OLIVE’S LANE
Coffee with a purpose.
The Last Brew at Olive’s Lane
19th March 2025
Dear members and St Kilda PCYC supporters,
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Olive’s Lane, our beloved social enterprise coffee shop. After four and a half years, the Board and I have resolved that it is no longer financially viable to keep the café open. The enterprise has been recording a loss during its entire operating period of over four years.
While this decision was difficult, we are deeply grateful for the incredible support we’ve received from our community and philanthropic partners. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of training approximately 20 young people as proficient baristas, many of whom have gone on to build successful careers in hospitality. Olive’s Lane has been more than just a coffee shop; it’s been a place where community, opportunity, and purpose intersect. We want to thank everyone who supported us throughout this journey – your contributions have made a lasting impact.
The café will be closed from Thursday the 20th of March 2025.
CEO & Secretary
St Kilda PCYC
Nestled in the repurposed driveway of the St Kilda Police and Citizens Youth Club you will find Olive’s Lane.
Proudly making coffee with a purpose.
Olive’s Lane, a small coffee shop with a lot of heart, nestled in the refurbished driveway of the local youth club, St Kilda PCYC.
This small coffee shop was established with youth at the core of everything they do, teaching valuable life and workplace skills by providing entry level employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people. Their mission statement ‘Empowering Youth for Life’ is achieved in many layers, by those working at the facility and those who visit; by purchasing a coffee at Olive’s Lane you are not only empowering your day but also the life of another.
The proceeds of Olive’s Lane also help fund youth outreach programs delivered by St Kilda PCYC in the local area aimed at helping young people engage is positive and healthy activities.
Serving Melbourne’s very own St Ali Roast, you are sure to be in for a treat everytime you visit. There’s also plenty for your Pooch to choose from as Olive’s Lane provides free morsals for all doggy visitors, endless water in fancy Gummi Bowls.
Named after St Kilda PCYC’s founder, Olive Johnston, Olive’s Lane is another step towards seeing her dedication and care for the community come to fruition.
This little coffee shop is the perfect place to get together with family and friends. Be sure to tag Olive’s Lane in your snaps so they can share it on their socials.
Olive’s Lane is open 5 days a week Monday – Friday from 7AM – 1.00PM.
“Coming to Olives Lane for my morning coffee is the highlight of my day! There is a such a sense of community and support, and I feel like I am part of the family. This was particularly helpful during the long lockdowns. And knowing that the funds are being injected into youth programs and employment just adds to that sense of community. I love meeting the young people training through the cafe and have very quickly formed some lifelong friendships. Not to mention the coffee is great! Olive’s Lane is a safe haven and refuge, and I know this view is shared among those others who religiously go there for their morning coffee.” – Sarah & Arlo.
179 Inkerman Street, St Kilda. 3182. VIC
