Better Merch

Who we are

Better Merch was founded by Viki Govic, who built the business from lived experience and a desire to create workplaces where people are recognised for what they can do, supported to grow, and given genuine opportunities. Viki's son was diagnosed with autism at a young age, and her mission is to ensure that people like him have every opportunity and that bias is removed from their path to employment.

Better Merch is guided by a simple belief: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Its mission is to create meaningful employment for neurodivergent Australians and others who have traditionally faced barriers to work, while demonstrating to businesses that the money they already spend can create something bigger. Its values centre on inclusion, employment, empowerment, and equity, expressed through three pillars: people, planet, and purpose.

Viki leads Better Merch alongside a team that includes Bobby Johnson in operations, Cody Johns in operations and client support, Will Crisfield in impact storytelling, and Charlie James in content, supported by a wider network of advisers, suppliers, social enterprises, and community partners.

What we do

Better Merch supplies branded merchandise, apparel, signage, corporate gifting, event and conference products, onboarding packs, sensory merchandise, custom online merch stores, kitting and fulfilment, Australian-made products, eco-conscious alternatives, and custom-designed merchandise programs. Clients receive the same commercial quality and value they would expect from any merchandise supplier, with social impact embedded in every order.

Behind each product is where the impact happens. Every order creates real work across areas including order processing, client and supplier communication, artwork, content creation, database management, packing, fulfilment, and administration. These work streams are deliberately designed to provide structure, responsibility, and skills development, giving people the opportunity to build confidence and capability in a real workplace environment. Better Merch has supported more than 5,800 hours of meaningful employment and worked with more than 50 purpose-driven organisations and partners.

Better Merch's impact focuses on:

• creating meaningful and sustainable employment pathways for people facing barriers to work
• increasing workforce participation for neurodivergent Australians
• helping organisations achieve and report on social procurement outcomes
• encouraging lower-waste and more considered merchandise choices
• supporting Australian makers, social enterprises, and community organisations
• creating collaborative opportunities with First Nations artists and businesses