STREAT

STREAT is one of Australia's most successful and innovative social enterprises and a fully registered charity.

It runs five cafés, a coffee roastery, an artisan bakery and a catering & functions business, but the only reason they exist is to help disadvantaged and homeless youth from Melbourne.

The eight businesses provide hospitality training and work experience for the young trainees and also 70% of STREAT’s funding – by consistently making and selling delicious food and coffee. The 30% short-fall is raised through marketing and philanthropic donations. This is now a major $1.5 million challenge, every year.

STREAT’s Youth Program team (5 people) provide trainees with full wrap-around life-skills training and health support across its intensive 20-week Main Course program. Over 70% graduate, with most going on to further education or their first job.

STREAT started in Federation Square in 2010 with two small food carts, 3 staff and 9 young trainees. It now has 70 staff, has served 2 million meals and coffees and helped over 1500 young people.

And it's just getting started!

Ian’s 30-year bent for science, marketing, communications and business development led to a variety of senior roles in major organisations, including working at CSIRO with fellow scientist Rebecca Scott (who later became STREAT’s amazing co-founder and CEO). A desire to volunteer and do something about youth homelessness in 2008 turned into 3 years as Marketing and Events Director for The Salvation Army, which opened the door to joining Rebecca and the team at STREAT – 7 wonderful years ago!