About us
About us

About us

Mission Statement

Catering People is a purpose-led, award-winning social enterprise that has spent 15 years transforming lives through meaningful employment and exceptional catering services. Based in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs, we create unforgettable food experiences for events of up to 600 guests; while making a real impact in our community.

Our mission is grounded in United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8: promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. We proudly provide employment and training opportunities to individuals from diverse and vulnerable backgrounds, fostering a culture of equity, dignity, and empowerment.

We support local economies by sourcing produce from regional farmers and small businesses, strengthening community resilience while reducing our carbon footprint. As part of our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices, we minimise waste, use eco-friendly packaging, and donate a portion of our proceeds to global charities.

Catering People delivers tailored, high-quality catering that reflects our values—joyful service, community connection, and environmental responsibility. We’re known for our adaptability, attention to detail, and vibrant multicultural team who go above and beyond to ensure every event is memorable.

Together, let’s build a more inclusive, sustainable and delicious world - one meal at a time.

 

Our mission is to create a positive impact on people in the community and the planet 

  • by providing prompt responses to your inquiries and delivering catering services tailored to each client's unique requests at competitive price. 
  • by providing employment opportunities and sustainable catering services in Toowoomba and Darling Downs. 
  • by sourcing ingredients from local farmers and small businesses, we strengthen the community, support the economy, and reduce our carbon foodprint.

 

Make an impact with us

 

Core of our business

 

Story

Meaningful employment

Opportunities for local residents, especially marginalised groups

Deliver exceptional service

We deliver your order on the date and time selected, and we are always on time

Promote sustainability

In the catering and hospitality industry across Australia

FAQs 

  1. How do I place a catering order?
    1. Order easily via our website: cateringpeople.com.au
    2. Email us at: [email protected] (allow 48 hours for responses)
    3. Call us directly to chat with our friendly team
  2. What if I have special dietary needs?
    1. Let us know your dietary requirements when you order.
  3. How do I pay or get an invoice?
    1. We’ll email your invoice. You can pay by card through the invoice or use our bank details.
    2. We accept cash payment on delivery.
  4. Do you offer delivery or pickup?
    1. Yes, we deliver to businesses, venues, or homes. It’s $25 within 10 km, up to 50 km (POA).
    2. Order by 2:00 pm for next-day delivery & At least 48 hours in advance for larger events
    3. You can also pick up from our kitchen at 2 Burnage St, East Toowoomba QLD 4350
  5. Can I make changes to my order after it’s placed?
    1. Yes, minor changes can be made up to 24 hours before delivery or pickup
  6. What size are your platters?
    1. Our platters are designed to serve approximately 10 people.
  7. Do you provide staff for events?
    1. Yes, we offer professional waitstaff and chefs. Let us know if you need event staffing when booking.
  8. Do you cater for corporate events?
    1. Absolutely! We specialise in corporate catering for meetings, conferences, and office events. 
    2. We can cater up to 600 people, anywhere in Toowoomba and Darling Downs
  9. Do you require a deposit?
    1. Yes, we require a 30% deposit to confirm your booking. For weddings, it's 30% on booking, 50% one month before, and final payment 7 days prior to the event. We don’t order supplies until full payment is received.

 

Bonus Insight from Chef Mary

  • “Everything we do, we do with love and heart. If we make it with love, it tastes different. We also offer personalised menus to meet your unique needs.”

Our Story 1: Centenary Heights - Supporting students with disabilities

Organisation: Centenary Heights State High School
Partnership Focus: Hospitality Training for Students with Disabilities

Catering People has developed a strong partnership with Centenary Heights, an educational institution dedicated to providing students with disabilities the opportunity to gain real-world hospitality experience. Through this collaboration, two students from Centenary Heights, enrolled in the school’s Certificate II in Hospitality, are offered valuable, hands-on training in front-of-house and barista roles. These students, who face both physical and intellectual disabilities, are welcomed into Catering People’s operations, where our professional staff provide mentorship and tailored support.

To accommodate one student's physical disabilities, we redesigned elements of our front-of-house sales process, ensuring the tasks fit within her capabilities. She contributes by taking orders, clearing tables, and assisting with customer service—all at her own pace and within her abilities. This experience empowers students to build their confidence and skills in a real working environment.

The relationship between Catering People and Centenary Heights is a long-standing one, with a strong connection between our staff and the school's hospitality personnel. The students regularly work with us to gain practical, hands-on experience in the hospitality industry, providing them with the opportunity to build the foundation for a career in this field.

This partnership not only benefits the students by offering them real-world skills but also reflects our commitment to inclusivity and empowering disadvantaged groups through meaningful work.

Our Story 2: Protea Place - Empowering homeless women through employment

Organisation: Protea Place Women’s Support Centre
Partnership Focus: Casual Employment for Homeless Women Affected by Domestic Violence

Catering People is proud to partner with Protea Place, a support centre for homeless women, including those affected by domestic violence. One early morning, while arriving at work, our team encountered two women walking with a shopping trolley, clearly having spent the night on the streets. Both women, mothers who had been forced to leave their homes and children due to domestic violence, were trying to reestablish their lives.

In a spontaneous act of kindness, we offered them coffee and discovered that both had previous experience in hospitality. After a brief conversation, we invited them to start casual work with us that very weekend. One of the women is a skilled pastry chef, while the other is an all-rounder in hospitality. Both had relocated from the Northern Territory, with one identifying as Indigenous.

Through this partnership with Protea Place, we offer casual employment to women with little or no experience, allowing them to regain their financial independence and rebuild their lives. Protea Place assists by providing clothing for their work shifts, ensuring they have the resources to reintegrate into the workforce with dignity.

This initiative reflects our core values of inclusivity, compassion, and empowerment. By providing a safe and supportive work environment, we help these women regain control of their lives while benefiting from their valuable contributions to our team. This collaboration not only addresses immediate employment needs but also fosters a sense of community and belonging, giving these women hope for a brighter future.