Sydney has an abundance of amazing wedding venues. From waterfront spectaculars to alternative, modern vibes – there is literally something for everyone. This is also true for couples who are looking for an ethical wedding venue that gives back and operates in a socially conscious way.

Enter : The Freedom Hub.

Located in the inner city suburb of Waterloo, The Freedom Hub is a social enterprise who’s profits are used to support survivors of modern day slavery.

What is modern slavery?

Modern slavery is defined as the recruitment and trade of children, women or men for the purpose of exploitation using foreful measures, coercion or deception.

This can come in many different forms including :

• Sex Trafficking.
• Child Sex Trafficking.
• Forced Labor.
• Bonded Labor or Debt Bondage.
• Domestic Servitude.
• Forced Child Labor.
• Unlawful Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers.

What exactly does The Freedom Hub do?

The Freedom Hub runs the Survivor School which provides free personalised classes to assist survivors in recovering from trauma. They also run courses to help survivors become ready for work and have a Peer Support Program that provides a safe space for community building.

Profits from the businesses (both in Waterloo and the Gold Coast) are used to fund these programs allowing donations from supporters to go directly to helping survivors.

Not only does The Freedom Hub use their own business to bring about change, they also audit their own suppliers to ensure that they are using an ethical supply chain free from abuse and exploitation.

What’s it like to have an ethical wedding at The Freedom Hub?

Cafe by day – ethical wedding venue by night, The Freedom Hub provides a stunning industrial space decked out with rustic tables and eclectic furniture (that you can totally use for your event too!).

With the flexibility to have just your reception or ceremony or even both – The Freedom hub can offer you both weekend and weekday packages with exclusive venue hire. Go for either a basic BYO package or have them bring the decor, the wait staff and venue coordinator while you just need to add the small finishing touches.

Their preferred caterers, Dan the Man and Colombo Social (both audited for ethical supply chains), can round off your event with delicious socially conscious food that will wow your guests from here to beyond! But you can choose your own caterer who will have access to their kitchen area for on-site prep and service.

The beautiful space can be used in so many ways and I’m so excited to be able to capture some beautiful couples weddings next year!

For more information on The Freedom Hub and their ethical events offerings visit www.thefreedomhub.com.au