On Tuesday the 12th of March I had the pleasure of going on the Brisbane Social Enterprise Tour. A lot has happened since then, including the passing of my beloved grandfather, and as a result, this is the first opportunity I had to sit down and write about it.

Our tour started in Nundah. Actually, the bus started in South Bank. I was supposed to get there by 8:00 AM, but I found myself stuck in traffic in an Uber on Milton road at 7:50 AM. So, I made an “executive decision” and decided to beat the bus to our first stop which was the Nundah Community Enterprises Co-op (NCEC) plus our cohort mate, Vessel Nundah. I ended up waiting with Marion for the bus, which was super late. So I could have to meet the bus if I kept heading towards South Bank!

It was interesting hearing about the story of NCEC and how they grew from a landscaping service to a cafe, with a community centre etc. It was also funny because they took a bit of a dig on Sarina Russo. I am currently completing my NEIS requirements with Sarina Russo. So it was kind of amusing to see her name crop up so unexpectedly. But I can understand why an organisation like NCEC would have a not so positive view of Sarina Russo. But of course, they both perform vital service with the community.

Nundah Community Enterprises Co-op (NCEC)

We had morning tea at the NCEC cafe, and after that, we headed to the workshop of Bertonni. I have talked about Bertonni a lot. They are a bit of success story out of last years Impact Boom Cohort. I love the work they do in Bertonni. I am thinking of getting one of their vases for myself later in the year. Maybe once they release a coloured vase like the red vase I saw in the workshop!

After Bertonni, we returned to South Bank to check out the Brisbane Tool Library. The tool library is also an alumnus of Impact Boom. I am glad they are doing well because I am all for the circular economy. After the tool library, we had lunch at Food Connect. Food Connect is one of Brisbane’s oldest social enterprises. But the food itself was catered by The Black Card. It was delicious, and I am a bit annoyed my photo of the feast didn’t come through. I really need a new phone!

Our last stop for the day was Logan’s Substation 33 who are e-waste recycling facility that also has an innovation wing. Innov8 Logan has supported such exciting projects as Powerwell, who were the Australian winners of the Pitch at the Palace competition. I was impressed with the whole ethos of Substation 33, including the fact that they get young people and people returning to the workforce job ready and then help them find jobs. It's a great social enterprise.

In terms of Abide, I got to pitch in the bus to the government, social enterprise supporters and others who joined us on the tour. I connected with a few people. Let’s hope they can help us move Abide forward!