BY MICI BEER | EXECUTIVE OFFICER HILLS COMMUNITY AID
This year marks a significant milestone for Hills Daily Grind as we celebrate 10 years of serving up more than just coffee—we’ve been brewing community connections, empowering local youth, and spreading kindness across Sydney.
Since its inception, Hills Daily Grind has been dedicated to supporting the community through its Youth Skills Up Program (YSuP) and Cafe Connect initiative. Over the past decade, these programs have successfully graduated 235 students from 72 training sessions, providing young people with the barista skills and customer service experience needed to launch their coffee careers. Many of these graduates have gone on to secure employment in the hospitality industry, using their newfound skills as a springboard to brighter futures.
Beyond training, Hills Daily Grind has a heart for giving back. Through our “Kindness Cups” initiative, we have provided hundreds of free coffees to people in need, offering a warm beverage and a gesture of care to those facing tough times.
Our coffee cart has become a familiar sight at major community events across the Hills and beyond. From Relay for Life and the Orange Blossom Festival to ANZAC Day, NAIDOC Week, and the Glenhaven Christmas Carols, we’ve been proud to participate in over 50 community events annually. Our team serves an average of 100 kilograms of fresh coffee beans each year, ensuring that Sydney stays caffeinated while fostering community spirit.
None of this would be possible without our incredible volunteers and Cafe Connect participants. Each year, they generously contribute over 1,250 hours of their time, helping us deliver exceptional coffee and meaningful connections wherever we go. Their dedication is the heartbeat of Hills Daily Grind, and we are deeply grateful for their support.
“Reaching our 10-year milestone is a testament to the power of community and the impact we can have when we come together,” said Mici Beer, CEO of Hills Community Aid. “We are incredibly proud of the young people we’ve trained, the kindness we’ve shared, and the relationships we’ve built over the years. Here’s to the next decade of making a difference—one cup of coffee at a time.”
As we celebrate this exciting milestone, we extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Hills Daily Grind over the years. Whether you’ve enjoyed a coffee from our cart, volunteered your time, or partnered with us to support community initiatives, you’ve played a vital role in our journey.
A special thank you to our valued funders—Bankstown Sports Club, ClubGRANTS, Toongabbie Sports Club ClubGRANTS, Deicorp, and the Community Builders Partnership Funding—for your generous support. Your contributions have been instrumental in helping us empower young people and strengthen community connections.
