Bedford has been recognised for its innovative social enterprise model as part of Social Traders National Game Changer Awards, with Chief Operating Officer of Social Enterprises Sam Hunter named as a Game Changer of the Year for 2024 (SA and WA) finalist.
Game Changer of the Year is awarded to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to social enterprise for the benefit of the business for good movement.
Congratulations to all three finalists each recognised for their incredible work, with Sarah Gun from GOGO Events announced as the winner and David Paterson from YMCA a finalist.
The Social Traders National Game Changer Awards celebrate doing business for good, and Bedford were also pleased to also put forward its Bedford back social enterprises, Cultivate Food and Beverage and Electronic Recycling Australia as entrants in the Social Enterprise Pioneer Award category.
Social Pioneers recognise a certified social enterprise that’s paving the way with their creativity and innovation. Congratulations to The Fulcrum Agency for taking out this award.
Cultivate Food and Beverage continues to offer pathways for people with disability into open employment and the opportunity to earn award wages, with a social charter to employ a minimum of 20% of the workforce who face barriers to employment (including disability).
Electronic Recycling Australia (ERA) operates over and above the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS), and currently recycles over 300,000 Kilograms of South Australian generated electronic waste per month, in an almost fully manual dismantling facility at its Ottoway location.
Bedford CEO Myron Mann congratulated Sam on being named one of three finalists and for driving social change for Bedford and the sector.
“Sam’s strong commercial acumen, social conscience and collaborative mindset are turning Bedford’s ambitious vision to offer more employment pathways for people facing barriers to work into a reality,”
“We wish to extend our congratulations to Sam for being named as Game Changer of the Year finalist. He has been instrumental in establishing Bedford Social Enterprises (BSE), as part of our Future Bedford transformation,” said Mr Mann.
Sam Hunter, who first joined Bedford in 2020, is thrilled with the sector recognition for Bedford’s innovative vision.
“It’s an exciting time to be part of the Future Bedford strategy. By mid-2025 Bedford-backed social enterprises will become the largest social enterprise group in Australia, with over $80 million in commercial revenue and a $45 million social enterprise hub at Salisbury. A project which I was thrilled to develop in partnership with Leyton Funds. Upon completion the hub will be the largest social enterprise site in Australia,” said Mr Hunter.
Learn more about Social Traders: https://www.socialtraders.com.au/