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Gloucester High School students have been donning aprons and cooking up a storm as they boost their employability at the Community Café – Conversation and Cuppa Project.

Hosted at the Gloucester CWA Rooms, students have been involved in all aspects of the café’s operations from menu planning and budgeting to shopping, cooking and serving.

Every fortnight, senior members of the community are treated to a free morning tea that includes freshly made secret recipe scones, melt-in-your mouth cinnamon scrolls, mini quiches and hot beverages.

The café is a joint community initiative of the (RIEP) program, which connects students with industry, and Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group.

RIEP officer, Erin Lute, who supports the students through every element of the cafe, was delighted that the experience was awarded the 2026 Project of the Year Award at the Gloucester Australia Day Celebrations.

“It’s so heartening to see this experience, which was built with community at its core, recognised for how it is uplifting our society. The café is a wonderful opportunity for students to gain confidence, develop employability skills and reap the rewards of intergenerational connections,” Erin said.

“The difference between the first and last week is incredible. The students are terrified at the beginning and can’t even look at the customer. Towards the end, they are remembering that John has black coffee with one sugar and likes extra cream on his scones.”

For Year 10 student, AJ, his time at the café is contributing to work experience as he aims to learn new skills and has realised a love of cooking though participation in the program.

“I learnt that I like food, cooking and making things,” AJ said.

With the café experience under their belt, the students are armed with the skills and confidence to pursue work or further training in hospitality and other industries.

To date, 20 Gloucester High School students have been upskilled through the experience with a handful of students rotating through each term.