Caboolture Workers Co-operative marks 20 years
The Caboolture Workers Co-operative is celebrating 20 years of creating meaningful employment and independence for Moreton Bay locals living with disability.
Established in 2006 by local disability support organisation Home Life, the co-op was modelled after Brisbane’s pioneering Nundah Co-op to tackle low employment retention among people with cognitive disabilities.
After operating across several industries over two decades, including lawn mowing, commercial cleaning, and cafe management, the co-op streamlined its operations in 2022 by consolidating focus into its cafe at the Health Hub Morayfield.
Managing Director Deb Griesheimer says narrowing their focus was the turning point for the organisation’s independence.
“It was about making sure we weren't spreading limited resources across different industries.”
Deb says, " Focusing in on this one cafe made everything work, and we are now fully financially viable."
Today, the co-op supports 15 local staff members, including 10 supported employees and five supervisors, delivering 91 hours of supported employment each week. This number is expected to grow as they are now expanding to Saturdays.
Supported staff work structured four to four-and-a-half-hour shifts with a one-to-one support ratio. The tailored shift length prevents cognitive fatigue, while clear documented processes help workers build genuine workplace autonomy.
For Deb, the true measure of the co-op’s 20-year legacy lies in watching her team grow in confidence.
"It is not just about learning to make a great coffee, though our baristas do a fantastic job,"
Deb shares what really drives her passion. "It’s the personal growth. We watch people take responsibility, show initiative, and step up to challenges in a professional setting. They step up to it every time, and it gives them immense dignity." While most employees stay with the cafe long-term, Deb and the team celebrate when a worker has gained the skills and the confidence to step into a larger role elsewhere.
World Social Enterprise Day, 19th of November, brings greater attention to impact-driven businesses, but the need for inclusive employment and local support continues year-round.
"We pride ourselves on serving a great product," Deb added. "When people buy their food and coffee from us, their everyday purchases make a direct, positive impact on the community they live in."
How to Help
There are several ways Moreton Bay locals and businesses can support the Caboolture Workers Co-operative:
Eat and drink local: Pop into the cafe at Health Hub Morayfield for your daily coffee, breakfast, or lunch, where every purchase directly funds supported employment.
Offer professional skills: Volunteer pro-bono professional services, particularly in social media management, content creation, or digital marketing to help share the workers' stories.
Explore corporate partnerships: Local business leaders and board members can connect with the co-op board to explore corporate sponsorship, local procurement, or collaborative impact projects.
Spread the word: Share their story with friends, family, and colleagues to raise awareness of social enterprises operating across Moreton Bay.
This article was brought to you by our Community Correspondent, Stacey MacMillan-White.
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