The 2025 Australian of the Year Local Heroes for the ACT are Vanessa Brettell and Hannah Costello, co-founders of Cafe Stepping Stone!

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Cafe Stepping Stone is more than just food and coffee. It is a work integration social enterprise that provides job opportunities for migrant and refugee women, helping them overcome barriers to employment upon arrival in Australia. It’s a safe space where these women can rebuild their lives, gain confidence, and make Australia feel like home.

From English classes to financial literacy workshops, Hannah and Vanessa are helping these women to build skills that extend beyond the kitchen.

When you walk into Stepping Stone, you’re not just getting a great coffee or a delicious bite—you’re becoming part of a bigger story.

Learn about their first social enterprise in Cartagena, Colombia and how it got them to where they are now.