Our Story

Where no one feels alone

Why we exist

Our Vision

To see the Macedon Ranges become a place where no one feels alone, and that all find their place and purpose.

Our Mission

To cultivate and foster a community of belonging, where everyone is welcome, valued and engaged.

It started with a question

Same heart,
new chapter

Co-founders Paul Dettmann and Simon Burnett saw young people struggling to find their feet, and a community growing more disconnected. They asked a simple question:

"What would it look like if there was a workplace that could partner with young people, building life skills alongside job skills?"

So in the heart of Kyneton, we opened a café. Years on, that heart hasn't changed, but we're dreaming bigger: more community, more belonging, more good given back. Same, but different.

A barista pouring a shot of coffee at Social Foundry

What we believe

The most powerful hope in the world is the promise of belonging.

What we hold to

Our eight values

Inspired by offering belonging to all people, and a desire for abundant kindness, integrity and faith.

Kindness

Kindness has the power to restore, connect and heal. Through our actions and words, we show compassion and care in every interaction.

Integrity

We're trustworthy and honest, doing what is right even when no one is watching. Our relationships are built on truth, transparency and accountability.

Faith

We hold hope for the unseen and trust in a bigger story. It inspires courage, resilience, and a belief that transformation is always possible.

Belonging

All people need community. Social Foundry seeks to share life in a way that everyone has a place to belong.

Purpose

Everyone should live with a sense of purpose, intentionally living to make their world a better place.

Uniqueness

Each person has a unique perspective and value to offer. Every contribution is a valuable part of a healthy community.

Respect

Respect for all of creation, and all people regardless of their circumstances or attributes. Everyone is family.

Gratitude

There is always an opportunity to be thankful. Despite difficult circumstances, we encourage gratitude for the good we experience.

Our impact

Real outcomes,
real lives

161+

young people mentored & supported
through our programs

76%

move on to employment, further study
or volunteering

90%

complete the program they start

80%

keep volunteering after they graduate

OUR IMPACT BEYOND OURSELVES

900+ hours of training delivered in 2025

3,315 Pay It Forward coffees

605 meals served through the Pay It Forward program

2025 Finalist

Named a finalist in the 2025 Victorian Volunteers Awards for our co-working project with Sunbury & Cobaw Community Health.

Community, not just Customers

We change community,
with community

Real change doesn't happen to a community, it happens with one.

We've never done this alone. Over the years we've run countless community initiatives and projects, partnering with local organisations from every walk of life to deliver mentoring, training, community development and genuine support. We bring people together, and let belonging do its work.

See what we do →

Community members gathered together at Social Foundry

The next chapter

We're just getting started

We're working to double our trainee pathways, from 40 to 80 young people every year. And we're dreaming well beyond that.

Beyond our four walls

We're reaching young people at the hardest crossroads, offering a genuine fresh start to those the world too often overlooks, wherever they are on the journey back.

A bigger place to belong

We're imagining something far greater than a single café, a place for our whole region to gather, create and belong. We can't wait to share it when the time is right.

The people behind it