General News
15 July, 2022
Wild Thyme gives to those in need
A BUSY restaurant with a flair for international and fusion food and a commitment to training local people in hospitality skills has also found the time to give back thousands of meals to those in the community in need.
Wild Thyme is a fully operational restaurant in Shields St, Cairns, run by not-for-profit training company, NJL. It has become a popular breakfast, lunch and dinner venue amongst locals and visitors alike.
But aside from the focus on modern flavours and fusion food, and teaching jobseekers new skills, Wild Thyme is also providing over 230 free meals a week to the Red Cross, Rosies and the Balaclava School.
Their outreach program is reflective of a policy the restaurant’s managers put in place from the outset.
Wild Thyme was opened as a brand-new restaurant at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic and despite the obvious challenges of the timing of the venture, they committed there and then to stay open during the pandemic and support the community, while continuing to build a reputation for quality food and cultural diversity.
More than two years on, the ‘social enterprise’ restaurant thrives on a menu featuring great flavours from across the world and gaining respect in the industry for its community focused social enterprise and training programs.
“Often people just need a caring, supportive environment; a chance to shine in work and in life; an opportunity to thrive – no matter what their starting point,” NJL’s CEO, Kim Homer said.
“Wild Thyme and NJL are passionate about teaching people how to make and serve great food, learn new skills, connect to community and grow in confidence.”
Ms Homer said at Wild Thyme they not only provide hospitality training, but also intensive “wrap around support and real work experience to many young people who need a hand.”
“As a not-for-profit we are also committed to our outreach program: bringing food to our most vulnerable community members,” she said.
“I am proud to say that to date we provide over 230 free meals a week to local schools and charities. So far we are on track to 15,000 free meals this year.”
The restaurant is behind an innovative program called ‘Culture Connect’ which its website says, “is designed to engage participants from diverse backgrounds around their love of food.”
They are also getting ready for the next round of training starting soon for 24 new students, who will be aiming to each gain a Certificate II Hospitality and Tourism.
