<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>337039</docID> <postdate>2025-01-26 06:47:16</postdate> <headline>Canberra cafe pair brewing migrant jobs named Local Hero</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-337040" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20250125197951802188-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Hannah Costello and Vanessa Brettell have been jointly named Australia's Local Hero for 2025. (Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Andrew Brown</strong> in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>For Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, their business Cafe Stepping Stone is more than just a place to get coffee.</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p>Cafe Stepping Stone, which is run as a social enterprise in Canberra, also allows for on-the-job training and qualifications through nearby organisations.</p> <p>Through the cafes, the pair have since employed 50 women over the past four years.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The cafe's co-founders have been recognised for their work by being jointly named Australia's Local Hero for 2025.</p> <p>Ms Brettell said her grandmother had experienced isolation in coming to Australia and she wanted to minimise the experience for other migrants.</p> <p>"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.</p> <p>"Finding economic security, community, support, and a sense of belonging is hard, and often women can become very isolated and vulnerable."</p> <p>Ms Costello said the cafes had provided a place of stability for many in the community.</p> <p>"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.</p> <p>"Everybody deserves a fair chance to thrive, feel safe, and have access to meaningful work and be part of a community."</p> <p>Australia Day Council chair John Foreman said both women had helped to provide a community for countless other migrants.</p> <p>"Vanessa and Hannah are empowering migrant women to find identity, education and employment in a new country," he said.</p> <p>"Their empathy and ideas are creating bright futures and connection within communities."</p> <p>https://citynews.com.au/2024/wholesome-cafe-food-comes-with-a-conscience/</p> </body>