A new café with a purpose in Bendigo is set to create vital paid work and training opportunities for people with disability, while serving great coffee to the local community.
Where Is My Coffee? Bendigo, a new social enterprise café led by for‑purpose organisation VMCH, will celebrate a soft opening on Thursday 21 May during Education Week at Bendigo TAFE’s City Campus.
The café has been designed for participants to gain work experience in a hospitality environment to build skills and confidence in customer service, food preparation and barista work – with the goal of moving into award‑wage employment.
Despite progress in recent years, people with disability continue to be under‑represented in the workforce. National data shows fewer than half of Australians of working age with disability are in paid employment, compared with around eight in 10 people without disability, highlighting the ongoing need for inclusive employment opportunities.
Craig Tonkin, 30, has been training at the café for the past few weeks and says he has already found his feet.
“Training has been really good. I’m loving being here,” Craig said. “I want to learn barista skills, and how to make sausage rolls and pies and how to serve customers. I’m looking forward to having somewhere to fit in and make friends."
Longer term, Craig is also keen to explore TAFE courses available on campus, with a view to building his skills and confidence for future employment.
VMCH CEO Sonya Smart said social enterprises like Where Is My Coffee? play an important role in breaking down barriers to employment.
“Employment is about so much more than a pay cheque, it brings confidence, connection and a sense of purpose,” Sonya said. “Through initiatives like this café, we’re creating real opportunities for people with disability to learn, gain experience and move into paid work, while being part of their local community.”
The Bendigo café is part of VMCH’s growing Where Is My Coffee? social enterprise network, including cafés across Victoria, an online shop, opportunity shops and gardening and maintenance crews.
Where Is My Coffee? Bendigo is located at Building E, Bendigo TAFE City Campus, 154 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo.
People with disability in the Bendigo region who are interested in hospitality training or employment opportunities can contact VMCH’s Social Enterprise team to learn more on 1300 698 624.