Binowee is a ground-breaking initiative supported by the NSW Government’s “Our Region Our Voice” Department of Youth funding. Coordinated and led by The Flagstaff Group, this youth and Indigenous Australian social enterprise aims to empower individuals living with disabilities in the Shoalhaven region by providing employment and horticultural training opportunities.

Named after the Aboriginal term for Green Place, Binowee will establish a native nursery and green space at Flagstaff’s South Nowra premises. This unique venture will not only offer a diverse range of high-quality native plants and gardening supplies to the community but also contribute to the region’s natural environment.

Operated under Flagstaff Services division, Binowee will seamlessly integrate with current groundskeeping services while delivering on-the-job training and skills development in horticulture and customer service. Specialising in native plants, the project will explore species that produce bush tucker, with additional offerings such as landscaping services, gardening supplies, and plant sales for both residential and commercial customers upon completion.

Running from March 2023 to December 2024, Binowee is focused on benefiting the community through extensive training opportunities for people who may not otherwise have access. Indigenous cultural awareness and appreciation of country will be core components, targeting Shoalhaven-based youth living with disabilities and encouraging Indigenous youth participation. Flagstaff’s experienced Life Choices team are overseeing the project, aiming to provide employment for students as the ultimate goal. Supported employees from Flagstaff’s South Nowra division have joined the program to enhance their skill sets.