By BLAKE METCALF-HOLT
PROVIDING the opportunity to find their passions and a warm service for locals – Barwon Coffee Co is giving it their best shot.
Mother and daughter pairing Jen and Alice Morrison launched the coffee van business last September, and it has grown to include a handful of other individuals living with disability the chance to learn hospitality and barista skills.
The van has travelled to events across Gippsland, off the back of Alice’s determination, venturing to swimming carnivals, tennis competitions, and an all-abilities basketball tournament in Sale.
The rapport with customers has been significant in every spot they’ve situated, especially in their initial meeting place in Trafalgar as well as in Traralgon West.
The idea stemmed from the two following many “dispiriting” experiences with job agencies in the effort to find Alice employment.
“(Alice would) rock up, go and do interviews and get nothing. I was thinking to myself that if I didn’t do something that things would just keep going down that pathway… I’m hoping that they’ve shown that they can work independently and confidently,” Jen said.
The food provided is all vegan and homemade, entirely due to the baking efforts of Alice creating her delicious treats, such as her yoyo biscuits from her own kitchen.
Alice has enjoyed the venture thus far, giving her a chance to meet new people out and about in the community and perfect her coffee-making.
“I didn’t get into coffee until a few years ago. Its payment, it’s something fun, it gets people out of their homes, keeping people from being bored, (and) it gives them an opportunity,” she said.
“The friendliness and socialising, we all like socialising with different people.”
The small business has brought in a few extras like Ben, who comes with his carer and works throughout the day finding purpose.
“The organisations that support young adults realised what we’re doing and said they’d have some individuals that would love it and probably benefit from it, so that’s how we schedule (them) in,” Jen said.
Jen is hoping this will be a “long term project” which will involve more NDIS organisations than what they already have as they grow.
In terms of personal development, it has been exponential for the entire group.
“That (growth) has been confidence mainly, which has been fantastic… having something meaningful where you have a skill to share with other people,” Jen added.
“The benefit is improving our skills, particularly confidence, but then also the opportunity for social connection because I think that’s what we notice is lots of young adults just really need that connection with the community.”
Currently, Barwon Coffee Co is operating on weekends, whether at events or in their usual spots, along with Mondays and Tuesdays.
