Our Story
Founded in 2020, our social enterprise has already had a few different lives. The Enterprise was originally conceived by members of the St Peter’s Eastern Hill church community as a compliment to our Lazarus Centre breakfast program (https://www.spehcf.com.au/lazarus-centre).
The coffee cart was opened to provide training to people facing unique barriers to employment—with some thought of giving such opportunities to clients of the breakfast program seeking work.
Soon after its opening, however, the Covid-19-related restrictions of 2020 and 2021 changed its course.
While the city was emptied of office workers and thus customers of the Cart, our staff and committee members launched a Community Pantry and meals program, working with the kitchen of Parliament House to provide meals for locals in need – many of them international students who were ineligible for government support and unable to engage in casual employment during the period.
Students quickly became volunteers, distributing meals and groceries to others in need, such as people living in boarding houses and vulnerable families. The meals program was also supported by Fairshare, Rotary Club, and private donations.
The Cart was reopened for regular trading in 2022. While continuing to operate a grocery distribution point for Fairshare, staff and committee members have worked to reestablish a customer base for the Cart and
thus viability as a training platform.
Happily, today, the Enterprise in partnership with the Judy Lazarus Transition Centre has begun to provide work experience and work opportunities to people who have come to the end of a prison sentence and are reintegrating into wider society.
Our Enterprise is a small, but key ingredient of the various forms of
community to be found at St Peter’s Eastern Hill. The Caravan provides a place in our quiet corner of the city for people to meet and, while enjoying good service, coffee, and food, foster a community in which all can find work, a second chance, and belonging.
What our clients say
“Cute & unique coffee cart. Enjoyed the coffee!”
Paola
“Some great coffee and service for the work commute”
Julia
“Had lunch and a coffee there today with a friend. The smoke salmon bagel and the poached chicken on olive bread were both delicious. Friendly obliging staff!”
Cheryl