About Hamlet
Hamlet is a registered charity, proudly supported by the Tasmanian State Government. Our training programs are funded by the revenue generated from the cafe, merchandise, gift boxes, gift cards, house-made preserves, and from generous donations from the community.
Hamlet is managed by a board of directors who volunteer their time to set the strategic direction of our organisation and ensure Hamlet is meeting our obligations.
Our Mission
Hamlet exists to challenge and change the systems that prevent underrepresented Tasmanians from participating in work and community life.
We deliver targeted training and work readiness support to people facing barriers to employment, with a focus on people living with disability, to improve their chances of securing employment outcomes, build independence and connection to their community.
We deliver this training by operating a number of social enterprises in the hospitality industry including a cafe, catering and condiments business.
FAQs
Why is Hamlet a cashless venue?
Like most businesses, during lockdown we became cashless to help reduce covid transmission and keep everyone safe. Our participants found the cashless system much easier to work with, and for some, it eased the anxiety of money handling and calculation that often comes with a cash system.
We found that our wonderful customers also prefer a cashless system, and Hamlet still operates as a cashless venue today.
Why isn’t Hamlet open on weekends?
We know it’s unusual for a café to be closed on the weekend. During lockdown, we moved to a 5 day work week – and we found that it was wonderful for the health and wellbeing of our staff and participants.
Our ethos extends beyond equipping Tasmanians facing barriers to employment with the skills they need to enter the workforce. We believe in looking after ourselves and each other, and giving our staff and participants the ability to spend valuable time with their friends and loved ones on the weekend is super important.
How does Hamlet work?
Hamlet is a social enterprise café nestled on the banks of the leafy Hobart rivulet. All revenue is directed back into supporting our community and helping to create positive change in the lives of underrepresented Tasmanians.
Hamlet provides training and work experience to Tasmanians facing barriers to employment. We strive to smash the ‘perfect employee’ myth, and we believe that everyone has the right to live a meaningful life where their contribution is valued.
We also provide food relief and collect donations for Hobart City Mission’s Safe Night Space.
Every time you choose Hamlet, you help us change lives.
How is Hamlet funded?
Hamlet is a social enterprise – all revenue goes towards empowering people in our community. We receive funds through our café, catering, condiment, and merchandise sales, as well as generous donations from the community. We also receive funding from the Tasmanian State Government.
All donations over $2 are tax deductible, and every bit helps us to continue our food relief work and training programs to equip Tasmanians facing barriers to employment with the skills they need to enter the workforce.
To help us change lives, visit our Donation page.
The Hamlet Story
Founder & CEO Emily Briffa fell in love with the idea of combining great food and coffee with helping underrepresented people after witnessing the power of positive change while working at Kinfolk.
Our Team
Emily
CEO and Co-founder
Amy
Participant Engagement Officer
Cameron
Operations Manager
Sarah
Cafe Manager
Brad
Chef