03/08/2025
The Red Dove Cafe Ceased operation in May 2025.
As a result of Red Dove Café no longer being financially viable, the councils of the church have needed to make the difficult decision to cease operations of the Red Dove Café.
The Red Dove Café has been part of the heartbeat of Lismore region for many years, and a labor of love. It was a wonderfully innovative and creative expression of mission and ministry when it first started. The Red Dove Café has not only served countless people, but it has also been a place of community, of care, of dreaming, of praying, and a retreat for enjoying good food and fellowship.
Our thanks and appreciation go out to the countless volunteers and staff that have assisted in the ministry of the café, but also those who have been able to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and service.
Unfortunately, through 2 major floods, building renovations, and the competition of a multitude of cafes and coffee shops, the increase of wages and the cost of food, the Red Dove Café has ceased being financially viable. Another significant change over time has been the reduced capacity of people to volunteer their time. Over time we have moved from an entirely volunteer run outreach to the majority of work hours being from paid personnel. Neither the Finance and Property Team nor the Church Council took the decision lightly. Much time was spent studying the finances and understanding the dynamics that have brought us to this place and all options were explored in seeking a way to restructure the business that would be viable.
Again, our thanks and appreciation must go to all the volunteers through the generations who have supported the Red Dove in whatever way they could. We wouldn’t have the facilities we have today without those amazing contributions.
Our prayers are for staff and families whose positions have been made redundant and for volunteers who have and continue to serve in this and many areas. Together we both grieve and celebrate what has been and look for the new initiatives of where God is leading us into for the future.
On behalf of the Church Council.
