission to tackle two big problems: biodiversity loss and climate change. The issue is that many native forests can't access carbon incentives because of high costs and poor monitoring.

With a goal of removing a billion tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere and locking it up in biodiverse, native forests, the organisation uses smart technology like AI and remote sensing to measure carbon in forests. This helps them offer nature-based carbon solutions at a larger scale, making a positive impact on climate and biodiversity.

They've developed tools like FieldScan and CarbonTracer to collect data and ensure transparency and compliance in the carbon market. Their platform uses advanced tech to assess forests accurately, making sure they comply with programs like NZETS.

CarbonCrop so far have assessed over 2 million hectares of land in New Zealand, registering 180 forests into the ETS. They've removed over 350,000 tonnes of carbon, mostly from native forests, and paid out over $25 million in carbon credits in 2023. Their efforts have even allowed previously ineligible native forests to earn carbon credits.

CarbonCrop is now evolving from a tech-enabled service to a platform that simplifies the process of protecting and restoring native forests. They're making strides in going global and want to make access to carbon incentives available to everyone.

The world’s first 3D printed air diffusion system

In 1928, air conditioning systems revolutionised the way we occupy buildings. But it turns out, the ductwork in them contributes to high embodied carbon levels and we haven't given it a makeover in almost a century.

BVN have developed SR2, the world's first 3D printed air distribution system that addresses the inefficiencies of steel ductwork. By using recycled plastic, SR2 slashes carbon emissions by a remarkable 90%.

The system is designed to connect to standard HVAC terminals and combines the functionality of both ductwork and diffuser in one cohesive product, promoting even air coverage and improved comfort. The 3D printing process involves upcycling hospital waste, and at the end of its life, SR2 can be ground down and reprinted, aligning with circular economy principles.

In a two-year collaborative research investigation with the University of Technology, Sydney, and their Advanced Fabrication Laboratories, SR2 achieved significant milestones. The system underwent a cradle-to-gate embodied carbon analysis, showcasing up to 90% reductions compared to traditional systems. SR2 also reduces installation time by 50%, thanks to its lightweight nature and click-and-connect jointing system. The constantly tapering system reduces the average cross-section by 33%, minimising material wastage.

SR2 is in the early stages of commercialisation, with ongoing design development for interested parties. The team aims to introduce SR2 to early access users, focusing on compliance and performance testing. Industry partnerships will play a crucial role in refining certifications and facilitating the development and commercialization of SR2. The ultimate goal is to scale SR2 to make a significant impact on reducing the embodied carbon of building services worldwide, challenging the status quo in air distribution systems.

Simplifying sustainability for businesses

Understanding the impact of global supply chains on people and the planet has been a monumental challenge for businesses.

Fair Supply entered the scene to tackle this by developing a pioneering software that allows companies to unravel the complexities of their entire supply chain, assessing its effects on issues like modern slavery, carbon emissions, and biodiversity.

Founded by a human rights lawyer and an industrial mathematician, Fair Supply's mission initially focused on uncovering and addressing slavery in supply chains. Today, their revolutionary platform goes beyond, helping businesses of all sizes navigate the intricate web of their supply chains.

The platform's technology utilises a NASA-grade data engine, mapping over 40 billion supply chains and covering 99.8% of global GDP. It's a game-changer, offering transparency and insights into ESG (environmental, social, and governance) risks.

Fair Supply have assessed over $850 billion of spend and investment data for ESG risks, lifting the lid on complex global supply chains. Their world-first capabilities in modern slavery footprinting and extinction-risk footprinting have earned recognition and accolades.

FairSupply is not just about providing a tool; it envisions a future where sustainability performance is integral to business-as-usual. With partnerships with industry leaders and being recognised as a pioneer in sustainability platforms, Fair Supply aims to scale its offerings in the Australian market and beyond.

Reimagining urban forestry and placing value in waste wood

Logging and clearing of native forests contribute significantly to climate change, driven by the escalating demand for timber. Paradoxically, even with billions spent on importing timber products, thousands of large urban trees across Australia end up in landfills. In Greater Melbourne alone, around 500,000 trees are discarded, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere.

CERES Fair Wood saw an opportunity to reimagine urban trees not as waste but as a valuable timber resource, tackling climate change and fostering a circular economy.

