Today, we officially opened the doors to The Little Social at Wyndham Law Courts, our very first café in Melbourne’s west, powered by Youth Projects and built to create meaningful opportunities for young people facing disadvantage.

Joined by Joanne Ryan MP, along with our partners, supporters and the Wyndham community, the launch marks the culmination of a three-year collaboration with Wyndham City Council and Court Services Victoria. What began as an ambitious idea has grown into a fully operational social enterprise café, made possible through $50,000 seed funding from Wyndham City Council, a successful competitive tender process, and the unwavering belief that purpose-led business can thrive in the west.

“Social enterprises are facing one of the toughest operating environments we’ve seen in years. But today proves what’s possible when government and institutional partners back purpose-driven business. The Little Social is more than just a new cafe – every order helps young people gain skills, confidence and real-world opportunities in hospitality,” said Celeste Norris, Head of Social Enterprise at Youth Projects.

More than a café, The Little Social will be a training ground for young people across the west. Through programs like Here4Hospitality, young people will gain practical skills, accredited training, and pathways directly into employment.

And today, we celebrated two incredible outcomes: Lauren and Liam, who have come through our youth employment programs, have secured roles at our new café - a powerful example of local opportunities creating real change for young people in the community.

"I used to feel overlooked at work, but The Little Social treated me with kindness and patience. Now I wake up excited to come to work," says Lauren. "I give 100% every day because from day one they gave 100% to me."

With youth employment and limited job pathways continuing to impact young people in Melbourne’s west, this new café is a practical, local solution – creating work, creating skills and creating possibility.

Every order continues to reinvest directly back into Youth Projects’ vital programs, from critical support and street-based outreach, to health, education and employment pathways.

The Little Social at Wyndham Law Courts is more than a café….it’s a movement.

And today, it found its first home in the west!

Looking for catering that gives back?

Every order from The Little Social Catering Co. directly supports youth employment pathways.

Order today