About Us

The Monkey Bar is owned and operated by Orana Education and Training Co-operative Ltd (OEC), which is a community-based, not-for-profit organisation that has been operating in western NSW for more than 30 years. OEC's principle activity is providing employment opportunities, training and related education for unemployed people in disadvantaged communities, especially those with limited scope for growth.

The Monkey Bar is a new social enterprise undertaking for OEC. It gives OEC an opportunity to diversify its income stream to achieve its objective in supporting disadvantaged communities, particularly through training and employment opportunities in the hospitality industry.

Our team are continually striving to ensure it is a quality venue. The team is enthusiastic and willing to try new things, so talk to the staff when you are planning a celebration or want to use the function room for a staff or board meeting or drop in for a convenient Bill's Beans coffee.

We have a great team of bar staff and a crew in the kitchen and dining room, including hospitality trainee, Brenton Wright.

The team prepares meals to the highest standards, using fresh local produce to create a menu with a modern edge. They can also cater for private functions and corporate events, providing everything from lunch or morning and afternoon tea to sharing platters or a full three-course meal. Contact us today for details.

BrentonWright, Hospitality Trainee

When Brenton Wright finished Year 12, he had his heart set on joining the police force. But when that idea and another job didn’t work out, Brenton wasn’t quite sure what to do. At the age of 19, he lacked direction and motivation. Eventually, Brenton turned to OEC Employment for help in finding a job. They encouraged him to take on a traineeship at the beginning of 2011. He’s now working towards a Certificate III in Hospitality, enjoys coming to work and has bought his own car.

"I really enjoy being part of the team here and interacting with people," he said. "I have been taught how to make good coffee and I now also understand the importance of serving good meals and providing good customer service. "Without this job I didn’t have anything and I was rejected from lots of other jobs, so this opportunity has given me a real sense of confidence." While he finds the pace of the kitchen a bit overwhelming, Brenton is hoping to learn how to mix fresh Monkey Bar cocktails, so look out for him behind the bar soon.

Western Student Connections

While OEC provides training and employment opportunities within the Western area of NSW, we also work closely with Western Student Connections. They provide work placements for school students enrolled in the NSW Higher School Certificate VET Industry Curriculum Framework courses at schools and/or TAFE. With their support, young people like Brenton gain an opportunty to take part in meaningful work experience and to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.