From Abc · · 2m
Cafe transforms outback town and gives teenagers hope
A cafe opened five years ago in Wilcannia is bringing tourism, jobs and confidence to young people in a town long seen as dangerous.
In brief
A cafe opened five years ago in Wilcannia is bringing tourism, jobs and confidence to young people in a town long seen as dangerous. Cafe2836, opened by Shona and Conrad Cook in Wilcannia in 2023, has brought tourism and employment to the remote New South Wales town while building confidence in young Indigenous women…
A town with nowhere to eat
When Shona and Conrad Cook arrived in Wilcannia five years ago, they saw two problems: no cafe in town and teenagers with nothing to do. They decided to solve both at once.
Wilcannia's reputation problem
For years, Wilcannia in western New South Wales has languished under a reputation for being dangerous, prompting travellers to stop only briefly at the petrol station before continuing on their way.
Cafe2836 opens in 2023
The Cooks opened Cafe2836 in 2023, drawing on their hospitality background. Since then, things have started to change for the historic community on the banks of the Darling River.
Tourists are staying longer
The cafe is popular with tourists, tradies and locals alike. Waitress and barista Brooke Tanswell said it has brought a lot of tourism into town, and people who stop always come back.
“When people do stop here they always come back. They say once you've come across the river you know you're definitely coming back.”
Young Indigenous women find work
The cafe now employs several young Indigenous women. Stevie Harris, 16, said her confidence had grown dramatically since she started working at the cafe earlier this year, learning communication and technical skills.
“Communication skills, technical skills, I've learnt a lot.”
Overcoming shame and building confidence
Ms Harris said overcoming feelings of embarrassment and the complex cultural concept of shame had been a big step.
“It just brings a lot of happiness and joy to you when you serve people. That makes you feel welcomed and you make them feel welcomed, it just makes you feel really happy.”
Staff become role models
The girls are now seen as role models for the town's younger residents. Brooke Tanswell said she always gets told by little kids when they come in that they want to work there, so they…
“I always get told by the little kids when they come in here that they want to work here, so they all look up to us for sure.”
The cafe feels like family
The cafe is more than just a workplace.Brooke Tanswell said the Cooks treat everyone like their own family, and Shona Cook said the girls are everything to them and can come talk about any problem.
“The girls are everything to us. When they have a problem they know they can come and talk to us about it.”
At a glance
Cafe2836, opened by Shona and Conrad Cook in Wilcannia in 2023, has brought tourism and employment to the remote New South Wales town while building confidence in young Indigenous women.