Save Lisa's Willow Tree Cafe

This could easily be a story about another small business folding due to Covid. However, we, the Lisa's Willow Tree Cafe Community are determined that that won't be the end to this story...

On 17 May 2017, Lisa Lyons realised her dream to open her own small business, Lisa's Willow Tree Cafe, Shop 5, 140 Morayfield Road Caboolture South, Queensland.

To call Lisa's Willow Tree Cafe just a cafe is an understatement and an injustice to the Community Lisa has built.

Lisa's (as the Cafe is known locally), is a Community Hub, a safe place for those with anxiety and disabilities. A place to meet new friends. It is a unique welcoming space that offers something for everyone. The charm and character of old fashioned service, where the staff remember your name and regular order. You may come in feeling down or maybe you're alone and new to the area. You are guaranteed to leave feeling uplifted with new friends having discussed the issues of the world around the large tables over a cuppa and delicious treat.

Lisa and her community fundraise for various groups with a strong focus on helping those who are vulnerable, at risk or underprivileged. Groups such as Caboolture Community Action, Days For Girls, Breast Cancer, Australia's Biggest Morning Tea and Leukemia Support Group have benefitted from those who support Lisa's Willow Tree Cafe Fundraising Events.

Lisa's Willow Tree Cafe also work with companies such as Better Together to provide hospitality training through orientation, practical and work experience.

Supporting the Community is paramount to Lisa's vision and to this date, Lisa has never drawn a wage personally. Regular events are held supporting and promoting information sessions relating to the NDIS, Aged Care and Disability Providers Carers and Grief Support Groups. Displaying and selling local Artisans' arts and crafts. Community events such as "Cars and Coffee" for local car enthusiasts. Events that bring the community together such as trivia afternoons and "Strays and Stragglers" lunches to meet new people. Christmas in July, in fact, any excuse to dress up, decorate and have some fun!

But for Covid, the restrictions with lockdowns and vaccine mandates as well as environmental issues such as flood and closure of surrounding businesses reducing foot traffic this would be a thriving business. Unfortunately, while the Cafe couldn't open rent and wages still had to be paid. As a result, the Cafes rent got further and further behind.

Going forward Lisa and her community will do whatever is necessary to ensure we think outside the box to keep the Cafe thriving and successful getting the word out to new customers (friends) and extending trading hours. However, at this stage no matter how successful Lisa's Willow Tree Cafe is going forward with the current economic climate we can not see a way to pay off the outstanding amount of rent.

WE NEED YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT! Every little bit counts. The Cafe lease is due to be renewed, the outstanding rent has to be paid and a new 3 year contract is in the works. If Lisa's Willow Tree Cafe has to close it will break Lisa's heart but our local community will be the larger loser.