CERES Fair Wood introduced the Urban Forestry Service, challenging traditional forestry practices by bringing the sawmill into the city. Applying Highest and Best Use (HABU) principles, they divert "waste" urban trees from landfills and transform them into ethical timber products. By viewing urban trees as a resource, they aim to reduce carbon emissions from green waste, provide alternatives to timber from native forests, create circular economy jobs, and foster community connection to the urban forest.

Collaborating with research partners, they're defining the city's timber resource scope and exploring a canopy-positive circular economy approach. The project has secured joint ventures, funding from WWF and Sustainable Table, a permanent mill site lease, and infrastructure funding. Their efforts have already diverted substantial carbon emissions and added economic value to finished timber products.

The organisation is committed to changing how society interacts with its timber supply utilising ongoing research, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships. By challenging the status quo, they're not just building markets for sustainable timber but reshaping the narrative around urban trees, creating a model for other communities to replicate.

Pioneering circular economy in the automotive battery industry

The Electric Vehicle (EV) and Hybrid Vehicle sector faces a significant environmental challenge with the disposal of batteries. With the surging demand for EVs and Hybrids, the need for a sustainable solution is pressing.

Infinitev is on a mission to establish a fully sustainable, circular economy for automotive batteries. Through state-of-the-art remanufacturing processes, the company extends battery life, provides a three-year warranty, and facilitates battery remanufacturing rather than disposal, and end-of-life batteries are recycled responsibly. Their approach not only minimises waste but also yields up to a 93.3% reduction in carbon footprint, setting it apart from and elevating it above other market solutions.

Infinitev is commercialising remanufactured batteries and establishing production facilities in Australia and New Zealand. The company is actively collaborating with leading automotive brands, such as Kia, Mazda, and Toyota. Their remanufacturing process has been verified to achieve an impressive 93.3% reduction in the carbon footprint per kilometre of travel. They have also overcome safety stigmas surrounding Hybrid and EV batteries through industry-leading safety protocols and training sessions for mechanics.

Infinitev continues to invest in research and development, aiming for advancements in battery remanufacturing technologies. Their future goals include expanding to international markets and launching a consumer awareness campaign on sustainable battery usage.

In addition, by partnering with Melbourne University, they are not only shaping the engineers of tomorrow but contributing to a 'circular knowledge economy.'

Drink dispensers replacing vending machines and single-use bottles

Plastic pollution, driven by the staggering production of 481 billion plastic bottles annually, poses a severe environmental threat. With only 20% of bottles recycled, the majority contribute to landfills and oceans, taking up to 400 years to decompose.The absence of waste-free alternatives for flavored drinks only compounds the issue.

Refilled, a Sydney-based startup, tackles this global challenge with its smart drink dispensers. These dispensers replace vending machines and single-use bottles, significantly reducing plastic waste and carbon emissions.

The company promotes circular habits through its Bring Your Own Bottle system, offering 100+ flavored still or sparkling drinks on tap. Their companion app simplifies the refilling process and tracks users' personal impact, encouraging sustainable habits.

In a short time, Refilled has prevented 17,505 plastic bottles from entering the waste stream. Early adopters include leading institutions like UTS, USYD, and Google. With an innovative hardware design that serves highly concentrated syrups, the company not only boosts efficiency but also reduces transport, fuel, packaging, and waste.

Refilled plans to expand into co-working spaces, gyms, and enter into collaborations with more tech industry leaders. They aim to eliminate 100 million single-use plastic bottles by 2030 by fostering a circular consumption habit and changing the way people drink on-the-go.

re-mint is reshaping the retail landscape by embedding circular fashion into the heart of a brand or retailer's website.

Traditionally, resale happens on third-party platforms like eBay and Facebook, leading to fragmented shopping experiences and trust issues.

The problem is two-fold: for customers, navigating the world of secondhand fashion is riddled with complications, from authenticity concerns to the hassle of listing items. On the other side, brands lose control of their image and miss out on revenue opportunities during resale.

re-mint empowers brands to integrate pre-loved buy and sell directly on their websites, putting them back in the driver's seat of their brand image and earning 10% on each resale transaction. For customers, it's a streamlined process. A year post-purchase, they receive an email invite to resell with our Instant List feature, making listing a breeze. Buyers can then purchase pre-loved items in a trustworthy, information-rich environment right on their favourite brand's site.

