Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, co-founders of Café Stepping Stone at Strathnairn and Dickson, are the worthy recipients of the 2025 Australian of the Year Awards Local Hero Award.

 At just 31 and 32 years old, they’ve created something truly special — a vibrant, sustainable café that serves more than just food and coffee. Their business is a social enterprise with a mission to uplift and empower women facing significant employment barriers, particularly those from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

Café Stepping Stone isn’t just a place to grab a bite; it’s a powerful tool for social change. The café operates with a dual purpose: to provide high-quality, vegetarian food and drinks while also offering employment opportunities to some of the most vulnerable members of society. 

Vanessa and Hannah focus on women who may face difficulties securing work, such as those with limited English, minimal employment history, or sole income earners in their households. They also provide opportunities to those who have experienced homelessness or are new arrivals to Australia.

“We wanted to create a space where women could feel supported, safe, and empowered,” says Vanessa.

 “The café allows them to gain real-world skills, on-the-job training, and qualifications. We’re building more than just a café – we’re building pathways to better futures for these women.”

The heart of Café Stepping Stone lies in its inclusive hiring practices. Each employee is given a chance to grow, develop new skills, and eventually transition into a more permanent role in the workforce. Through partnerships with registered training organisations, Vanessa and Hannah ensure their employees have access to accredited training, preparing them for long-term career success.

Many of the women employed at Café Stepping Stone are able to rebuild their lives with newfound purpose. These women often face multiple challenges, from cultural barriers to economic hardship, yet with each cup of coffee they serve, they are reminded of their worth and potential. 

“It’s not just about providing a job, it’s about giving women the confidence to step into their power and make choices for their future,” says Hannah.

 “We see the positive impact on their families, and that’s what keeps us going.”

Café Stepping Stone also functions as a hub for community connection, hosting a wide range of events focused on social justice, community engagement, and cultural exchange. Vanessa and Hannah have cultivated a sense of belonging and inclusion, using their platform to foster a stronger, more connected community.

Their dedication to empowering migrant women and fostering social justice hasn’t gone unnoticed. When they were announced as the Local Hero Award recipients, the National Australia Day Council’s Chair, John Foreman AM, praised their efforts, saying:

“Vanessa and Hannah are empowering migrant women to find identity, education, and employment in a new country. Their empathy and ideas are creating bright futures and connections within communities.”

Looking ahead, Vanessa and Hannah are determined to continue their work and expand the impact of Café Stepping Stone. 

“We’ve seen how much potential there is when women are given the chance to thrive,” says Vanessa. 

“The future is bright for these women, and we’re just getting started.”

Their story is an inspiring reminder that real change begins at the grassroots level. Through their tireless work, Vanessa and Hannah are not only changing the lives of those they employ but are also helping shape a more inclusive, compassionate society for all.

Support a great cause and check out Cafe Stepping Stone to see Vanessa and Hannah’s work first hand.