When Max Fonte first arrived in Alice Springs, he was struck by two things: the power of nature and the warmth of the community. Despite knowing no one, he quickly discovered that connections could form over sunsets, shared meals, and moments of vulnerability. He stayed, worked, joined a choir, and found his place.
Max eventually took a leap and opened Yaye’s Café, a South American-inspired hospitality space infused with his personal values. With no formal business background, he leaned into what he knew: the value of people, of creating spaces where everyone feels seen, and of building bridges between cultures.
“It wasn’t about coffee. It was about connection. We focused on customer service, but mostly we focused on warmth.”
Through his journey, Max uncovered the power of appreciative enquiry and Co-Design, two key principles in the Changemaker Workshop learning framework. By listening deeply and recognising what was already working, he was able to build something that reflected and responded to community needs.
“We started asking, what is already here? What are people excited about? That’s where our ideas began.”
Max’s experience in the Changemaker Workshop helped him reflect more intentionally on the role his business plays in community life. The workshop connected him with like-minded locals and gave him language for what he was already living – that change is possible when we trust relationships, honour stories, and let ourselves follow the thread of curiosity.
“Hospitality can be more than food and coffee. It can be a space for people to feel safe, to connect, to belong.”
From offering Spanish language meetups and hosting cultural events to welcoming a new chef and their family to town, Max continues to shape his vision around impact. His newest venture aims to create even more pathways for connection and employment, particularly for migrants and newcomers to Alice Springs.
“The drive behind expanding wasn’t profit. It was people. I wanted to create more opportunities for people like me.”
Whether you’re growing a business, building community, or just finding your feet in a new place, this episode reminds us that changemaking starts with listening, learning, and leading from where you are.
“I realised I didn’t need a whole new path to make an impact. I already had a platform – I just needed to see it that way.”
To hear more about Max Fonte’s story and leadership experience you can listen to the episode on our Changemaker podcast series.
About the series
This conversation is part of a new series exploring the impact of the Changemaker Workshops delivered across more than 30 regions by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund. These workshops were a part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative.
To listen to this episode visit our website or search for Rural Leadership Unearthed on all major streaming platforms.