As a lean but impactful team, re-mint have supported seven clients, including The Harmonic, a fellow TMRRW awards finalist. So far, they have reduced 111kg of textile waste and carbon emissions by 2,775 kg, achieved successful product launches, substantial Gross Merchandise Value (GMV), and raised AUD 1 million in funding.

re-mint is geared to sign marquee clients, expand its reach, and explore technology licensing to foster circularity in the broader business landscape. With a strong foundation, including Y Combinator backing and a diverse network, they are poised to lead the charge in making circular fashion an integral part of the retail journey.

Circle of good connecting need and waste

Every year, $2.5 billion worth of brand new, unsold goods go to waste every year in Australia, whilst simultaneously 3 million+ Australians living under the poverty line are in need of those exact same goods.

Good360 is on a mission is to ensure the excess goods and services businesses produce every year flow to people in need, rather than going to waste and stressing people, communities and the planet.

Acting as connectors, Good360 link businesses willing to donate surplus goods with charities, schools, and vulnerable communities, creating a Circle of Good that reduces waste and meets the needs of those in society who require essential goods.

Their solution involves creating a national online marketplace, essentially the 'eBay for charities,' facilitating seamless connections between surplus and demand. This innovative platform enables charities and schools 24/7 access to order goods in the quantities needed, creating a more efficient and targeted distribution process.

Their mission is to distribute $1 billion of goods by 2025. To date, they've prevented millions of kilograms of goods from going to waste. Their impact is evident in the support of almost 4 million Australians, the donation of $369.43 million worth of goods, and the connection of 38.4 million new items to those in need.

Collaboration is at the heart of their success, involving almost 4,000 charities and schools, 500 corporate partners, and various collaborators. 

Their journey, marked by awards and acknowledgments, reflects continuous growth and impact. Their roadmap includes technological enhancements, increased partnerships, education, and sustained funding to amplify their impact to support more Australians in need.

Electrifying Australian homes

In the face of a climate crisis, Goodbye Gas addresses the need to transition Australian households away from burning gas for hot water, heating, and cooking.

With rising gas prices, health risks, and a lack of awareness about carbon emissions associated with gas use, their solution is clear: electrify everything.

Goodbye Gas provides a seamless service to make this transition effortless for households. Their approach involves electrifying homes in three simple steps: a home consultation, the provision of an electrification plan and quote, and coordination of all trades and appliances when the homeowner decides to say goodbye to gas.

The organisation has developed a full-service model, established partnerships, and received backing from sustainability leaders. Their soft launch on RRR and hard launch in The Design Files have expanded their reach and built brand trust.

Goodbye Gas recognises the importance of collaboration and acknowledges the support of brilliant installers, helpful suppliers, incredible minds, and supporters. Together, their ultimate goal is to electrify 5 million homes, potentially saving 5.5 million tons of carbon annually, and to achieve net zero by 2050.

With the potential to influence market change through technologies like heat pump hot water, induction cooking, and more, Goodbye Gas is working towards creating a 100% renewable Australia, one home electrification at a time.

Reducing the environmental impact of surfing

Surfing equipment has barely changed since the 1950s. The vast majority of surf products in today's market, including surfboards and wetsuits, rely on polluting petrochemicals in their production.

Luckily, there are many innovations taking place in materials science and product development. Wavechanger is on a mission to minimise the environmental footprint of surfing, guiding the surf community toward sustainable practices.

The initiative originated from a Master's thesis, focusing on the environmental impact of the Australian surfing industry. Wavechanger envisions a carbon-neutral, waste-free surf industry that maintains innovation and high performance while significantly reducing its environmental impact.

To tackle the issue, Wavechanger engages in impactful projects, research, collaborations, and events. The organisation publishes an annual industry guide, Surfer vs Planet, showcasing green surfing developments and pressuring the industry to adopt sustainable practices, and have an ongoing podcast and blog to educate their community.

