Wyndham Community and Education Centre (WCEC) has secured a two-year lease to operate a not-for-profit café in Laverton.
Saffron Kitchen is a social enterprise where volunteers – who can become paid employees – learn barista skills, customer service, food and menu preparation, cash handling and catering.
Hobsons Bay council last week voted to lease the café at Laverton Community Hub to WCEC for two years, with a two-year option.
The council tried unsuccessfully to find a commercial provider for the site.
“While the rental return to council is small, it is realistic given the location, start-up costs and the over-arching objective to generate employment opportunity for residents,” a report to the council said.
The report said the café would create a gathering place for Laverton residents, providing customers with affordable high-quality food and service.
“The generation of employment and training opportunities are central in seeking a suitable café provider.”
WCEC chief executive Jennie Barrera said the café would operate five days a week.
“The uniqueness of Saffron Kitchen is that it provides volunteer opportunities for residents to gain experience in a hospitality environment and improve employment prospects and language skills if required.”
