Organisation wins social justice award

TOOWOOMBA social enterprise Ability Enterprises has won the Social Justice Commission’s 2017 Social Justice Award.

The organisation takes home the gong after five years of operating and providing vital assistance for people with barriers to employment across the Toowoomba region.

“Ability goes beyond the charity model which gives to the poor from the surplus or left overs of a business to one which puts inclusion at the very heart of what it does,” Executive Officer for the Social Justice Commission Dr Mark Copland said.

“Social enterprises like Ability Enterprises drive social change in the real economy.”

The Social Justice Awards first started in 2004 and annually recognise the efforts of local people working to create positive change upholding the dignity of the human person and integrity of creation each year.

In previous years, recipients have worked in the areas of disability advocacy, indigenous education, affordable housing, refugee support and advocacy, social enterprise, protecting prime agricultural land, community development and sustainability.

“In Toowoomba we have a number of magnificent examples of what this inclusive economy might look like,” Dr Copland said.

“Social enterprises like Ability Enterprises run on sound business principles, deliver great service to customers and successfully ensure that some of our community’s most vulnerable enjoy the dignity of work.”

The awards will take place on Thursday, December 14 from 5.30pm at the Cathedral Centre on the corner of Lawrence and Neil Sts.