Collaborations with Surfers for Climate, CarbonHalo, UTS, and Griffith University have expanded their reach, contributing to their recognition in the surfing industry. As part of the World Surf League's 'One Ocean' coalition, Wavechanger has gained credibility and engaged in various talks and events.

Looking ahead, Wavechanger plans to continue partnerships, launch an online retail space with sustainability requirements, and develop an educational module for Surfing Australia athletes. As a notable force in sustainable surfing, Wavechanger is making waves for a healthier planet, inspiring change within the surfing community.

Microplastic filter for washing machines

Every laundry load releases up to 700,000 minuscule microplastics into waterways, affecting ecosystems and human health.

Recognising the lack of effective washing machine filters, The Good Catch by The Goodside Project was developed to address this urgent environmental issue, filtering microplastics at the source.

The Good Catch is an easy to use filter that attaches to your washing machine and catches the microplastics at the point of creation. It is specifically designed to be an affordable option so that all households can play a part in protecting our earth. It is also the only filter that allows users to clean and reuse the filter, reducing the need for constant replacements. The product is made from recycled plastic, contributing to waste reduction in Australia.

The filter's efficacy, stopping up to 95% of tested microplastics, has been validated by Flinders University. Recognitions include the Women in Circular Economy Leadership Scholarship from the South Australian Government, showcasing the project's impact and commitment to sustainability.

The Good Catch has its sights on significant growth, engaging in conversations with a large home department store which has over 100 stores through out Australia and New Zealand. With an urgency to address microplastic pollution, the teams longterm aim is to make a substantial impact on a global scale.

Sharing grassroot stories of climate action and hope

Many people feel disempowered and defeated when confronted with the scale and complexity of the climate crisis.

Saltgrass is a grassroots initiative addressing climate change by sharing stories of hope and action from Djaara Country in Central Victoria. The community radio show and podcast aims to provide an antidote by focusing on hyperlocal stories that, while specific to one small town, reflect the global groundswell of climate action. The initiative aims to inspire and motivate through relatable stories, demonstrating that everyone can contribute to positive change.

Saltgrass's unique approach involves celebrating the stories of regular people rather than seeking out celebrities or industry leaders. This inclusivity has resonated with listeners, fostering a sense of belonging to a larger movement. 

Saltgrass has produced over 100 episodes, amplifying the voices of community groups, businesses, and organisations. And collaborations with other sound producers and researchers from RMIT have further contributed to its impact.

Saltgrass has been listed in the New York Times and listener feedback attests to the positive changes made in their lives, from electric vehicle purchases to community group participation. Funding secured for the 2024 highlight the initiative's continued success.

As Saltgrass evolves, plans include exploring opportunities like a Churchill Fellowship and a National Geographic Explorer grant, aligning with the long-term vision of a trip around Australia in an electric vehicle to collect stories from diverse communities. 

A not-for-profit providing free, online education support to rural students

There is an educational divide between rural and urban areas in Australia. Rural students often have limited access to teachers, mentors, and educational resources, putting them behind their urban counterparts.

Regional Education Support Network (RESN) is a not-for-profit organisation on a mission to address the educational challenges faced by rural students by providing free, high-quality tutoring services facilitated by volunteer university students.

RESN's vision is to create an Australia where geography does not determine educational outcomes, fostering a more egalitarian nation. Since its establishment in 2018, the NFP has supported over 3,300 students across New South Wales and Victoria.

RESN's unique solution involves an online tutoring portal that allows students to ask questions anytime, anywhere, receiving personalised answers within 24 hours. This approach distinguishes RESN from other services by offering both personalised and entirely free support. 

The organisation has also leveraged emerging technologies, developing a large language model to generate high-quality exam-style questions for student revision. Collaborations with philanthropic organisations, universities, and other non-profits have been crucial for RESN's success.

RESN's impact is measured not only by statistics but also by the positive feedback from students who report improved understanding, grades, and confidence. Deloitte has measured RESN's Social Return on Investment at 300-600%, reflecting the significant positive outcomes.

Looking ahead, RESN plans to roll out new mentoring-focused services, expand into two new states, and develop a strong alumni network. The organisation's growth from a simple Google Form to a team of 100+ volunteers and various accolades highlights its journey and commitment to creating equal educational opportunities for all Australian students.

