Equality Education recently had the pleasure of welcoming three inspiring sisters. Chantel, Eyvonne and Gloria to complete nationally recognised Barista training.
The training was funded by On Common Country and National Inidgenous Australians Agency through the Indigenous Skills and Employment Program (ISEP), providing the sisters with an opportunity to strengthen their practical coffee making skills and build confidence for their growing business, Kulur Trio.
Kulur is a word from the traditional Kuku Yalanji language meaning “three.” It represents the three sisters and the strong family connection at the heart of their business. Established in 2023, Kulur Trio allows Chantel, Eyvonne and Gloria to combine their individual abilities, interests and talents while building independence and connecting with their community.
Each sister came to the course with different strengths and learning needs. Gloria is legally blind and also manages Functional Neurological Disorder. Eyvonne, Chantel and Gloria experiences mental health challenges associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and can sometimes require additional time to process information. Chantel experiences back and mobility difficulties but continues to demonstrate strong leadership, organisation and problem solving skills.
These challenges did not prevent the sisters from participating in or successfully completing nationally recognised training.
Equality Education provided a supportive and flexible learning environment that focused on what each woman could achieve. Training included clear step by step demonstrations, verbal explanations, repetition, additional practice time, close trainer support and practical adjustments to help each participant safely operate the commercial coffee equipment. Eyvonne said “Arty delivered the training at a great pace”. Gloria stated at the end “ I had fun making coffee, Arty was very helpful”. Whilst Chantel said “more people should know about Equality Education as I learnt how to count the seconds to get the right amount of froth when stretching the milk”.
For Gloria, activities were explained and demonstrated in a way that supported her low vision while allowing her to participate meaningfully and safely. All sisters were provided with a calm, encouraging environment where they could learn at a comfortable pace, ask questions and build confidence without unnecessary pressure.
These reasonable adjustments did not reduce the quality or requirements of the course. Each participant was still required to demonstrate the practical skills and knowledge needed to meet the nationally recognised competency standards.
Throughout the training, the sisters learned how to safely operate a commercial espresso machine and grinder, prepare a range of espresso based coffees, texture milk, monitor coffee quality and follow workplace hygiene and cleaning procedures.
At Equality Education, inclusion is more than simply enrolling someone in a course. It means taking the time to understand each learner, identifying their individual needs and adapting the training approach so they have a genuine opportunity to demonstrate their abilities.
This personalised, hands on approach is what makes Equality Education different. We do not focus on a person’s limitations, we identify their strengths and provide practical support that helps them learn, participate and succeed.
We are incredibly proud of the determination shown by Chantel, Eyvonne and Gloria. Their achievements demonstrate what is possible when nationally recognised training is delivered with patience, flexibility, respect and a genuine belief in every learner’s potential.
Thank you to On Common Country and National Inidgenous Australians Agency for providing ISEP funding for supporting this important training opportunity and investing in Indigenous entrepreneurship, inclusion and employment skills.
Congratulations, Chantel, Eyvonne and Gloria. We look forward to watching Kulur Trio continue to grow and share its wonderful food, coffee and friendly service with the community.