The residents, who usually enjoy their monthly coffee club in the village clubhouse, have been gathering in smaller groups to pick up their daily cappuccino outdoors courtesy of village manager, Allison Purdy.

This week, the cafe was chosen from a field of more than 20 projects as a winner in Bolton Clarke's inaugural Innovation Tournament for ideas promoting social connection.

Broadwater Gardens residents say that's exactly what the Hole in the Wall has done over recent months.

"It's certainly fun!" resident Carol Cosgriff said.

"The Hole in the Wall cafe has allowed us to see our neighbours and share morning tea - we can all join in with each other."

Carol says having the cafe open every day between 10am and 3pm has made a big difference to resident morale and has fostered some new friendships too.

"Being able to come anytime has meant I've caught up with different people in the village. It's good to get to know others who you don't always see," she says.

The cafe has encouraged more than just social interaction, making residents' lifestyles more active.

"Ending up here after a walk is very pleasant," Carol said. "It's great to see people sitting in the fresh air, having a coffee and a chat - it's been a great innovation.

"Having options for fresh coffee each day has been great - and (village manager) Allison is getting to be a better barista every day."

Fellow residents Michael and Alison Rogers couldn't agree more.

"It's been very pleasant how lovely the small group gatherings are," Michael said.

"We all get along very well - and that's thanks to Allison, her ideas and treats - she has done wonderfully with the pastries too," Alison said. "On today's menu was banana muffins. She's become quite the pastry chef."

Allison says the cafe has had a positive effect on everyone and given her the chance to refine her coffee-making abilities.

"I've definitely honed my skills over the last few months. I do not profess to be a star barista, but the residents do tell me I've gotten better," she said.

"We aren't looking to make a profit from our little cafe, just enough to cover costs - so the coffee prices are the best you'll find anywhere."

Initially, residents were taking their coffees away for a walk or back home, but as restrictions have eased, they've been able to sit in smaller socially distanced groups.

"We arranged some takeaway cups through our coffee supplier, and I set up a tab system so that we didn't have to handle or carry cash. This way the residents can pop by whenever they want without worrying about keeping money with them. My office is right nearby so if I'm not in the window there's a little bell they can ring, and I'll come right out.

"It's also been a great opportunity for me to have regular interaction with the residents and get to know our community better."

The initiative has been so successful Allison has even added some themed days, including lunchtime hot dogs on a Wednesday.

"We were all missing our monthly coffee club and happy hours, and to have nothing was awful, but the Hole in the Wall café has lifted everyone's spirits," resident Jill Chambers said.

"We can bring visitors over here now, too," Carol added.

Fellow resident Peter Cooper sums the venture up well.

It's "a very successful operation".

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.