Documenting Matt Whiley re-defining food waste

"Never Wasted," a film directed by Kaius Potter with support from Ketel One and produced by Austin Studios, unveils the 'Never Wasted' program, a revolutionary sustainability initiative spearheaded by renowned bartender Matt Whiley to combat food waste in the hospitality industry.

The problem addressed is the substantial environmental and economic impact of food waste, costing Australia $36 billion and contributing significantly to climate change. While the hospitality sector faces increasing pressure to minimise its food waste footprint, there exists a paradox for establishments that prioritise premium culinary experiences with fresh produce.

Matt Whiley, acclaimed for his London bar Scout's emphasis on hyperlocal and foraged ingredients, takes the lead in Sydney by establishing the world's first zero-waste bar, utilising waste materials. Leveraging Re-'s onsite lab, Whiley transforms by-products considered imperfect or scraps from local businesses into delectable cocktails and bar snacks.

The film provides a compelling insight into Whiley's dedication as he educates and develops a unique supply chain for waste products and by-products from Sydney businesses. It serves as a call to action, urging the hospitality industry to embrace the Never Wasted initiative and contribute to reducing food waste.

The short film captures the essence of Whiley's mission and the urgency for change. With over 80,000 views through Whiley's social channels and support from stakeholders like Ronni Kahn, Sarah Wilson, and Josh Niland, the film has made an impact.

Kaius Potter, the filmmaker, showcases his commitment to authentic storytelling and cultural relevance, emphasising the power of human narratives in driving positive change. As the film gains traction, it highlights the potential for widespread industry adoption and the transformative impact of Never Wasted on responsible food and beverage consumption and production.

Creating social housing homes with heart

When people in crisis access social housing, they often have few possessions and limited capacity to furnish a new home. At the same time, corporates, hotels and the community regularly dispose of great quality furniture and household items into landfill.

At ReLove, they have created a Free Store, a space filled with beautiful furniture and household goods rescued from corporates, hotels and the community. Clients accessing social housing can choose everything they need to set up their home, giving them the dignity to choose their own furnishings, and all for free, while diverting tonnes of furniture from landfill.

ReLove have supported over 1500 families, totaling more than 2800 individuals, and diverted 4500 tonnes of furniture from landfills. The impact is particularly significant for women, with approximately 75% of supported individuals being female, and over two-thirds having experienced domestic violence or homelessness.

Started in a tiny shed by founders Ben and Ren, ReLove has grown into a big 2200sqm warehouse and three trucks that help 10-15 families every week. They face challenges like expensive warehouse rent but overcome them with community volunteers and a their "Shop for Good," store that sells second-hand office and designer furniture to fund their work.

ReLove's future looks bright with initiatives like "Thousand Homes," aiming to furnish 1000 homes in a year, and the upcoming "Shop for Good" store. They're not just about saving furniture; they're about creating a kinder world. As they partner with businesses and align with sustainable goals, ReLove's vision is of a future where everyone has a safe, comfy home, breaking the cycle of poverty for many.

25 years of design for people and planet

Design by Nature was founded by Anna Carlile with a mission to align environmental sustainability with design. Focused on the non-profit and purpose-led sectors, the studio advocates for positive impacts on both people and the planet.

In 1999, the design industry significantly impacted the environment, prompting Carlile to advocate for change through her Master's research. The studio exclusively collaborates with organisations benefitting society and the environment, envisioning a world where designers contribute to positive change. 

Design by Nature employs 25 years of experience in sustainable design for not-for-profits. The core commitment revolves around creating impactful designs with minimal environmental footprints. The studio embraces circular thinking, considering the entire lifecycle of designs, and consciously selects digital tools to reduce resource needs and waste.

Acknowledging partnerships with organisations like the International Women's Development Agency, Environmental Justice Australia, and Landcare, the studio focuses on the Sustainable Development Goals. With B-Corp certification, 1% for the planet commitment, and impactful book series like "Walks In Nature," Design by Nature has made a substantial impact.

The studio aims to continue building its digital presence, inspire a new generation of designers, and research sustainable practices in the digital space. The journey involves staying curious, inspired, and open, actively seeking collaboration and remaining committed to the principles of sustainability and positive impact.

