The local not-for-profit social enterprise and registered charity works with councils, businesses, developers and event organisers to deliver everything from bush regeneration and land care to site clean-ups, waste audits and sustainable event waste management.

The new brand reflects a strategic move to expand impact and job opportunities for people experiencing barriers to employment across the Sydney and Illawarra regions.

Robert Dale, Operations Manager of Green Yakka, said the new brand will continue the work the organisation has been doing for more than a decade as part of Green Connect.

“It’s the same people, services and purpose, delivering hands-on work that tackles waste and creates job pathways for people facing barriers to employment,” said Dale.

Green Yakka is part of Community Resources, a national not-for-profit organisation that creates jobs that care for people and planet.

Marc Higgins, Community Resources Chief Executive Officer of Community Resources, said the name Green Yakka speaks to the brand’s social and environmental purpose.

“Yakka comes from yaga, meaning ‘work’ in the Yuggera language of Meanjin (Brisbane),” he said.

“Our use of the word honours its Aboriginal origins and the cultural strength it carries. It also speaks to the hard, honest nature of our labour hire and zero waste work.

“This brand gives us a clearer identity to grow, build partnerships and deliver even greater impact in Sydney and Illawarra communities.”

The launch follows the formal separation of Green Connect Farm earlier this year, which is now an independent organisation. The farm will continue to focus on growing fair food, while Green Yakka focuses on labour hire and zero waste services.

“We’re proud of our shared history with Green Connect Farm and we’ll remain closely connected,” said Higgins.

“This move allows both enterprises to focus and thrive, and to keep doing what we do best.”