A 100% female-owned, Victorian Certified social enterprise has delivered more than 4km of fencing around a 65-hectare, federally protected conservation reserve in Epping.
Development Victoria engaged Societal Outcomes Solutions (SOS) to complete the works at the largest reserve within the growing Aurora master planned community.
The reserve plays a critical role in preserving sensitive native vegetation and providing habitat for threatened species, including the native Golden Sun Moth, which is currently listed as vulnerable.
SOS sourced all materials and services from within this social impact ecosystem, engaging 7 social enterprises, 11 First Nations Businesses, 2 disability-led enterprises and 5 female owned businesses throughout the project.
Niall Cunningham, Acting Head of Housing at Development Victoria, says this project is a strong example of how environmental protection and social impact can go hand in hand.
By partnering with social enterprises and Indigenous businesses, we’re safeguarding precious conservation land while creating meaningful economic opportunities.
Niall Cunningham
Acting Group Head, Housing
“It’s a win-win for sustainability and community development."
The fencing project supported almost 1,500 workforce hours, generated $273,000 in direct investment and delivered an estimated $2.3 million in social value.
Lucretia de Jong, CEO and Founder of SOS says Development Victoria has set a benchmark for best practice social procurement.
This project shows that even smaller-scale works can have a major social impact, and it’s already become a catalyst for future projects led by social benefit suppliers.
Lucretia de Jong
CEO and Founder, SOS
Home to more than 7,000 residents, Aurora includes 14 conservation reserves that play a vital role in protecting vulnerable habitats and supporting local biodiversity.
Find out more about the Aurora masterplanned community.
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View allUpdated on 02 June 2025