ADVERTISING FEATURE
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When was the last time you had a coffee for a cause? That’s exactly what’s served up each day at BlueRidge Cafe, in the heart of BlueRidge Business Park.
BlueRidge Cafe is a hospitality social enterprise that helps young people improve their work skills and, in turn, their lives and the wellbeing of the wider community.
The social enterprise is one of a number of ventures run across the wider western region by Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise Corporation (MPREC). With its head office alongside the cafe in the business park, this Aboriginal governed and operated charitable organisation is one of the largest of its kind in Australia. MPREC offer job services, training, life skills and other social and economic development programs.
“The cafe is a great example of what we do. It’s a business where people can really see the work we do in action, and get involved,” CEO Paul Newman said.
This advertising feature is sponsored by the following businesses.
- Dubbo Early Learning Centre
- A1 Glass & Showers
- Murdi Paaki Regional Enterprise Corporation
“The cafe staff have come to us through our employment services work. They have been trained through our training arm, and are now mentored by our excellent staff. We do not just do one bit of the job. We look after the whole person.
“Once they’ve gained the skills they need, we help them move on to more long term employment opportunities.
“We also have a fashion store running under the same social enterprise model in Cobar, and are always looking for new opportunities to diversify our business and opportunities for the communities.”
With a social enterprise like this, the benefits go back to the wider community.
- Visit www.mprec.org.au.