Cafe brings tourists and jobs to struggling Wilcannia
A cafe opened in 2023 transformed Wilcannia from a dangerous-seeming detour into a tourist stop with real jobs for young people.
When Shona and Conrad Cook arrived in Wilcannia five years ago, they saw two clear problems: nowhere to eat and nothing for teenagers to do. The Cooks opened Cafe2836 in 2023, drawing on their hospitality background.
The cafe has earned a 4.8-star TripAdvisor rating. Cafe2836 brought tourism back to a town that for years had a reputation for danger, prompting travellers to stop only briefly at the petrol station before continuing on their way.
The cafe also created jobs for local teenagers, especially several young Indigenous women. Brooke Tanswell, a barista, said visitors keep returning.
Stevie Harris, 16, said the job was a major goal and boosted her confidence dramatically. The Cooks deliberately built their staff's confidence and helped them overcome shame.
- 2023
- Cafe opened
- 4.8 out of 5 stars
- TripAdvisor rating
- Wilcannia, western NSW on Darling River
- Location
- Stevie Harris, age 16
- Young employee
Why it mattersOne small business can revive a struggling town by offering real jobs, hope, and a reason for travelers to stop.
AustraliaWilcannia in western NSW had long been passed over by travelers; the cafe has brought tourism dollars and opportunity to a remote community.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
