Since it was founded in 2009 it has helped more than 1,500 young people build stability and health back into their lives, while gaining work experience and hospitality qualifications from regular training across STREAT’s businesses.

“We have seven cafes, a bakery, a coffee roastery and a daily catering business and we generate 80 percent of our own income through these businesses,” says Bec Scott OAM, STREAT co-founder and Chief Executive Officer.

STREAT’s newest location is a café housed inside ANZ’s campus at 839 Collins Street in Melbourne.

Our decision to partner with a social enterprise was a deliberate and considered one. With the opening of our new building this year there was an opportunity to look at the tendering process differently and select a partner that aligned directly with our own values and purpose.

Having a large group of our employees within such close quarters of the café helps the young people with their work experience.

“STREAT works to create healthy people and a healthy planet. When you buy a coffee from us you’re creating training and employment opportunities for marginalised young Victorians, helping create change in coffee farming communities around the world and saving tonnes of disposable paper cups going to landfill each year.” says Bec.

Trainees completing STREAT’s six month intensive program will spend two shifts a week at one of STREAT’s cafés. Bec says a strong rapport is built within the office environment over that time and corporate staff often ask about the trainees after they graduate.

Left to right: Ryan McDonald – Cafe Operations Manager, STREAT, Bec Scott OAM – STREAT co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Elise Bennetts – Chief Relationship Officer, STREAT