A fashion label with a difference

Addressing the intricate challenges faced by refugee and new migrant women in achieving social inclusion and employment, The Social Outfit, a registered charity and social enterprise, focuses on the task of helping these communities secure their first Australian job.

The organisation's core mission revolves around catalysing Australian careers. To achieve this, they provide essential training, employment opportunities, and upskilling through their manufacturing studio and retail clothing store.

Tackling the barrier of unfamiliarity, The Social Outfit introduces Australian workplace practices, educates on rights and responsibilities, establishes a secure working environment, and forges cross-sector partnerships to facilitate employees' transition to external employment. Additionally, their commitment to ethical, sustainable fashion is evident in the use of deadstock fabrics, minimising the environmental impact of production.

Over 50 industry brands and professionals contribute to repurposing textile waste, and artistic collaborations result in exclusive prints. Noteworthy partnerships with renowned brands who contribute fabric donations include Bec + Bridge, Zimmermann, and Sass and Bide.

The impact of The Social Outfit is evident in its achievements, including 838 training outcomes, the employment of 92 individuals, payment of over $1.3 million in Australian wages, and 82% of employees considering it their first Australian job. Retail training programs and community print projects further contribute to skill development.

Accredited as a social enterprise and ethically recognised by Good On You, the organisation sets ambitious future goals for its tenth birthday in June 2024, aiming for 1000+ training outcomes, 100+ refugee jobs, and $1.8M+ in wages.

Unleashing the power of three to end the plastic pollution crisis

Plastic pollution is devastating oceans, killing wildlife and threatening the health of our planet. Millions of tonnes of plastic waste end up in the ocean, posing a global threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, human health and the climate.

Take 3 for the Sea, a global movement founded by passionate ocean lovers, addresses the plastic pollution crisis by inspiring millions to take human-sized actions.

The organisation's unique approach, encapsulated in the "Unleash the power of three" mantra, encourages individuals to pick up three pieces of litter, adopt three simple lifestyle changes to reduce single-use plastics, and recruit three others to join them.

Take 3 for the Sea have had a remarkable impact over the last 14 years, alerting millions to the plastic pollution crisis and inspiring meaningful changes. Since 2009, they've removed 42 million pieces of rubbish, educated 870,000 students, mobilised 166,000 people at their events, and reached 22 million people through social media. Awards such as the Green Globe Awards and the National Energy Globe Award for Australia further highlight their impact.

Utilising the internet and social media, Take 3 for the Sea spreads its simple message through the power of storytelling globally. Online campaigns, influencers, and partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses amplify their reach. Partners include NSW Environmental Protection Agency, Qantas, and Taronga Conservation Society.

The organisation's commitment to large-scale individual behaviour change remains strong over the years, with ambitious 2025 goals of removing 50 million pieces of rubbish, educating 1 million students, and reaching 30 million people via social media.

Captivating Australia's children with playful climate solution experiences

The enormity of the climate and biodiversity crises can be overwhelming, especially for children who are inheriting the planet.

Recognising the overwhelming nature of these issues for children, Be The Future aims to captivate Australia's children with the magic of climate solutions through playful experiences.

The organisation offers three distinct experiences: 'Little Future Maker' for ages 2-5, introducing themed invitations to play; 'Growing Future Maker' for ages 5-12, providing awe-inspiring solutions and community initiatives; and playful creative activations, such as the reclaimed waste "Mermaids with a Porpoise."

The organisation aims to shift the narrative from "doomism" to "do-more-ism," captivating children with the magic of climate solutions and empowering them to shape a future where people and nature thrive. The vision includes collaborating with 250 partners to impact 1 million Australian families and educators.

Be The Future's impactful experiences bring a playful and optimistic approach to climate education, aiming to change how Australia's children feel, think, and act regarding the climate crisis. They experiment with various creative strategies, from podcasts to nature art competitions, to find the most impactful and financially sustainable ways to engage families.

Collaborations with partners like The Coal Loader and Taronga Zoo, along with a reclaimed waste mermaid art activation, have garnered media coverage and positive feedback, indicating the success of their approach.

With a focus on 2024 milestones, such as partnering with 20 councils, hosting 120 climate play experiences, and exploring augmented reality to enhance the immersive nature of their climate play experiences, Be The Future envisions a positive impact on a larger scale.

