TipJar - Supporting the next generation in hospitality

Welcome to TipJar

If there was ever a time to give a tip, it’s now!
TipJar came about with a pretty simple mission, to support the next generation of Australia’s hospitality industry. This social enterprise movement focuses on upskilling, training and mentoring the future crew of the industry.

Any tip, no matter how big or small, will help vulnerable people become our hospitality gurus.

How the jar empties…

Collaboration is how we accomplish change. In both metropolitan and regional areas of across Australia, we are proud to partner with social enterprises, directly funding the next generation of chefs, kitchen hands and other vital venue staff trained and ready. While also providing vulnerable people the tools to be job-ready and lift themselves out of the cycles of poverty and homelessness.

TipJar grants help people access program that provide support like:

Paid work experience in hospitality sector
Mentored and supervised hands-on experience in a workplace
Barista training course
Food handling certificate
Resume writing workshops
Job application support
Career coaching
Interview skill development

“I think Scarf is one of the best ways for those who are looking to improve their hospitality skills, with many friendly people with a lot of skills and important information. I found it really helpful and it’s helped me to improve my communication, hospitality skills, English language and meet very nice people. I hope to [come back to] this amazing organisation as a mentor.”

Scarf ‘s Graduate

“This has been a beautiful experience where I have learnt a lot! All of the staff are abundantly kind and accommodating, making learning even easier and more enjoyable. Very grateful for this experience and would highly recommend it to others”

Darcy Street Project’s student

“Ability Social has meant everything to me. This is my first formal qualification and it feels pretty good to be working. My family are so proud of me and I can finally see a future doing something I enjoy.”

Ability Social’s Graduate

“Bree-Anne works 10 hours per week at Lagoon Creek Café and has done so for almost 4 years. The grants from Street Smart have saved her job as the ongoing impact of COVID on the Lagoon Creek has meant that the business cannot rely on consistent income to support its working members with disabilities. At Lagoon Creek, we call Bree our “wildlife warrior” as she is so into nature around our bushland. Bree has learnt new skills which will help her to become independent, cooking for herself and her family.”

Lagoon Creek Cafe’s Trainee

“The job has given me independence, which is a huge plus. I’m able to do more things and get on top of bills. It’s my first stable job and I finally have stable accommodation for the first time in 10 years. Since I was 17 I have lived in more than 50 different shared accommodations. I really enjoy my work and love being part of such a great team.”

Espresso Train Cafe’s Worker