Fourteen new baristas will be unleashing their skills across Perth after completing the Australia Arab Association’s Beginners Barista course.
The program, which is supported with $30,000 through the Office of Multicultural Interests’ Community Grants Program, aims to help young people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) backgrounds break into the competitive hospitality industry.
The aspiring baristas have honed their skills in the Australia Arab Association’s pop-up café, which is a regular fixture at local community events. Upon completion, participants may transition into employment with a number of local businesses who have partnered with the program. Forty people have completed the training since it began in 2017.
Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia presented certificates to Perth’s newest coffee makers at a ceremony at the Australia Arab Association centre in Gosnells this week.
The Minister also announced the State Government would provide $40,000 support for the Australian Arab Festival to be held in March 2020.
The festival, hosted by the Australia Arab Association, is a celebration of Arab cultures in Western Australia and will attract visitors from the Eastern States and overseas, as well as the wider local community.
This funding for the Australia Arab Festival includes $15,000 from the Office of Multicultural Interests and $25,000 from Lotterywest.
As stated by Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Paul Papalia:
“The Beginners Barista course is a forward-thinking program created by an innovative community group. It provides pathways to employment for vulnerable young people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
“Partnering with local businesses ensures real opportunities are available for people to gain valuable and practical experience in the hospitality industry.
“I am also proud to take the opportunity to announce the State Government’s support for the upcoming Australian Arab Festival.
“This festival will showcase the richness and depth of the many Arab cultures that are part of the social fabric in Western Australia.
“The Australian Arab Festival will take its place among the exciting business and cultural festivals around the State, positioning Western Australia as an attractive location for business opportunities and international visitors.”
