Stepping Stone is a registered charity and is a certified social enterprise. It was founded in 2017 by three Australian friends with the aim to provide a safe and comfortable space to facilitate learning, growth, and confidence that gives quality, comprehensive training and employment to the local disadvantaged youth.
Café Stepping Stone provides inclusive employment and practical training opportunities for migrant and refugee women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and other women who face similar barriers through an innovative and sustainable vegetarian cafe and catering business.
The design of the cafe was inspired by the natural beauty of the surrounding area, with the use of acoustic treatments, feature lighting, and natural blackbutt timber throughout the space creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Intermain faced a number of challenges during the project, including tight lead times and a design change three weeks into the program. However, the team worked closely with the client and architect to deliver the project on time and within budget.
One of the innovative solutions used by Intermain was to source the timber locally and use a special treatment method to ensure it was durable in the space. This helped to reduce the environmental impact of the project and create a more sustainable space.
The refugee operators of Café Stepping Stone have been a vital part of the project. They have brought their skills and experience to the cafe, and have helped to create a warm and welcoming environment. They are an inspiration to everyone who has met them, and they are a testament to the power of hope and resilience.
We are proud to have played a role in this important project and we believe that Café Stepping Stone is a model for how we can create more inclusive and sustainable communities.
Sector
Social Enterprise
Works
Fitout
Joinery
Intermain
Design
Collins Pennington Architects
Size
220sqm