Bettys Laneway
Coffee - Craft - Connection
About Bettys Laneway
"From the Ashes: The Resurrection of Bettys Laneway
January 18th, 2023, marked a pivotal moment in our history. Without warning, administrators closed the doors of Encompass Readystart, leaving 12 years of community-building efforts seemingly in vain. The devastating loss was felt deeply by Betty, staff, volunteers, and loyal customers.
But amidst the ashes, a spark of resilience ignited. Inspired by our former colleagues at The Paddock in Leopold, we chose to rise from the ruins and reinvent ourselves. With unwavering community support, unbridled enthusiasm, and countless sleepless nights, Bettys Laneway was born.
On the same site where our journey began, we've transformed the space into a vibrant coffee shop and community hub. Our vision is reborn, with a renewed focus on connection, community, and a dash of expertly crafted coffee.
We're proud to have risen from the ashes, and we invite you to join us in this new chapter. Experience the heart and soul of Bettys Laneway, where community spirit meets exceptional coffee."
ABOUT
Meet the Team
Bev
MANAGER
Who is Betty? Some of you will know her as Bev who has spent the last 10 years as manager of the op shop previously located on the premises. After its sudden closure, Betty decided you’re never too old to follow your dreams and decided to finally open up a community coffee shop. Betty has had a long-held passion for growing community projects and enjoys the connections of working together to create something good. Betty was instrumental in the growth of the community craft group Readyearth previously located on the premises, with a strong focus on sustainable practices the Readyearth ladies will continue to share in the space. From the sadness, closure and ashes of the old store, Betty focussed on the opportunity to recreate Community, Craft and Connection together with her other favourite pastimes Coffee and Food.
Bonnie
BARISTA & ASSISTANT MANAGER
We would love to introduce you to Bonnie some of you would know Bon from when she ran 3219 Eat Cafe, and we know many people were sad when Bonnie left to follow up on another career opportunity. But the good news is Bonnie has come back to her first love - customer service, community and coffee. Bonnie loves to bake and her delicious homemade slices are always a big hit at Bettys. Bonnie has an amazing memory for your coffee order and never forgets a smiling face. Away from the café Bonnie loves to dance (and is amazing on the pole), reads lots of books, gets creative cooking, enjoys long walks and is forever growing her indoor plant collection. Bonnie is always ready to make your #capracoffee with a smile.
Jan
Social Media & Events
We would love to introduce you to Jan chief cheerleader and social media creator at Bettys. Many of you may know Jan from her previous role at the old Encompass site (pre-cafe) and her involvement and passion for community engagement continues at Bettys. Jan has recently retired and now enjoys working behind the scenes, organising Bettys newsletter, and community events and running Bettys social media. Jan is also a published author and enjoys putting her passion for words into supporting Bettys projects.
Readyearth Team
Established in 2012
Readyearth is a community volunteer program that sews and creates items for resale from donated or recycled materials. With a strong focus on sustainability and community connection, Readyearth has tapped into the many talents of our community to create bespoke pieces for sale in our gift shop,
which in turn then supports the program.
We would love you to meet the team who are in store every Tuesday and Wednesday
creating their unique pieces from recycled material.
We have the amazing Faye the ideas creative, Sandra our artistic card lady, Marcie, Connie and Lidia the creative sewing geniuses and Jenny the best marketeer and motivator of the group.
These wonderful community-minded ladies have been part of Bettys journey since the beginning and are always open for a chat.
MEET THE TEAM
Connie
Let us introduce you to the wonderful Connie - Nonna Concetta to most Connie is extremely gifted with the sewing machine and can create anything. Connie’s work is precise and so very beautiful, as all her pieces are made with love. Connie has been part of the Readyearth team since the beginning and has brought such passion , warmth, laughter and knowledge to the group. We are so thankful that despite a busy lifestyle Connie always finds time to gift us with her presence, conversation and snacks, Nonna Concetta thank you for all you do - another excellent human quietly going about life doing good things for others.
MEET THE TEAM
Jenny
We would love to introduce you to Jenny ( she’ll always be our Jenny from the block ) - Jenny is the driving force behind our Readyearth project. Chief ideas person, the best public promoter marketing person you could ask for, skilled sewing person, our very own sustainable warrior and all-around excellent human - our Jenny has it all. After the closure of the former Readystart project, Jenny kept the group together and continued to work alongside Betty to keep the Readyearth dream alive. Exciting times are ahead as Readyearth continues to promote sustainable practices, community connection and so much more. We are so grateful to Jenny and her powerhouse passion towards our Readyearth project - and always with a great conversation and a smile on her face. Readyearth operates within Betty’s Laneway and you are always welcome to pop on and see what they do.
MEET THE TEAM
Lidia
Let me introduce you to the lovely Lidia, Lidia is a valued member of our Readyearth team and has been for many years. Lidia is not only a skilled creative and ideas woman but also one of the most determined and committed members of the group. With a strong focus on giving back to the community, promoting sustainability and her welcoming nature Lidia is all that is positive about social connections and friendship. Thanks, Lidia for your service and commitment to Readyearth,and for being such a joyful presence in the group ** Readyearth is an ongoing project operating within Betty’s Laneway that promotes community, connection and sustainable practices recycling materials to create sellable products available in store.
MEET THE TEAM
Faye
We would love to introduce you to the fantastic Faye - Faye has been with our Readyearth team for many years. Faye originally called into the group to hone her overlocking skills but enjoyed the conversation, the company, and I suspect the bosses singing so much that she decided to stay. Faye brings an amazing skill set to the group and as we have mentioned before like all good creative duos Lennon & McCartney, Jagger & Richards, Dolce & Gabbana here at Readyearth we have Faye & Jenny. We are so thankful Faye decided to join the team and with her commitment to community, sustainability and friendship we look forward to some great collaborations. Another joyful, amazing human who makes our workplace so very special. Readyearth operates within Betty’s Laneway as part of a community-driven initiative promoting sustainable practices, run by and for volunteers.
Community
Bettys Laneway Cafe is a community-focused establishment that aims to create a welcoming environment for all who visit. With a commitment to quality coffee and an affordable menu, it strives to be a place where people gather, fostering connections and a sense of belonging. The focus on community engagement sets it apart, making it not just a place for beverages and food but a social space that enriches the local community. Bettys Laneway aim is to build and support the community by providing a warm and inviting space where exceptional coffee, delicious food, and meaningful connections converge, creating a haven that celebrates diversity, creativity, and shared moments.
Bettys Laneway Chatty Cafe Scheme
"Join us every Thursday from 10.30 till 11.30 for the Chatty Cafe Scheme! "Introducing the Chatty Cafe Scheme: a global initiative fostering community connections in cozy, welcoming spaces. Our "Have a Chat" tables invite you to strike up a conversation with fellow customers, sharing moments of joy and camaraderie that can last a few minutes or a lifetime. Join us in creating a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and connected - one chat at a time!"
If you're tired of eating alone or want to expand your social circle, come on down and connect with others in our welcoming space. Our Chatty Cafe is a judgment-free zone where everyone is encouraged to share stories and make new friends. Feel free to introduce yourself to Betty or Bonnie, or follow the conversation and jump right in!
We can't wait to chat with you"
A Special Mention
Local artist Alan Boromeo created some great artwork
to feature in Bettys café.
This vibrant piece of art invites customers to sign in and leave a message with the catch cry often being #meetyouatbettys.
Alan also created the colourful laneway image that is proudly displayed instore, with vibrant colours and some quirky little surprises in the picture it is a great talking point in store. Alans’ brand of Australiana prints are also available in store at our gift shop.
