Pat’s Café at Ottoway Marks One Year of Service, Community & Well-Being

This month, Pat’s Café at ATEC’s Ottoway Skills Centre celebrates its first anniversary, a milestone of nourishment, connection and care for our community.

Since opening in late 2024 with the support of Xpress Catering, Pat’s Café has become much more than a place to grab a bite or a cuppa. It offers staff, apprentices and visitors a welcoming space to pause, recharge and attend to mental wellbeing, embodying ATEC’s commitment to supporting people in every aspect of their learning journey.

A Year of Community and Service

Over the past twelve months, the café has served a varied menu of coffees, snacks, meals, smoothies and drinks, always delivered with care. The Xpress Catering team has done an exceptional job supplying not just great food, but a warm and inclusive environment. Their work ensures that the café is a place for casual catch-ups, study breaks or mindful moments.

The café’s name honours ATEC’s first CEO, the late Mr. Pat O’Reilly. On its inauguration, we were privileged to be joined by Pat’s children, Deb, Mark and Adam, as well as local dignitaries, including Port Adelaide’s Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and members of the ATEC Board, in cutting the ribbon. Read the original story here.

Looking Forward

As Pat’s Café enters its second year, we are excited to continue growing its role at Ottoway. We aim to further embed it into daily life here, as somewhere to meet, destress between classes or simply enjoy a fresh meal in good company.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported Pat’s over the past year, from the Xpress Catering team and ATEC staff, to our apprentices and visitors who make it their space. Here’s to many more years of nourishing bodies and minds.

Pop in soon for a coffee or lunch and celebrate with us at Pat’s Café.