Scoping for social impact drives business deams for Butchulla community

By Mary Bolling

They’ve restored the name of K’gari to right historic wrongs, now Queensland’s Butchulla community is harnessing social enterprise to build a sustainable future. 

First Nations leaders from the Great Sandy region World Heritage Area along Queensland’s south-east coast have been working with CQUniversity’s Office of Social Innovation (OSI) to test business ideas that create jobs and preserve Indigenous country and culture in the region. 

Proud Butchulla woman and General Manager of the Butchulla Native Title Aboriginal Corporation (BNTAC) Veronica Bird said social enterprise could help the group achieve economic independence. 

“We were able to secure Federal Government funding to begin this process, which is really about the survival and sustainability of our Butchulla community and our future generations,” Ms Bird said.

“When we talk about building capacity of Aboriginal organisations, it’s a two-way street, the consultant is learning about our ways and priorities and culture, and we are learning about opportunities from them.

“When we met with Ashley (Clarke) and Steve (Williams) from CQU, from the very first meeting I loved the structure and respect they brought to the process, and the cultural fit meant they really hit ground running.

“Through their human-centred design approach, the CQU team has achieved a lot in a very short time, and their recommendations give us a really advanced point to build from.”

Since September 2023, CQU Social Innovation Program Managers Ashley Clarke and Steve Williams have worked with BNTAC to assess three social enterprise ideas for the community, with support from research assistant Ruby Smith. 

Through collaborative design with BNTAC members, and interviews with local government, business and community, the team’s scoping report establishes demand and feasibility for the proposed impact-led businesses.  

Ms Clarke said the determination of local people drove the exciting co-design process. 

“Our OSI team really harnessed the enthusiasm of Butchulla leaders and community, to assess the three social enterprise ideas, for an eco car wash, a native plant nursery, and Caring for Country environmental services” Ms Clarke said.

“Measuring the enterprise ideas for desirability, viability, and feasibility, we’ve been able combine local knowledge and insight with experience and practice from across Australia, and help the Butchulla community have confidence in their journey towards sustainability and financial resilience.”

Ms Bird said based on the scoping report, BNTAC will look to build the Caring for Country social enterprise early in 2024. 

“With the expertise, knowledge, and insight that Ashley and Steve have included in the report, we’re also well placed to approach other organisations to partner with the enterprise,” she said.

“This process ensures BNTAC can really future-proof our plans for social enterprise operations, and also secure livelihoods for employees, and their families.”

CQUniversity’s connection to BNTAC began in 2022, when Strategic Resource Support Officer for BNTAC Shawn Wondunna-Foley participated in iActivate, CQU’s social enterprise development program.  

The proud Butchulla man and life coach said the experience, delivered by Mr Williams for social entrepreneurs across Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, changed how he saw opportunities for Indigenous communities.  

Mr Williams said the work with BNTAC highlights the importance of in-community and collaborative consulting to drive impactful social enterprise. 

“Through iActivate, and partnering with sector leaders like the Queensland Social Enterprise Council, CQUniversity has worked with social entrepreneurs across Australia, to help them design and grow businesses that have huge positive impacts for community and environment,” he said.

“That work can’t happen without the generosity, enthusiasm and honesty of local people, and especially from First Nations communities who are so deeply connected to country and culture.

“We are so grateful to Veronica Bird, Shawn Wondunna-Foley and BNTAC board for engaging and working collaboratively with us, as this exciting project takes shape.”

Social enterprise is a growing sector across Australia, with more than 12,000 social enterprises nationally, contributing $21.3 billion to the economy each year. 

Importantly, Social Enterprise Australia estimates the impact-led businesses employ 200,000 people. 

Over the past two years, the Queensland Government has invested $8 million in the Social Enterprise Jobs Fund, to support the development of a sustainable and thriving social enterprise sector.

To learn more about CQUniversity’s Office of Social Innovation, visit cqu.edu.au/socialinnovation.