A Noosa-based company that assists under-represented groups achieve positive social and environmental outcomes has taken out the Minister’s Buy Queensland Award at a ceremony in Brisbane.
The Social Deck, took out one of the first prize awards for its support of diversity and inclusivity in its engagement activities, workforce, and supply chains.
The Buy Queensland Supplier Awards, held to celebrate the success of the Buy Queensland approach to procurement, recognises suppliers who contribute to a stronger and better Queensland.
Introduced in 2017, the Buy Queensland approach has invested more than $100 billion with almost 95,000 Queensland registered businesses, including about $12 billion that has flowed through to regional companies.
Awards were presented in three categories that reflect the values embedded in the Buy Queensland first approach to doing business – Putting Queenslanders first, Diversity through supply chains, and Delivering for Queensland.
As an additional award, the Minister’s Buy Queensland Award, is presented to a company that encompasses the values of all three categories.
As a shining example of a successful small Queensland business, The Social Deck helps under-represented groups by working with organisations on policies to support people from a diverse range of backgrounds, including Queenslanders from lower socio-economic backgrounds, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and people with disability.
Supporting diverse and inclusive employment practices, its team includes First Nations representatives and people from culturally and linguistically diverse and neurodivergent communities.
A judging panel that shortlisted The Social Deck said its work demonstrates high standards of accessibility and cultural and social sensitivity.
The Social Deck director Steven Speldewinde said, “Buy Queensland has been a great success story for us.”
“It has enabled us to take those next steps in growing the business, and each new contract with the Queensland Government has opened more doors.
“It’s allowed us to bring on board more employees, and we’ve been able to do that due to more contracts through the Queensland Government, which has been fantastic.
“We’ve been able to work with local suppliers to deliver additional services, and over the course of time, we’ve been able to grow our company and employees, and it’s been great for us to be able to invest in the local community.
“We weren’t expecting to get the Ministers award, so we really appreciate that and it’s really exciting.
“It’s great to see all these Queensland businesses come together, and to see the innovation that’s coming out of Queensland.”
The Social Deck has had its head office in Noosa since 2015. Since then, they’ve grown from three to 20 employees, with 12 based in Noosa.
Minister Mick de Brenni said, “The Palaszczuk Government will always back local Queensland businesses, and quality, secure and ongoing jobs – it’s a choice that only Labor will make.“
“That’s why we have invested more than $100 billion in our Buy Queensland procurement approach, and have awarded more than 85 per cent of tenders Queensland Government to those businesses with a Queensland presence.
“Today’s awards celebrate those Queensland businesses who contribute to Queensland, and encourage diversity, inclusivity and a strong connection to community.
“Congratulations to all winners and all those who were nominated today.”
