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| Café Horizons: How the Project came to Life |
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"Café Horizons was started to fulfil a need in the community for Vocational Training amongst its Youth.
Run by the Salvation Army’s Youthlink, we offer Nationally Accredited Training as well as work
experience to the youth of the community. And in return we hope the community will help by visiting our
Café and enjoy the service of our trainees"
Café Horizons is an initiative of the Cabramatta Community that was developed in response to the lack of
opportunities for training and employment available for young people in Cabramatta. The program is a
Registered Training Organisation (RTO), working under the umbrella of the Salvation Army of Further
Education. Targeted specifically at young people aged between 15 and 24 years, the project was
modelled on a training project of a similar nature, The Olive Branch Café in Newcastle, headed up by the
Salvation Army. After seeing the flexible, hands-on approach of this program, Shops 2&3, 219
Cabramatta Road were secured with donations from the local community and businesses, and Café
Horizons was born.
The initial $250,000. to set up the Café was raised by a number of local and community groups and
businesses that favoured the concept; $110,000 of which came from Policylink, Mount Pritchard District
and Community Club, Mekong Club, Cabramatta Rotary Club, Cabramatta Chamber of Commerce and
Fairfield City Council. The Salvation Army and the Casino Community Benefit Fund also provided start-up
costs of $125,000.
CASE STUDY 1:
EDWARD, 17
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Edward was 17 when he was referred to Café Horizons by a job network
provider. Edward was an intensive assistance client, being long term
unemployed and an early school leaver with a history of Drug abuse.
Edward was extremely motivated when he joined the program as he had just
completed a Worknet career development program with the job network
provider. However it was not long before Edward’s attendance became
erratic and he appeared to be returning to some of his old ways. Café staff
then discovered Edward had family issues as well. Edward was referred for
counselling. However it was only when Edward became a chef at night that
things turned around for him. From this point he was motivated and committed
and did really well. On completion of the Café Horizons course he
successfully applied for an apprenticeship.
Unfortunately Edward’s employer treated him poorly and his father being a
union man pushed very heavily for proper conditions. Edward fell out of the
picture for a few months. Then one day he came into the Café saying he had
fallen off the wagon but was back on track. Café staff sorted out his resume
and helped him look for work again. Edward again was not heard of for a
few months til he came in with a Café t-shirt signed by car racing drivers in
Bathurst. This was presented as a gift and a way of thanking Café staff for
their help.
Edward is currently working full-time in a meat processing position but still has
an eye out for an apprenticeship in his local area.
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