Muswellbrook’s Art Gallery Café has officially opened as a working venue and with a mission to train the region’s next crop of hospitality workers.
The café is a flagship outcome of a three-year partnership between Muswellbrook Shire Council, AGL and Muswellbrook High School to give local students and jobseekers hands-on experience in hospitality, customer service and small business operations – all within a live, working café environment.
Adjoining the acclaimed Muswellbrook Regional Gallery, the café will serve as both a welcoming community hub and a practical training ground, helping employees build their skills, confidence and real-world experience as a pathway to future jobs.
Training opportunities through the Cafe will include a Certificate II in Hospitality, with participants supported through group class sessions at Council’s STEM Lab.
Muswellbrook Shire Council Hospitality Manager, Peter Whitehead said the café will operate to the highest industry standards while remaining a supportive learning environment for trainees.
“This is a real café with real customers, run to the same expectations as any quality hospitality venue in Muswellbrook Shire or anywhere else,” Mr Whitehead said.
“Our trainees will gain hands-on experience across service, operations and teamwork, while customers can enjoy great coffee and food in a space that celebrates art and the Muswellbrook community.”
Mayor, Jeff Drayton said the café represents a smart, long-term investment in Muswellbrook Shire’s future workforce.
“This café will create opportunities right here in Muswellbrook, and we know an additional reason to come into town means a better climate for all local businesses,” Mayor Drayton said.
“The Art Gallery Café is a place you can build your skills, your confidence and set yourself up for employment. It’s also a cracking new spot for a coffee and a feed right alongside our fantastic Muswellbrook Regional Gallery.”
AGL Bayswater Power Station General Manager, Len McLachlan said the partnership reflects AGL’s ongoing commitment to Muswellbrook Shire.
“We’re proud to support the Art Gallery Café and the opportunities it will create for local students, trainees and workers,” Mr McLachlan said.
“Hospitality plays a vital role in Muswellbrook Shire, and a community asset like this will help locals strengthen their skills, support local jobs and leave a lasting legacy for the community.”
Muswellbrook High School also partners with the the cafe, with a large cohort of students studying Hospitality and related courses.
Principal, Kylie Fabri said an expanded education and training landscape within Muswellbrook Shire would present more opportunities for students to gain qualifications and experience.
“We’ll be in ongoing discussions with Muswellbrook Shire Council about how the facilities and operations of the Art Gallery Cafe can complement our programming across a range of subjects,” Ms Fabri said.
“Skills that you can put into practice in real time are a valuable component of education, and we’ll be seeking to connect our students with any benefits that come from Muswellbrook operating this hospitality training facility.”
