Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre is brewing up opportunities for young people following the addition of a coffee cart to the centre's wide range of community services and programs.
The Young Beans Café initiative is a hospitality-based program that supports vocational training and holistic support to marginalised and disadvantaged young people.
"For many young people, working in a café or restaurant is their first foray into employment, and skills within hospitality are transferable to a wide range of settings," said Lord Mayor of Wollongong, Councillor Tania Brown.
"We're proud to support this program that provides a safe and welcoming learning space for young people to upskill and build their confidence, and that has proven to have positive employment outcomes for participants."
At the same time as the coffee cart was being installed, a range of works to improve safety, accessibility and stormwater flow was also carried out at Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre.
These were made possible with funding from Wollongong City Council and the Australian Government's Investing in Our Communities program.
Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre coordinator Cath Daley with first Young Beans Cafe trainee Ethan, Lord Mayor of Wollongong Cr Tania Brown and Alison Byrnes MP.
Federal Member for Cunningham, Alison Byrnes MP said she was delighted to support the Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre with $100,000 from the Australian Government under a program which aims to build opportunity and improve liveability for local communities.
"The Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre never stops giving back to our community, and I am so excited to see this new venture finally open its doors."
"Cath and her team have a true dedication to supporting local young people to live better lives, gain new skills, and open doors to new possibilities for their future – the Young Beans Café is no exception and I really commend them for this great program," Ms Byrnes said.
