The Welcome Post Café

What began as a morning tea program created by Frankston RSL for local veterans has grown into a community partnership.

After seeing the value of bringing people together through coffee and conversation, Frankston RSL extended the opportunity to Wallara day program clients, helping create The Welcome Post Café — a welcoming space for people to build hospitality skills, confidence and connection with the local veteran community.

Building skills in a hospitality setting

Delivered in partnership with Frankston RSL, the café provides a hospitality environment where participants can develop practical skills, gain experience, and build confidence through regular interaction with customers.

For Ben Sutherland, who has been part of the café for the past six months, it’s been an opportunity to grow and prepare for future employment.

“It’s good practice for the job market and will help me with pathways to future employment,” Ben says. “I love learning about the veterans and hearing about their lives.”

Working in a live setting allows participants to strengthen communication skills, build routines, and become more confident engaging with others, all important steps toward greater independence.

The café has also become part of the weekly routine for many RSL members, creating a welcoming environment where people get to know each other over time.

Margaret Graham, whose husband attends the RSL, says the impact is clear.

“The veterans love it,” she says. “They get a real kick out of exchanging jokes each week.”

She says the partnership plays an important role in building understanding and connection within the community.

“For both parties, it is great to feel like they belong to something.”

Creating pathways to independence

Experiences like The Welcome Post Café are part of how Wallara supports people to build skills and confidence, creating pathways into employment.

“Opportunities like The Welcome Post Café, through Wallara’s Programs of Support, give people the chance to build skills and confidence in a setting that feels natural and part of the community. Over time, that experience helps people take the next step — whether that’s growing in confidence, trying something new or exploring pathways into employment.”
– Romaine Kakoullis, General Manager Learning & Lifestyle.

People with disability are nearly twice as likely to experience social isolation, while many older Australians also report feeling disconnected from their communities.

Operating every Wednesday and Friday, The Welcome Post Café continues to provide a consistent, supportive environment where people can build skills, connect with others, and take the next step toward their goals.