DoingGood, TastesGreat
How our social enterprise is changing local lives
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land upon which The Wandering Teapot Cafe is built and operates todaythe Butchulla People.
We pay our respects to Elders past and present.
WelcometoTheWanderingTeapot: ACafeWithaCause
The Wandering Teapot is more than just a café. It’s a social enterprise operated by HBNC, providing real-world hospitality experience for students while delivering exceptional café and catering services. Every dollar of profit is reinvested into life-changing programs at HBNC, helping to create a brighter future for our community.
The Wandering Teapot supports:
Hospitality students: We provide hands-on work placements to help students gain skills and confidence in a real hospitality setting.
The community: Enjoy great coffee, delicious meals, and professional catering while knowing you’re contributing to a meaningful cause.
We hope you enjoy reading these inspiring stories of impactdemonstrating the profound impact The Wandering Teapot has had on real people in out community.
Fromtraineetomentor:Alanasinspiring employmentjourney
Alana Boan’s journey with HBNC is one of resilience, growth, and giving back. From trainee to mentor, she has become a familiar and much-loved face at The Wandering Teapot Café, where her welcoming smile and kind heart brighten every visit.
In 2020, facing financial hardship, Alana took a leap of faith and applied for a hospitality traineeship at HBNC. She saw it as her chance to rebuild her confidence and create a better future. With determination and positivity, she embraced every challenge even completing her training during the height of COVID-19.
Her enthusiasm led to the creation of the award-winning Intergenerational High Tea event, bridging generations and breaking down loneliness. She also helped launch weekly Indoor Carpet Bowls at the Hervey Bay Community Centre, bringing people together over coffee and connection.
Today, Alana is not just thriving she’s inspiring. She now mentors new trainees, guiding them through the same life-changing program that gave her a fresh start.
WorkskillsakeyingredientinTyler’s recipeforsuccess
Tyler-Alec Trappel dreams of owning a coffee shop in Fortitude Valley— serving quality brews from a stylish, hole-in-the-wall café. He took the first step toward that goal by joining the inaugural Certificate II in Hospitality program through HBNC’s Skilling Queenslanders for Work (SQW) initiative.
Delivered in partnership with Axiom and funded by the Queensland Government, SQW helps jobseekers gain hands-on experience and employment-ready skills, supported by The Wandering Teapot.
Through training in the café, kitchen, and catering business, he gained confidence to help him feel more prepared for the industry.
“I really enjoyed working in the café and delivering customer service,” Tyler said.
“I like speaking to the customers, getting to know them, and seeing new faces.”
While practical skills are important, it’s the personal growth that meant the most to him.
“This has boosted my confidence a lot,” he said.
Joshsdreamsjustafewcoffeesaway
Joshua Foster has a simple yet important dream – to make his family proud.
The Hervey Bay local has long been committed to gaining secure employment, and his journey and transformation have been nothing short of remarkable.
Completing his Certificate III in Hospitality the The Wandering Teapot’s 12month traineeship in 2021, Josh went on to land a job with a local supermarket, where he has become a well-known face.
It’s a far cry from where he started - by his own admission, Josh struggled with confidence and found it difficult to interact with customers.
During his time with The Wandering Teapot, Josh learned how to make all types of coffee and prepare cafe food. His confidence and communication skills sky-rocketed.
Josh says he loved the positive environment of HBNC and felt a sense of belonging here.
This shy-but-hardworking bloke previously graduated from the 10-week Our Voice program, delivered through the Reconnect Youth Centre, HBNC’s youth services hub.
Josh with Di Farmer MP
HowhospitalitytrainingchangedKylies lifeforthebetter
For Kylie O'Brien, completing hospitality training with HBNC has done more than get her ready for a job. It's completely changed her life.
Kylie, a single mum of 7, was inspired to join HBNC's Local Industry Futures Training (LIFT) program after her son completed the 10-week program.
It was the first step she had taken towards employment since becoming a mum at 16, and it was the start of an exciting new chapter.
After completing the Industry Ready Training course, Kylie was invited back as a mentor for the next round of training.
She then connected with HBNC team member, Lesa Stagg, who invited her to join the Skilling Queenslanders for Work hospitality training, delivered in partnership with HBNC's social enterprise, The Wandering Teapot.
Kylie's response was simple - "why not?"
This positive attitude and willingness to try new things has not only given Kylie the confidence to pursue all new employment opportunities, it has also transformed her personal and family life.
Kylie says she approaches life with a new-found confidence, which has made her a better mum and increased her belief in herself.
Visit www.hbnc.com.au and visit our “Support Us” page or scan the QR Code below.
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Sponsorship Proposals Hervey Neighbourhood Centre
Phone: 4194 3000
Email: info@hbnc.com.au ABN: 34 683 873 965