Students at Magandjin's (Brisbane) Murri School are gaining hands-on hospitality and business experience through Cuppaderlah, a student-run coffee cart established with support from Queensland Country Bank.

Located at the Aboriginal and Islander Independent Community School in Acacia Ridge, the initiative gives students in Years 7 to 12 the opportunity to develop workplace skills while operating a café within their school community.

Officially launched on 4 September, Cuppaderlah was made possible through Queensland Country Bank's Good for Good Community Grants program, bringing together students, Elders, families and community members to celebrate the initiative.

The cart operates with an EFTPOS machine, stock management systems, operational checklists, customer orders and loyalty cards, giving students experience in managing a business.

Two Year 12 students oversee daily operations, including mentoring younger students, managing shifts and serving teachers, families, local tradespeople, university students and community members.

The initiative is overseen by the school's Vocational Education and Training Coordinator Samantha Daragnes, who has already seen students develop skills and confidence through the program.wd

"Our students excel when they're learning practical skills and can actually see themselves in a real-life workplace," Ms Daragnes said.

"The coffee cart gives them that experience in a safe, nurturing environment where we can support each student individually, wherever they are in their learning journey."

Alongside learning barista skills, cash handling and customer service, students are developing communication, teamwork, time management and problem-solving skills.

Those studying Certificate II in Hospitality can also complete practical components of their qualification through the program.

With the current Year 12 leaders preparing to graduate, the school is recruiting additional students to continue the initiative.

The coffee cart also incorporates the school's cultural identity through its name, created by the school community, and artwork by Wakka Wakka woman Aunty Samantha Bond.

Her artwork tells the story of The Murri School, Country and its connection to water, land and community, reflecting the school's guiding principle, "Our Children, Our Culture, Our Future".

Ms Daragnes said the initiative connected students' cultural identity with their education and preparation for employment.

"That principle is at the heart of everything we're doing," Ms Daragnes said.

"This program engages our children, embeds our culture through the Cuppaderlah name and Aunty Samantha's artwork, and focuses on their achievements and preparation for the future.

"The students are discovering there is so much more to running a café than making coffee."

The program has also provided opportunities for students to engage with the wider community through school and local events, including Acacia Ridge NAIDOC celebrations, health expos and International Women's Day.

The initiative comes as The Murri School celebrates 40 years of Indigenous-led education in 2026, having also received national recognition through the 2026 NAIDOC Education Awards.

The coffee cart had been a long-term goal for the school, with the grant allowing the project to expand beyond its original plans.

Ms Daragnes highlighted the impact the experience was having on students preparing to enter the workforce.

"Having our own coffee cart has been a goal for The Murri School for a long time, and we are incredibly grateful to Queensland Country Bank for helping make it happen," she said.

"We've been able to create something even bigger than our original vision, something that brings our community together while giving students meaningful opportunities outside the classroom."

Queensland Country Bank Chief Executive Officer Aaron Newman welcomed the project's focus on practical education and employment pathways.

"Cuppaderlah is giving young people the confidence to step forward, take responsibility, develop new skills and see what they're capable of achieving," Mr Newman said.

"What particularly impresses me is that the students aren't simply learning how to make coffee, they're learning how to operate a business, work with customers, support one another and prepare for their futures."

Proceeds from Cuppaderlah will be reinvested into its operation and future vocational learning opportunities.

The initiative is among projects supported through Queensland Country Bank's Good for Good Community Grants program, which awarded more than $220,000 to 16 community projects across Queensland in its latest funding round.