By Margaret Maccoll
Kicking off the day with a coffee is a necessity for the tech-heads at the Peregian Digital Hub, according to director Chris Boden, and now they have their own on-site barista.
But not your everyday barista, the innovative hub has collaborated with social enterprise group, SevGen Indigenous Corporation, to establish a combined barista and reception centre, they’ve coined “a barception” while helping young Indigenous people in their careers.
SevGen director Terri Waller established the first Deadly Espresso at Eumundi, providing a place for Indigenous people to gain skills and learn about small business, and now operates several sites including one at the Reviva Recycling Shop at Doonan.
Terri said the enterprise may look like a success from the outside but maintaining it in the competitive coffee market was a continuing struggle.
She said they were thrilled to be based beside the hub which would be “a great environment for our Deadly mob to grow and develop their skills”.
Chris said coffee and computers went hand in hand and the slick outdoor co-op canteen would provide a place for conversation between the hub’ various technology companies and individuals.
The barception fits in with Council’s efforts to build the Hub as a world class working environment that supports local technology talent and attracts innovators to the Shire.
“The Hub currently accommodates a mix of emerging and established technology enterprises as well as individual entrepreneurs, which is a great environment for a complementary social enterprise to thrive alongside,” Councillor Brian Stockwell said.
Find out more at the Hub’s website at www.peregianhub.com.au
