The Haven Floristry & Giftware has been crowned Best Florist in Best in the New England 2026, with voters recognising not only the quality of its floral arrangements but also the life-changing opportunities it creates through supported employment.
Based in Inverell, The Haven Floristry & Giftware is a supported employment initiative of Northaven Ltd, providing meaningful employment for people with disability while producing fresh floral arrangements, giftware and delivery services for customers across Inverell and surrounding communities.
The combination of beautiful flowers and a powerful community purpose resonated strongly with voters.
“Great floral arrangements and giftware. They’re a non-profit employing people with disabilities,” Lyn said.
Sasha echoed that sentiment, saying, “They employ people with disabilities and produce high quality floral arrangements.”
Others praised the opportunity the business provides for supported employees to showcase their talents.
“They provide supported employment, and the flowers and gifts are made by the supported employees,” Anna said.
“They provide supported employment, and the arrangements are made by the disabled employees,” Reuben added.
While the social impact was widely admired, voters were equally enthusiastic about the quality of the products and service.
“The Haven Floristry and Giftware has such friendly staff, a great range of gifts and beautiful flower arrangements, all at great prices,” Emma said.
Melissa described the florist as “having the most creative team” that consistently produced bouquets and arrangements of the highest quality.
“The flowers are always lovely and fresh, the staff are warm, friendly and knowledgeable, and the shop is filled with wonderful surprises,” she said.
Dean praised the business for its “beautiful arrangements, fantastic service and value for money”, while Hugh highlighted its “great flowers, great service and wonderful friendly and knowledgeable staff.”
Other voters summed up their reasons more simply.
“I smile when my husband gets me flowers from here,” Denise said.
“Wonderful flowers and gifts, and they employ people with disabilities,” Olga said.
Across the nominations, two themes emerged consistently: exceptional floristry and genuine community impact. Voters repeatedly described The Haven as a business that proves commercial excellence and social inclusion can flourish together.
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