Community cafe duo nominated for achievement award
TWO Bundaberg women who left their jobs and committed everything to opening a community-based cafe have had their efforts rewarded with an award nomination.
Giving comes second nature for Take the Plunge Cafe co-owners Beth Boorer and Justine Halpin, who are delighted after being put up for the ATEC Innovation and Leadership, Regional Achievement and Community Award.
The women, who both previously worked at Care for Carers, said business had been going well, with the focus on being a community hub.
"We are a coffee shop but would like to also create a space where people have their own space and we invite people here from all walks of life," Mrs Boorer said.
"We want to encourage all people to use our space from mums groups to clubs like the Teatarts and Hookers who already meet here,"she said.
With a normal cafe setting, the shop has a community notice wall, a child play area and a room big enough for groups of 20 to meet.
Mrs Halpin said: "The Community Room is offered at no charge and is open to groups for meetings or to socialise."
The cafe has also taken on work experience people from organisations such as Impact, including 29-year-old Chantal Tindel.
"By doing this we want to honestly help her - to be aware of what it takes to get into other work," Mrs Halpin said.
Mrs Boorer said: "We give this opportunity to people who wouldn't normally have the option in the real world, with focus on growth for each individual person."
A grateful Miss Tindel said she had been enjoying the experience.
The awards will be judged on September 22 with winners announced on October 30.
Source: News Mail / Bundaberg Newspaper, Emma Reid, 10th August 2015
Originally published as: Community cafe duo nominated for achievement award
