Wallara CEO Phil Hayes-Brown has been named the 2025 Social Traders National Game Changer of the Year – Certified Social Enterprise — a national honour recognising champions of social procurement who are transforming Australian business for good.
Phil said the award was a welcome surprise, but one that belongs to the whole organisation:
“That recognition goes to the entire company, especially the leaders of our social enterprises. Wallara does disability support differently and we are fortunate to attract such talented and creative staff who bring innovation and positivity to their teams every day. It’s a privilege to work with the people we support.”
The award highlights the collective effort of Wallara’s staff, board and partners — and the opportunities created together with every client, family and social enterprise team.
Wallara is an innovative disability support organisation that spans Melbourne’s southeast, north and Mornington Peninsula. With 544 people supported across programs, five social enterprises and accommodation — including 236 in supported employment — Wallara is creating pathways to independence.
Redefining inclusion through enterprise
The Social Traders award celebrates visionaries making a significant impact towards a fairer and more equitable Australia — and Wallara’s social enterprises are doing just that.
Through social enterprises Sages Cottage Farm, Sages Café, Wallara Logistics, Café W, Land Management Services and Wallara Media, people with disability are supported to build skills, earn income and take steps toward independence — in learning, life and work. Wallara has also become a trusted partner for councils, corporates and contractors meeting their social procurement goals — proving that every purchase can deliver both commercial and social value.
“Inclusion is an experience, not a postcode. For some people, mainstream pathways work well. For others, specialist settings provide structure and opportunity,”
– Phil Hayes-Brown, Wallara CEO
That mindset underpins Wallara’s approach — structured pathways that honour individual choice, dignity and growth.
Real places, real pathways
An example of Wallara’s vision is Sages Cottage Farm — a 33-acre heritage-listed property in Baxter that combines social enterprise with hospitality and community engagement. Open daily, it includes Sages Café and programs for 90 clients across gardening, animal care, cooking, retail and customer service — building skills, confidence and pathways to employment. This month marked the completion of the Hub@Sages, a purpose-built space for programs, staff and community connection. Six years in the making, the new facility will officially open with a community celebration on 12 November. Everyone is welcome!
Leading by example
This recognition by Social Traders is a testament to Wallara’s belief that inclusion must be more than an aspiration — it must be structured, visible and built into the way we do business.
Thank you to Social Traders for recognising leadership that brings both heart and impact.
Looking ahead
Wallara’s five certified social enterprises present a clear opportunity for councils, corporates and procurement teams to deliver real impact through their purchasing decisions — achieving business goals while creating meaningful employment for people with disability.
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