In celebration of upcoming National Reconciliation Week (May 27 - June 3) Mayor Mark Jamieson this morning joined a number of representatives from the local First Nations community at social enterprise cafe, Deadly Espresso in Eumundi.
Mayor Jamieson said gathering together in this way provides an opportunity to further the objectives of National Reconciliation Week (NRW).
"Through the Sunshine Coast Reconciliation Action Plan, council is a proud supporter of the region's NRW events," Mayor Jamieson said.
"Deadly Espresso is a small not-for-profit organisation, which is showcasing this year's main NRW theme – 'Grounded in truth – walk together with courage'.
"The team at Deadly Espresso grow and sell a lot of their own produce on-site and council has provided bush tucker, traditional medicinal plants and mulch to support this program.
"Council also supports Deadly Espresso in their day-to-day operations as part of our 2018 Community Partnerships Program, with $7,500 per year for three years being contributed to additional project coordination to support the development of the organisation."
Deadly Espresso will be hosting two events during NRW on May 29 and June 1 from 7am-1pm, supplying free, regular coffee and drop scones.
Barista and Manager of Deadly Espresso, Terri Waller said they were looking forward to the opportunity to share their story with the broader Sunshine Coast community as part of NRW.
"Deadly Espresso is all about a relationship style of education in everything we do," she said.
"We love sharing with our customers where the various bush tucker spices, picked freshly from our on-site garden, have originated from and how they've been traditionally used.
"Our new social enterprise business Mow & More, starting up in the winter, will care for our lovely growing garden so we can continue to create many different flavours you won't have experienced before.
"We are proud to be an all-inclusive work space and currently have four hospitality trainees learning about our relationship building style of operating a café who I hope will go on to share their learnings with others.
"We have also recently commenced a very innovative police and justice project, aligned with the State Penalties Enforcement Register. Anyone having trouble paying a debt or with a related court order can come here and sign up for their community service.
"I believe we are the only organisation in Queensland offering such a service which plays an important part of reconciliation and will be of great benefit to many in the community."
There are many other great activities and events on offer for NRW.
For full details of the National Reconciliation Week activities and events visit council's website.
