Café VIVA Bathurst | Coffee, Community and Connection

Café VIVA is one of Bathurst's most community-driven cafés: a bright, welcoming William Street spot known for its great coffee, fresh lunches and Friday pastry deliveries from Provence Boulangerie in Orange.

Operated by VIVAbility, Café VIVA is a social enterprise creating meaningful employment opportunities for people living with disability, all within a space that feels warm, inclusive and genuinely welcoming.

Behind every coffee served is a story of confidence, opportunity and connection, proving that everyday hospitality can make a lasting difference.

Why we love it

Because it has heart. It's the kind of place where good coffee meets good purpose, and where community isn't a tagline, it's the whole point.

Their BIG Lunch program, recognised as Bathurst's Community Event of the Year, brings people together around shared meals. Café VIVA has become a local favourite not just for what's on the menu, but for the opportunities it creates and the connections it helps build.

🔗 Facebook

More than a café

We asked April, Moey and the team at Café VIVA what makes the café special, and their answers had less to do with coffee and more to do with connection, confidence and community.

What's a moment in the café that feels special to you?
The moments that feel most special are seeing our team members working together, building meaningful friendships and supporting one another to grow.
What do you hope people feel when they visit?
We hope that our customers have a wonderful experience and leave feeling connected to what inclusion can achieve. Our team demonstrates each day that everyone has value, unique strengths and an importance role to play. If visitors leave with a smile and a deeper appreciation for the benefits of an inclusive community, then we've achieved what we set out to.
How does working here support your team?
One of the most rewarding aspects of our work is seeing the growth that comes from meaningful employment. Through Cafe VIVA, our team members are supported to develop new skills, build confidence and pursue greater independence, all while being paid awards wages and above. Vivability's commitment to inclusion means creating sustainable opportunities where people feel valued, empowered and able to contribute their unique strengths in a welcoming and supportive environment.
What's something the community does that means a lot to you?
The support that we receive from our Bathurst community means the world to us. We are incredible fortunate to have loyal customers who not only enjoy visiting Cafe VIVA, but also believe in the value of inclusive employment and social enterprise. Their ongoing support helps ensure the sustainability of our businesses and creates meaningful opportunities for our team members to thrive. We are also exceptionally grateful to have been recognised at the Bathurst Carillon Business Awards, winning numerous awards since 2023 – including Bathurst's Favourite Business, People's Choice Award for Hospitality and Excellence in Customer Service – Hospitality, Food and Beverage. These achievements are a reflection of the support, encouragement and belief that our community has shown in what we do.