Courtney’s hospitality pathway

At Café W@160, Courtney became known for her big laugh, warm welcome and the way she looked out for the people around her.

Working in Supported Employment, Courtney developed her barista and customer service skills and became the go-to person for new Supported Employees joining the Café W team. She shared what she knew, helped people settle in and made them feel welcome.

Those skills and experience became part of Courtney’s pathway into Open Employment.

Finding her path

Since 2023, Courtney has worked at Café Vita et Flores at Bunurong Memorial Park, where she now works across both the café and florist.

And the quality Courtney is most proud of is still the one that has always mattered to her — how she makes other people feel.

From Supported Employment at Café W to Open Employment at Café Vita et Flores, Courtney has brought her warmth, skills and care for others — first helping new colleagues at Café W, and now working across the café and florist.

“I love helping people feel comfortable. That’s what I’m proud of.” Courtney.

Café W is Wallara’s social enterprise café network, where Supported Employees work alongside the café team across barista, customer service, food preparation and catering roles.

Across four locations, 21 Supported Employees contribute their skills to busy café workplaces, serving customers, preparing food and being part of the day-to-day team.

For Courtney, Café W provided the opportunity to develop her hospitality experience, support newer team members and build skills she now uses in Open Employment.