returning to work Archives

More Than Jobs: Songline Bush Café offers Inclusion

Inclusive employment is real when it feels like belonging.

Jess (Manager) shares what it’s like opening and operating a cafe where staff are supported, encouraged and given the space they need to thrive.

“I feel at home when I come to work.” — Heidi (Participant)

At Songline Bush Café, Heidi’s day starts with preparation — opening up, getting everything ready, and setting high standards before service begins.

“It’s not something that I dread doing. It’s something I’m happy to go and do every day.”

“I do the prep work, open up, start everything, do cleaning, make sure everything’s ready for the day.”

Heidi -Participant

Creativity in the kitchen — and connection to culture

For Heidi, the best part of working at Songline Bush Café is the kitchen — being creative, contributing, and working in a place that reflects her culture and community.

“I like all the cooking most… being able to be creative in the kitchen.”
“I’m Aboriginal, so working with my own culture as well.”

“I love waking up and knowing that I get to come here, be around my people and work at Songline.”

Heidi -Participant

Getting ready to return to work

After time away from employment, Heidi describes losing motivation — something many people experience.
Returning to work at Songline helped her rebuild routine, confidence, and momentum.

“It helped me get ready to be back at work… I kind of lost motivation, but it definitely helped me get that back.”

“It definitely helped me get that back.”

Heidi - Participant

The support behind the opportunity

Heidi’s role at Songline Bush Café came from being connected to the right opportunity at the right time — and then being supported to settle back into work. “I just got a call saying there was a job opportunity open. I said yep, I’ll take it.”

Connecting participants to local job opportunities
Supporting the transition back into work
Working with employers like Songline Bush Café
Ongoing support focused on sustainable employment

Heidi’s advice to others

Heidi’s message is practical and honest — take opportunities where you can, keep moving forward, and build confidence. “Try to find any opportunity you can, even if it’s volunteering.” “Gain confidence in yourself — employers notice when you’ve got something going on in your life.”

Goals in motion

With work at Songline back in place, Heidi is focusing on her goals — including licensing, saving, and exploring further training in cooking or baking. “I’m actually getting a lot of my goals done.”

Songline Bush Café shows how inclusive employment can work when employers are supported to build strong, respectful workplaces.

If you’re an employer and want to explore inclusive employment, TURSA can help you understand options and support sustainable outcomes.

Heidi’s story shows it’s possible to return to work, rebuild motivation, and feel a sense of belonging.

If you’re looking for support to find the right opportunity and stay supported once you start, TURSA can help.

Want to learn more about TURSA?

Whether you’re an employer looking to build an inclusive workplace,or a participant looking for the right opportunity, TURSA is here to support you.