LAUNCHED in May 2025 as a community-focused initiative, Cuppa and Company is a fortnightly morning tea event for the over 65’s held at Gloucester’s Country Women’s Association (CWA) Hall.
Beginning as a pilot event, it has been extended into 2026 due to its success.
The event is an initiative of Bucketts Way Neighbourhood Group (BWNG), Regional Industry Education Partnerships (RIEP) and Gloucester High School (GHS).
Cuppa and Company was designed to help students apply their classroom learning in a practical setting, explore potential career pathways and develop key employability skills.
“The project provides a valuable opportunity for students to engage positively with the local community, while building confidence, purpose and a sense of achievement,” said a spokesperson for BWNG.
“As part of the program, students prepared and served food and drinks.
“The morning teas were well attended and warmly received by community members.”
Sixteen students from years nine and ten took part in Cuppa and Company during 2025.
“It was great to see students’ skills and confidence improving each week,” commented Erin Lute from RIEP.
“It is such a worthwhile program, and we are proud to be a part of it.”
The program was coordinated by BWNG Connections Program Officer Amber Galvin, with support from Mike D’Angelis Careers Advisor at GHS, and Erin Lute, who attended the sessions to provide hands-on guidance and encouragement to students throughout the program.
Cuppa and Company has been developed with three main objectives.
The first is to provide an inviting space for older community members to come together over morning tea, building social connections and reducing isolation.
The second is to give local school students hands-on experience and opportunities to develop skills in teamwork, communication, service and cooking or meal preparation.
Lastly, it aims to allow students to benefit from learning everyday workplace and life skills through involvement in the program.
At the conclusion of the project, students were presented with participation certificates in recognition of their engagement and contribution to the program.
By: John WATTS
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