Social Traders Certified Social Enterprise

Everyone deserves a second chance.

The Green Collar helps justice-affected men and women — including ex-jail and ex-institution — reintegrate through meaningful employment. Peer-led, partner-backed and funded case by case through job network providers, individuals seeking specific support, and allied Government-linked organisations.

A volunteer from The Green Collar standing in soft morning light at a community work site

The Green Collar helps justice-affected men and women reintegrate through employment — from leaving incarceration to building a sustainable career.

The Green Collar Brigade volunteering group — connecting people
What we do

A wrap-around service, built by people who've been there.

We work alongside legal institutions, medical providers and employer partners to help you find purpose, connection and work — whatever your starting point.

Employment – NDIS & Ex-Jail or Institution

Our employment support offers ex-jail, or similar institutions with a meaningful toolkit to finding work and, more importantly, purpose. We understand the issues you may be facing — from mental health to regret and fear around how employers will view your application. Our team have been there and will show you ways to overcome typical obstacles. We work closely with various employers, NFPs and program managers in the reintegration space.

See our employment support

Clients of Job Network Providers

The Green Collar assists job seekers to build a bridge from their current circumstances to gainful employment. Using the power of peer support we run a wrap-around service — working closely with legal institutions and medical service providers, and offering a holistic, practical program with a goal of finding employment. We also now offer personalised one-to-one mentoring for suitable men and women.

Browse the job board

AOD, Legal and Rehab Referrals

If something has led to problems with the law, or held you back, we are perfectly designed to assist. We specialise in supporting people through drug or alcohol misuse issues. Our team are all ex-offenders, or have struggled with legal issues along their journey, and have managed to get clean and get our careers back on track. We can help you on your journey with a range of resources and assistance, including support for men with suicide ideation.

Explore peer support

Online & Phone Support

On a weekly basis we run online Zoom sessions to help our community find support, stay clean and connect with other men and women facing similar challenges. Terms of engagement vary — in most cases there's no cost, but reach out to confirm based on your circumstances.

Join an online session
Latest

News from The Green Collar

Follow our latest updates on LinkedIn — and see why the work we do still matters.

This is what a person sees when they search for work after release. The language, the labels and the lack of dignity show how far we still have to go. At The Green Collar we believe in second chances without second-class treatment.

See the search on Jora
Screenshot of a Jora job search for 'Jobs For Ex Felons' in Melbourne VIC
The Green Collar Brigade volunteers clearing a community garden
In action

The Green Collar Brigade — having fun while doing the work.

Each week we volunteer through the Green Collar Brigade to assist community bodies, including churches and thrift shops, to get the work done they require. It builds skills, confidence and the references our team members need to step into paid work.

"The Green Collar Brigade have done an amazing job over the past few weeks at Footscray Church of Christ. Not only have they cleared vegetation, rubbish and weeds — they have always left the place tidy and clean."
— Jarrod Davies, key volunteer partner
See more from In Action
Key lived-experience groups & employers

We work alongside Australia's most trusted partners.

The Green Collar has partnered with Workforce Australia, Wise Employment and many others, running a peer-support service for justice-affected men and women — to help overcome stigma, get motivated and prepare to re-enter the workforce.

Awards & recognition

Multi Award Winning Social Enterprise

We measure success in shifts started, sentences not served again, and families kept together. Here's some of the recognition along the way.

Monash Business Awards 2023-2024 Rising Star — The Green CollarStu and daughter receiving a federal recognition certificate from Dr Carina Garland MPStu accepting the 2023/24 Non-for-Profit Finalist plaque at the MBAsThe Green Collar team on stage at the Monash Business Awards
  • 2024

    Caroline Chisholm Volunteer of the Year

    Recognised for outstanding volunteer contribution to the justice-affected community.

  • 2023–2024

    Monash Business Awards — Rising Star Winner

    Winner of the Rising Star category celebrating emerging social enterprises.

  • 2024

    Monash Business Awards — Not For Profit Runner Up

    Runner up in the Not For Profit category for peer-led employment support.

As featured & partnered with
  • ABC News
  • The Age
  • Herald Sun
  • Pro Bono News
  • Workforce Australia
  • Wise Employment
  • Caraniche
  • Caroline Chisholm Society
Watch the work

Stories from the people we walk alongside.

A mix of YouTube interviews and on-site footage. Drop new clips in any time — slots are ready and the layout adapts.

The Green Collar — bridge to employment

Stu and the team explain how peer support, labour hire and partner employers combine to give justice-affected Australians a real second chance.

Reach out — terms vary, mostly free. Just a few wrong turns is all it takes.

Whether you're leaving jail, working with an NDIS provider, or just looking for a way back into work — reach out. Our team has been there, and we'll walk it with you.