Who we are
Our Kitchen Social Cafe is a workforce development and integration social enterprise, meaning its primary purpose is to help people who face barriers to employment gain practical skills and experience in a real workplace. It is a registered business of the Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre (BNC), a community organisation that has run social enterprise programs since 2017. The café itself opened in March 2025 at Barkly Square in Ballarat East. Its launch was supported by BGT (Ballarat Group Training), which approached BNC to reopen the café space.
Gallery
We proudly serve Streat coffee beans in our café, with experienced barista Araceli providing participants with hands-on training in the art of coffee making
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Savour a selection of T2 teas served with a freshly baked cake for an enjoyable and relaxing break
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Made-to-order fresh fruit platters to suit any budget
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Congratulations to Brandon and Corey on successfully completing the Adult Education Café Skills Training Course
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Catering wraps prepared to order and available for pickup
What we do
OKSC operates as both a working café and a training environment for people who are long-term unemployed, referred through Disability Employment Services and Workforce Australia partners. The café is open Monday to Friday at 25 Barkly Street, Ballarat East, serving food and coffee to the public. Every purchase directly contributes to the social enterprise's ability to train and support its participants.
Training and skills development
OKSC runs a nine-week Cafe Skills course on Wednesdays and Fridays, partially funded by Adult, Community and Further Education (ACFE) funding. ACFE is a Victorian Government program that supports community-based learning for adults. Participants work alongside hospitality mentors in the live café environment, building practical skills in coffee-making, food service, customer interaction, and food safety. Along the way, they develop their confidence, build their resumes, and explore career pathways. Before commencing, students must complete a food safety assessment and have some barista experience or training.
Practical food safety sign-off
For individuals who have completed the online component of an accredited food handling course and need the practical sign-off, OKSC offers this service through its qualified food supervisors. A lower-cost group alternative, the Prepare Food Safely course, combines both online and practical components.
Catering
In collaboration with Our Kitchen Social Enterprise, OKSC provides catering for local businesses, government departments, and individuals. Catering is tailored to budget and event requirements and can be arranged through the café manager.
Employee pipeline
OKSC works with local hospitality employers to help them find job-ready staff. Employers can meet and observe trainees who have completed hands-on training in the café, reducing the risk and cost of hiring people without prior experience. Employers interested in hiring from the OKSC trainee cohort can make contact through the café directly.
Head office:
- Victoria
Service location(s):
- Victoria
Type(s) of actor:
- Social enterprises
Area(s) of activity:
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