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TAFE Queensland and 2nd Shot brew fresh opportunities on campus
TAFE Queensland continues to percolate positive change through the 2nd Shot café on its Toowoomba campus. The café serves up more than just great coffee and continues to help brew brighter futures.
Since opening on Monday, 10 February 2025, the Toowoomba campus has welcomed the community-focused café, creating employment and training opportunities for some of Toowoomba’s most vulnerable residents.
Building on the success of its Ruthven Street location and mobile food truck, 2nd Shot expanded operations to the TAFE Queensland campus on Bridge Street, offering a range of food and beverage options for students and staff.
Operated by BASE Services, 2nd Shot is a community organisation dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness and social disadvantage within the Toowoomba community.
Through structured training, mentoring, and employment in hospitality, 2nd Shot supports people to develop new skills and build confidence within a practical environment.
“At TAFE Queensland, we believe in providing people with the skills and support they need to build a better future. Our collaboration with the 2nd Shot team showcases our sustainability commitment in action. It demonstrates how education and social enterprise can work together to create real change,” said Kate Venables, General Manager of TAFE Queensland's South West region.
“Partnering with a social enterprise has also allowed us to reimagine contemporary business models, while ensuring our students have access to the quality services and facilities they need to support their learning journeys,” Ms Venables added.
Located in the Refectory area within B Block near Bridge Street, the café is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 2.00pm. It’s the perfect spot for students and staff to grab a cuppa-with-a-cause.
Every purchase pours support into 2nd Shot’s mission, providing hands-on training and contributing to a more inclusive community.
The initiative has already earned recognition as the Queensland Training Awards’ Community Training Initiative of the Year.
"2nd Shot is more than just a cafe — it's a stepping stone which changes lives one coffee at a time,” said Tiff Spary, Founder of 2nd Shot and 2024 Toowoomba Citizen of the Year award recipient.
“The support from TAFE Queensland has helped us provide meaningful training and employment opportunities to people experiencing homelessness and barriers to employment, while offering the wrap-around support needed to exit homelessness and unemployment.”
According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, experienced waiters, café workers and other hospitality workers are in high demand.
Strong future growth is predicted In these areas with over 200,000 job openings expected over the next five years.
This partnership aligns with TAFE Queensland’s Social and Environmental Sustainability Action Plan, highlighting its social and ethical responsibility, community engagement, and economic sustainability.
