Hospitality pathway from day programs to Supported Employment
After finishing school, Brendan wanted to work — he just needed the opportunity to find the kind of work he enjoyed.
He started with Wallara’s Learning & Lifestyle programs, trying different activities and discovering what suited him. Hospitality stood out.
Today, 23-year-old Brendan works in Supported Employment across two Wallara hospitality venues — Café W at Seaford and Sages Café at Sages Cottage Farm in Baxter.
He has built skills in coffee making, customer service and food safety and has completed his Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and accredited food safety certificates.
But ask Brendan what matters about work and he talks about something else: people.
“It’s good for your mental health to interact with people. You don’t want to be isolated.”
For Brendan, hospitality provides plenty of opportunities to do exactly that. He works alongside different teams, talks with customers and has met more people through work.
“Being a barista is really working out for me. I’ve progressed in choosing what to say around people and increased my social network.”
Putting skills to use in the community
Brendan is putting his hospitality skills to use outside Wallara too.
After gaining his RSA, he began volunteering behind the bar at his local football club — another place where he can meet people, contribute and be part of the community.
His mum, Trudy , has watched Brendan find work that suits him and a working life he enjoys.
“Before Wallara, we had no idea what the future would look like. Now he has confidence, social skills and is part of a community.” Trudy
From trying hospitality through Wallara’s day programs to working across two busy cafés and volunteering at his local football club, Brendan has kept building on what he enjoys.
And for Brendan, a good day at work is about more than making a good coffee. It’s about the people he gets to share it with.
Hospitality Day Programs
Wallara’s hospitality pathway gives people opportunities to explore hospitality through Learning & Lifestyle programs before moving into Supported Employment when that’s the right next step.
People can try areas including barista skills, food preparation and customer service, supported by experienced hospitality teams.
For Brendan, that pathway took him from exploring hospitality after school to hospitality day programs then working shifts at Café W Seaford and the busier Sages Café.
More than 40 Supported Employees work across Wallara’s hospitality venues – Cafe W and Sages Cafe – gaining hands-on experience alongside qualified chefs, baristas and hospitality teams.
In the past year, the teams served more than 43,500 coffees across five venues.
Where Brendan's journey began
More than 33 clients are learning hospitality skills through Wallara’s day programs including Barista Skills, Coffee Cart and The Welcome Post Café at Frankston RSL.
Romaine Kakoulilis, General Manager of Learning and Lifestyle, says day programs are often where someone’s story begins.
“The pathway into supported and open employment takes time, the right opportunities and great coaching. Brendan’s journey shows what is possible when all those pieces come together.”
Cafe W | Supported Employment
Mary Hannett, Senior Manager of Hospitality at Wallara, says, “for clients transitioning from Wallara’s hospitality day programs into supported employment, the journey is designed to build hospitality skills, confidence and experience while supporting employment goals.
“Guided by qualified chefs and baristas, clients develop practical skills in a supportive environment while connecting with customers, colleagues and the wider community.”
“More than 40 supported employees work across Wallara’s hospitality venues. This inclusive employment model not only builds skills but also fosters community connection and pride for all involved.”
Putting his skills to use in the community
Brendan is putting his hospitality skills to use outside Wallara too.
After gaining his RSA, he began volunteering behind the bar at his local football club — another place where he can meet people, contribute and be part of the community.
His mum, Trudy , has watched Brendan find work that suits him and a working life he enjoys.
“Before Wallara, we had no idea what the future would look like. Now he has confidence, social skills and is part of a community.” Trudy
From trying hospitality through Wallara’s day programs to working across two busy cafés and volunteering at his local football club, Brendan has kept building on what he enjoys.
And for Brendan, a good day at work is about more than making a good coffee. It’s about the people he gets to share it with.
Hospitality Day Programs
Wallara’s hospitality pathway gives people opportunities to explore hospitality through Learning & Lifestyle programs before moving into Supported Employment when that’s the right next step.
People can try areas including barista skills, food preparation and customer service, supported by experienced hospitality teams.
For Brendan, that pathway took him from exploring hospitality after school to working regular shifts at Café W Seaford and Sages Café.
More than 40 Supported Employees work across Wallara’s hospitality venues – Cafe W and Sages Cafe – gaining hands-on experience alongside qualified chefs, baristas and hospitality teams.
In the past year, the teams served more than 43,500 coffees across five venues.
Cafe W | Supported Employment
Mary Hannett, Senior Manager of Hospitality at Wallara, says, “for clients transitioning from Wallara’s hospitality day programs into supported employment, the journey is designed to build hospitality skills, confidence and experience while supporting employment goals.
“Guided by qualified chefs and baristas, clients develop practical skills in a supportive environment while connecting with customers, colleagues and the wider community.”
“More than 40 supported employees work across Wallara’s hospitality venues. This inclusive employment model not only builds skills but also fosters community connection and pride for all involved.”
Where Brendan's journey began
More than 33 clients are learning hospitality skills through Wallara’s day programs including Barista Skills, Coffee Cart and The Welcome Post Café at Frankston RSL.
Romaine Kakoulilis, General Manager of Learning and Lifestyle, says day programs are often where someone’s story begins.
“The pathway into supported and open employment takes time, the right opportunities and great coaching. Brendan’s journey shows what is possible when all those pieces come together.”
