The Business

Our business operates from a large industrial unit. This space is ideal for us, as we have secure storage facilities for equipment, workshop, a study area with microscopic and soil testing equipment, horticultural reference library, office space with access to essential services, plus staff amenities and meeting area.

To keep up with the expanding means of client contact and servicing, we keep up to date with our computer system to ensure prompt communications, easy payments and making the whole process for clients hassle-free.

We rely heavily on software to schedule work, and we have now developed a system where client needs can be serviced to cope with seasonal changes and individual demands. Our software is regularly upgraded and updated with the latest virus software every time we go on the internet, providing as much protection for you (and us) as we can.

We are able to provide digital photos, invoicing and correspondence via e-mail, making and receiving payments with internet banking and many other options.

We also generate statements each month, plans of properties, and scheduling of lawn mowing and gardening work.

Indigenous Stock Exchange Partnership

ChewYings is a registered partner with the Australian Indigenous Stock Exchange (ISX).The ISX is a "market" with a difference. The trading floor lists social, cultural and commercial investment opportunities of Indigenous Australia.

During our time in the horticulture industry we have developed a bridging tool for indigenous and disabled people to move from welfare or funded employment (e.g. CDEP) into mainstream employment with award wages and conditions.

Take a look at our progress on the trading floor at the Indigenous Stock Exchange (ISX) site.

Read more about our successful partnership with ISX.

4-Star Micronavigator Accreditation

Micro Navigator is a business system that recognises certain small business procedures, so potential lenders, philanthropists or supporters can be confident the business has achieved objectives. Micronavigator also checks your business readiness and that your business is safely operating according to best practice principles. Robert Chewying was one of two people in Australia who were the first Indigenous business people to obtain a rating.

Robert and Melinda set out to achieve the 4 stars rating, and working through Navigator gave them a sense of achievement; it felt good to be able to quantify the work they had done. When they received the congratulations via email they felt the business had found more credibility, and one of the hardest things in business is finding credibility and support.

We would like to think that this tool helps us find people and organisations that have the same desire to push boundaries and challenge existing methods of work practices. The quest for finding a bridging tool for welfare recipients that multiplies is a tall order, but we feel it is possible, it just requires like-minded people constructing and focusing from inside out.

Other Awards & Accreditations

• Member of the Australian Institute of Horticulture.



• Employer Awards from Essential Personnel in 2002 and 2003 in recognition of outstanding initiatives in employment opportunities for people with a disability.



• Our business was mentioned at the ACROD convention in 2003 by keynote speaker Dr. Peter Botsman as a potential leading force in building business systems for work place readiness for the disadvantaged.



• An article in a training manual for the Department of Training packages under a "best practice" story.



• Nominated for the Small Business of the Year award run by the Shoalhaven Area Consultative Committee in 2002.

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