Close Collective Café has reached a significant milestone by becoming officially Social Traders Certified.
This certification, achieved less than a year after the café opened, highlights Junction Support Services’ dedication to the local community and connects the café to a network of over 650 social enterprises across Australia.
“Certification confirms Close Collective Cafe’s status as a genuine social enterprise, committed to creating meaningful training and employment opportunities for young people,” says Junction Support Services CEO Megan Hanley.
“This recognition is a testament to the incredible work put in by everyone involved with the café.
“It reinforces our mission to not only serve great food but also provide a platform for empowering and uplifting local youth by providing them with meaningful employment and skills development opportunities.”
Open since March 2024 and named in honour of former Junction Intensive Case Management Service Team Manager Kate Close, Close Collective Café not only serves delicious food, but its profits also support multiple initiatives. This includes the neighbouring youth space, Windbreak 3690, as well as contributing to creating social connections, training, and employment pathways for young people. Most importantly, they support our programs tackling youth homelessness, including our training program, launched in October 2024.
Certification will enable new funding and partnership opportunities with businesses, government, and philanthropists who prioritise working with certified social enterprises.
“Close Collective Café is more than just a place to eat – it’s a hub for community engagement and youth empowerment,” says Close Collective Café Manager David Kapay.
“This certification further enhances the café’s credibility and keeps our mission focused on purpose.”
The café, at 198a High Street, overlooks Woodland Grove in central Wodonga. It is open from 7am to 3pm Monday through Friday and 8am to 2pm Saturdays. Business and corporate catering is also available.
