Choosing a Social Enterprise for Lawn Care, Landscaping & Grounds Maintenance in Bendigo

For councils, schools and facilities managers in Bendigo, outsourcing grounds, lawn care and landscaping maintenance services is a strategic decision that leads to multiple wins, from ensuring tidy and well-kept premises to creating employment opportunities and meeting social procurement targets.

Working with a Disability Social Enterprise such as C2A supports this because it provides jobs for people with disability and can also help meet environmental goals.

Social Enterprises exist to create social or environmental impact. These organisations reinvest the majority of their profits into their mission, whether that’s supporting local jobs, reducing barriers to employment or building skills for people facing disadvantage.

When you support a Social Enterprise by using their social procurement service, you can achieve the same high-quality landscaping and lawn care you’d expect from any contractor, with the added benefit of positive community outcomes. It’s a smart, purpose-driven choice that aligns with Victoria’s Social Procurement Framework and the values of many public and commercial organisations.

Take a look at how Bendigo-based organisation can choose a Social Enterprise for local grounds maintenance, lawn and garden care and other services:

Key factors when choosing a Social Enterprise for lawn mowing and landscaping

Not all providers using the term ‘social enterprise’ are created equal. To achieve the impact you’re aiming for, it’s important to assess the business's capabilities and the authenticity of its mission. Here's what to look for when choosing a grounds maintenance partner:

• Certification

  Are they a certified social enterprise, such as through Social Traders? This offers assurance that the business meets rigorous criteria for social impact and reinvestment.

C2A, for example, is:

• A Certified Social Enterprise through Social Traders
• People & Planet First Verified
• Officially registered to provide services under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
• A Registered Charity.
• Triple ISO Certified

• Capability

  Can they handle the size and complexity of your site? Look for evidence of large-scale contracts, commercial-grade equipment and experience across various property types.

• Safety systems

  Do they have up-to-date OH&S procedures, qualified support staff and insurance in place? Grounds maintenance carries risk, so compliance is non-negotiable.

• Quality controls

  Ask how they guarantee service standards. Do they offer site inspections, formal KPIs or dedicated account managers?

• Local capacity

  A Bendigo-based team means faster response times and stronger local job creation. It also reduces emissions from travel, adding another layer of environmental benefit.

• Impact evidence

  Can they clearly report on their social outcomes? Look for case studies, data or stories that show how they’re making a difference.

• Environment

  Do they use carbon-footprint reducing equipment, and are they mindful of their surroundings?

Read more: Why grounds maintenance matters in community settings.

Questions to ask before signing a grounds maintenance contract with a social enterprise

To make your selection process easier, here’s a quick list of questions to ask potential providers:

1. Are you a Certified Social Enterprise?
2. Who have you worked with locally, and can you provide references?
3. What safety and compliance measures are in place?
4. How do you monitor and maintain service quality?
5. Can you provide regular reports on your social impact?
6. Is your team based in or near Bendigo?
7. How do you handle short-notice call-outs or seasonal peaks?
8. What are you doing to reduce environmental impact?
9. What is the ratio of workers to support workers?

These questions help you cut through the marketing and get a clearer picture of whether the provider aligns with your goals.