Bold new Nambour Op Shop and Cafe doing business from the heart

Jamie Brady and Josie Heslop are providing a “space for change” in the lives of people who are looking for it. Right: the Crafters Cafe, fronting Price Street.

A social and youth worker has put his money where his heart is and invested in a Nambour business with big plans to give back to the community. 

The Crafters Heart in Price Street, the brainchild of Jamie Brady, opened February 28. Together with his girlfriend, Josie Heslop, Jamie has renovated and created a warm and welcoming space that houses a not-for-profit coffee house and op-shop.

“We have already received such a positive response from the Nambour community, it has blown us away,” Jamie said.

“Youth work is where my heart lies,” said Jamie who has been in social and community work in Nambour for the past three years.

“Because I can personally relate to young people who are vulnerable, at risk and struggling with addiction and social isolation,” he said. 

“As a teenager, I was out of control and eventually ended up smoking ice, and heading for jail. It wasn’t until my early 20s that I started to see my way clear of that situation and I am not really sure how it happened, but I ended up at Uni, studying for a Human Services degree. 

“I also found God and that was an absolutely fundamental turning point for me.”

Early in his career, Jamie worked with vulnerable youth and took them on camping and surfing trips as a way of connecting with them.

Giving back, connecting community

“I decided to register my own organisation, founded on the idea of giving back, and sowing into and connecting our community,” he said. 

“I became extremely busy and knew I needed to find a space to operate independently and generate income to go directly to helping locals on the Sunshine Coast. 

“This venture is entirely self-funded, because independence is extremely important to me.

“We currently support a full-time youth worker, we are involved with disability support work, NDIS services, Christian outreach, working with youth groups and combining with other youth organisations to help, support and up-skill people.” 

While The Crafters Heart bases its operation on Christian principles, Jamie says it is a space that welcomes everyone.

“My vision was to create a place where people might be drawn, would feel accepted and supported and may eventually lead them to a better place in their lives,” he said. 

“We plan to develop the other half of the building to incorporate healing rooms, a sound stage for musicians, and a space for projectors and where we may have guest speakers to run seminars”.

The Crafters Heart is happily accepting donations of clothing, furniture and homeware that is clean and in good condition. They can come and pick up donated goods.

“I don’t like labels, and personally, I am fully street, fully Christian and fully nothing. I don’t have any agenda in particular other than to provide a space for change in the lives of people who are looking for it. 

“This place is just the creation of my brain. But I am extremely excited about the possibilities for this space and the community we create”.

The Crafters Heart 44 Price Street Nambour. Phone 0421 803 312. https://www.facebook.com/thecraftersheartnambour/