Sonya Oliver-Scoble has saved 39 people from suicide since starting Mad Cow Coffee

Sonya Oliver-Scoble drives one of Mackay’s most recognisable vans. But the on-the-go barista’s lasting impact on the community is much greater than the coffee she serves.

Thirty-nine. That is the number of lives that Mad Cow Coffee has helped saved in three years.

A coffee van started from an idea to build on a lost son’s legacy has grown into Mackay’s most recognisable community business.

Mad Cow Coffee founder Sonya Oliver-Scoble said the business spawned from the death of her son, Aiden.

“It was our way to continue our son’s legacy, who we lost to suicide, and to be able to support the community,” she said.

Sonya Oliver-Scoble from MAD Cow Coffee. Picture: Tony Martin

“In our three years of business we’ve supported many different community groups and charities, and all of them have given back to us.”

The ‘herd’ of Mad Cow vans grew by one on the business’ third birthday, with a new coffee cart introduced to the Mackay community.

Mrs Oliver-Scoble said the reception from the community was amazing.

“We had to fundraise to get the trailer on the road, but the response from the community was fantastic, with a number of groups donating,” she said.

“The trailer will be a part of our community project, which is all about engaging the youth community and finding them work.

Barry Scoble (left) and Sonya Oliver-Scoble open their new Mad Cow Coffee trailer, November 18, 2021. Picture: Matthew Forrest

“It will not only be a fundraiser for suicide awareness but also to help youths find work and give them an opportunity to get work experience skills and mentoring.”

Mrs Oliver-Scoble said it was a great feeling to know she was making an impact on her community.

“Our cows are very recognisable, you see them and know what organisation that is, which is attributed to all the support for us,” she said.

“It’s all about being a herd, that’s what the cows mean, and I had a herd of ladies that really helped me when my son died.

Sonya Oliver-Scoble from MAD Cow Coffee. Picture: Tony Martin

“There have been 39 people that we know of that we’ve helped save.

“I know we can’t save everyone, that was something I had to come to terms with early on, but if we could save one person from their experience then it was worthwhile.”

Originally published as Sonya Oliver-Scoble has saved 39 people from suicide since starting Mad Cow Coffee