By Andrew Brown in Canberra
For Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, their business Cafe Stepping Stone is more than just a place to get coffee.
The two cafes are a gateway for for women from migrant and refugee backgrounds to get a job, who otherwise face hurdles in getting employment.
Cafe Stepping Stone, which is run as a social enterprise in Canberra, also allows for on-the-job training and qualifications through nearby organisations.
Through the cafes, the pair have since employed 50 women over the past four years.
Employment at the cafes have focused on women who are the sole-income earners in the house, new arrivals to Australia, those at risk of homelessness or those with limited English, while also helping them with training and job pathways.
The cafe’s co-founders have been recognised for their work by being jointly named Australia’s Local Hero for 2025.
Ms Brettell said her grandmother had experienced isolation in coming to Australia and she wanted to minimise the experience for other migrants.
“We help women from war affected areas who have experienced unspeakable trauma and loss and who arrive in Australia full of hope for a fresh start only to face new challenges,” she said on accepting the award.
“Finding economic security, community, support, and a sense of belonging is hard, and often women can become very isolated and vulnerable.”
Ms Costello said the cafes had provided a place of stability for many in the community.
“When we lift others up, everybody benefits. As a consumer, every dollar you spend is an investment in the world you want. Choose social enterprise. You have the power to create change,” she said.
“Everybody deserves a fair chance to thrive, feel safe, and have access to meaningful work and be part of a community.”
Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said both women had helped to provide a community for countless other migrants.
“Vanessa and Hannah are empowering migrant women to find identity, education and employment in a new country,” he said.
“Their empathy and ideas are creating bright futures and connection within communities.”
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