Unison and VMCH Launch a New Social Enterprise Café: Where Is My Coffee? Kensington
On International Day of People with Disability—Wednesday, 3 December 2025—Unison proudly celebrated the opening of Where Is My Coffee? (WIMC) Kensington: a vibrant social enterprise café created by Unison in partnership with leading disability provider, VMCH.
This café is more than a place to grab your morning coffee; It’s a space where community connection meets opportunity, offering on-the-job training and employment pathways for people with disability while creating a welcoming hub for residents and visitors alike.
The Vison Behind Unison & VMCH's Kensington Cafe
A Legacy of Community Building
Kensington Estate is no ordinary neighbourhood. Its proud community is the legacy of a landmark redevelopment initiated in 1999; the first project in Australia to revitalise a high-rise public housing estate through a public-private partnership. This transformation integrated private housing and reconnected the site with the broader Kensington neighbourhood.
Unison’s Role in Kensington
Unison plays a central role at Kensington Estate as the community housing organisation responsible for managing 450 public housing tenancies, alongside affordable and private housing. Through this integrated approach, we support residents and help foster a strong, inclusive and connected community.
Kensington is also home to Unison’s Social Enterprise Team, which provides professional cleaning and gardening services across the estate and throughout Melbourne, creating local employment opportunities and contributing to the upkeep and pride of the neighbourhood. You can find out more about Kensington Estate on our community page.
Visit Our Kensington Community PageA Partnership with Purpose
This partnership began with a simple idea: a coffee van to bring people together. When we explored options, we were inspired by VMCH’s social enterprise cafés and the incredible social impact they were creating. From there, the collaboration grew into something bigger—a permanent café that champions inclusion and empowerment.
As Unison CEO James King says:
“This partnership is about more than coffee – it’s about creating an intentional and inclusive space for people to gather and embrace their community. By supporting the 450 public housing households at Kensington Estate and opening employment pathways for people with a disability, we’re building opportunities that foster connection and inclusion.”
Empowering People, Changing Lives
VMCH client Ryan joined VMCH’s Nunawading cafe in 2023, sharpening his barista and customer service skills, and building his confidence. With guidance from VMCH’s employment pathways team, Ryan recently transitioned into a paid role that combines his love of trains with his passion for supporting others; a Transport Assistant with Travellers Aid, associated with Yarra Trams.
Ryan’s new role sees him supporting older persons as they travel by minibus to replacement tram services. While his first day on the job was quiet, he quickly settled in after the first few customers came through. For Ryan’s mum, Huong, the transformation has been clear:
“It has been a great opportunity for Ryan to be exposed to different work environments. He has gained valuable experiences both personally and professionally from this new role. He has more confidence now and is ready for the next one.”
Over the past 12 months, VMCH has delivered more than 41,000 hours of job skills training to 141 clients, provided award-wage employment to 13 individuals, and partnered with 20 employment organisations to help participants transition into the open workforce. For more information on VMCH’s social enterprises, visit VMCH’s Disability Services page.
Chris Coughlan, Social Enterprise Manager at VMCH, said Ryan’s employment as a milestone moment:
“Collaborating with Travelers Aid and seeing Ryan secure employment marks a significant milestone for our social enterprise cafés in Melbourne. Adding WIMC Kensington to our portfolio is a powerful step forward on our journey toward achieving our 2030 social Impact goals.”
Celebrating Community
The coffee van was just the beginning of Unison’s and VMCH’s vision of bringing people together and creating a sense of belonging. Now, WIMC Kensington takes that vision one-step further, offering a permanent space for connection and community pride.
Supporting our communities to thrive isn’t just about a roof over someone’s head—it’s about financial stability and empowerment. This partnership is a powerful example of that vision in action.
A big thank you to our project partners—Longwood Projects, Homes Victoria and A22a, —who helped bring this café to life.
Come and visit us!
Support this vibrant community hub by visiting the cafe and meeting the friendly, talented team. Enjoy a coffee and a bite to eat, Monday to Friday, 8am–3pm.
You’ll never have to ask the question, “Where is my coffee?” again:
📍 56 Derby St, Kensington VIC
