July 10, 2025
NAIDOC WEEK: Coffee and Culture Exchange presents “God’s Dreaming”
Event Description:
Special guest: artist and former CEO Sondy Ward sharing the journey of a collaborative Indigenous art project with a redemptive message
Didgeridoo performance by Bruce Shillingsworth Jr. & son
Acknowledgement of Country by Koori Radio’s Andrea Nevill
Art, live music, bush tucker, and of course — amazing coffee! Event Details:
Location: 545 Princes Highway, Tempe NSW 2044
Time: Saturday, 12 July 2025 | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Bookings Essential: https://www.trybooking.com/
This is a FREE community event funded by Australia Post: People of Post Grants Program — all are welcome!Coffee-based social enterprise helps people into employment
The cost-of-living crisis at this point is well documented, utilities, rent, food costs have all skyrocketed but an understated struggle in Australia is finding employment.
Among those struggling to find work are migrants, who do not have necessary domestic qualifications and are navigating society using their second language.
By Tara Kennedy April 9, 2025
April 7, 2025
New Community Pop-Up Combats Food Waste and Builds Cultural Connections
A new grassroots initiative, The Coffee & Culture Exchange, is set to launch on Saturday, 31 May 2025, bringing together coffee, culture, and community in a unique and meaningful way.
Held monthly, this pop-up event will serve freshly brewed coffee alongside delicious baked goods made from rescued surplus generously donated by local bakeries—helping reduce food waste while creating an inclusive space for connection.
Each event will showcase local artists, cultural performances, and storytelling sessions, with a strong focus on celebrating Indigenous culture, especially during NAIDOC Week. The initiative also supports mental health and well-being by offering a welcoming environment where people can gather, share, and feel a sense of belonging.
With comfortable indoor and outdoor spaces, The Coffee & Culture Exchange invites everyone to come together, enjoy great food and coffee, and celebrate the richness of local talent and culture.
Organisers are currently seeking volunteers, local bakers, and artists to join the team and help bring this vision to life.
For more information or to get involved, contact Church Grounds on (02) 8553 0299.
Press Release
Church Grounds: Transforming Lives Through Coffee and Community
Sydney, Australia – June 22, 2024
Church Grounds, a newly launched Work Integration Social Enterprise (WISE), is dedicated to providing job training and employment opportunities for marginalized individuals in Sydney. Church Grounds aims to equip participants with valuable skills, boosting their confidence and employability.
Located at St Peter and Paul’s church building in Tempe, Church Grounds is a sister organisation to Gift of Bread, co-founded by Marcel De Maria. It uniquely focuses on skill development and confidence-building through corporate office-based training programs, empowering individuals through professional growth.
“We envision Church Grounds as a place where individuals can grow professionally and personally,” said Marcel De Maria, emphasizing the initiative’s commitment to fostering hope and self-reliance among participants.
About Church Grounds
Church Grounds is committed to integrating socio-economically disadvantaged individuals into the workforce. The program offers comprehensive training in social media, marketing, sales, and other administrative skills, ensuring participants are well-prepared for employment in various industries.
Partnership and Community
Church Grounds partners with EuroEspresso, a leading roaster that supplies single-origin coffee from around the world, to support its online coffee store. Additionally, Church Grounds collaborates with NDIS providers and trainers like Beneco, METS, Scope, Ability Options, and Rehab Life to offer tailored support and education.
“Church Grounds is more than just a training program; it’s a community where people can rediscover their potential and build a brighter future,” said Lia Subrata, Head of Operations. “We are proud to work with dedicated partners and trainers to provide a comprehensive support system for our participants.”
Future Aspirations
Looking ahead, Church Grounds plans to expand its outreach through workshops and events promoting diversity and inclusion. These efforts aim to create a sustainable model that not only provides immediate job training but also fosters long-term social and economic improvements for participants.
Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
Charmaine Nair-Lawrence
Social Media Coordinator
Email: connect@churchgrounds.org
Website: www.churchgrounds.org
For more details on Church Grounds and its mission, visit the Church Grounds Website.