Prefabrication with a Community Touch

Traditional building practices contribute to environmental disruption, waste, and barriers to employment, particularly in Geelong's northern corridor. Climate change, carbon emissions, and conventional construction methods are major concerns for the community.

Cross Laminated Offsite Solutions (CLOS) is shifting the dial by employing state-of-the-art, automated production lines for modular and flat-pack construction. Their adaptive approach addresses environmental issues, promotes sustainability, and tackles time constraints in building practices.

CLOS also places a strong emphasis on community engagement and job creation, particularly for individuals facing employment barriers, aligning with Geelong's manufacturing history at the Old Ford factory. Collaborations with organisations like Sustainability Victoria, Monash University, Northern Futures, Gordon Tafe, and Give Where You Live strengthen their community ties.

Over 12 months, CLOS's has tripled their workforce, with over a third from the northern corridor, and increased female staff to over 10%. Sustainability grants, including those from Sustainability Victoria, also underscore their commitment to environmentally friendly practices. 

CLOS envisions installing more machinery, increasing modular production to hundreds per year, and growing the team to around 100 employees. Their plans include creating multiple shifts per day to enhance work-life balance, a continued focus on sustainability, a community-oriented culture, and ongoing collaborative efforts with like-minded clients and organisations.

Katura is an 18 year old advocate for educational equality

Worldwide, 132 million girls are out of school, with only 66% of countries achieving gender parity in primary education. This disparity increases at the secondary level, reaching 45%. Educational inequality is a global challenge, impacting communities and hindering economic development.

At age 13, Katura visited Mozambique and saw first-hand the issues girls faced in accessing education and the devastating impact this had on their lives, and the community as a whole, which sparked her commitment to addressing this issue.

Katura founded the social enterprise "8x8 To Educate," which, now in its 5th year, has raised over $280,000 in cash and equipment. The initiative focuses on providing education from grade 8 to university, literacy programs, and addressing period poverty.

Katura utilises art as a unique approach to fundraising and awareness, engaging Australian artists who donate their works. The funds raised support girls in accessing literacy programs, micro-credentials, and degrees, aiming to nurture leaders for real change in their communities.

8x8 to Educate has raised substantial funds, reached over 3000 exhibition visitors, receieved support from the Queensland Government, and built a community of over 1000 artists. Two containers of used school supplies and building materials were also sent to Africa, aiding the rebuilding of cyclone-damaged schools.

Katura's vision is that every girl receives an education and a future. Investing in girls’ education transforms communities, countries, and the entire world. Educated girls are less likely to marry young and more likely to lead healthy, productive lives. They earn higher incomes, participate in the decisions that most affect them, their community and their countries and build better futures for themselves and their families. Girls’ education strengthens economies and reduces reliance on aid.

Board-games with purpose to create a more equal society

Gender inequality, lack of consent understanding, and stereotyping contribute to violence, primarily against women.

Latin Stories Australia recognised the need to create a safe space for discussions around these issues, particularly when intersecting with other forms of inequality and disadvantages.

The organisation developed three unique board games based on evidence – "Uneven" focusing on gender inequality, "Who is who" on gender stereotypes, and "What it is" on consent.

By gamifying the learning experience, participants engage in a comfortable and enjoyable environment to explore and reflect on these complex topics. The goal is to empower individuals to challenge systemic issues, promote gender equality, and foster healthy relationships.

Eight workshops have been conducted, involving 140 participants from diverse backgrounds. The impact has been significant:
- 90% reported high awareness of gender inequality and intersecting discrimination.
- 88% gained a high understanding of harmful constructs of masculinity.
- 82% expressed high confidence in promoting gender equality in their social networks.

Collaborating with a Mexican designer experienced in developing board games and specialists in the field, the organisation ensured a representative, accessible, and effective design. The organisation plan to approach schools, local governments, and organisations to showcase the project, provide workshops, and take the games to different settings for a larger-scale impact.

The project received support and an extension of funding from the Victorian Government, indicating its positive outcomes and impact. Latin Stories Australia is determined to continue making strides in creating awareness, fostering understanding, and promoting positive change in societal attitudes towards gender equality.