Community
21 February, 2026
Chaotic few years for coffee van as birthday looms
TIA Fanning says she never thought she would see the day Caffeinated Chaos turned two. But she’s glad she will on Sunday.
TIA Fanning says she never thought she would see the day Caffeinated Chaos turned two.
But she’s glad she will on Sunday.
“I just want to acknowledge the journey it’s taken to get here,” Ms Fanning said.
“I look back now and 12 months ago I wouldn’t have even thought we would have made it this far.
“There’s one local lady who basically saved me from going belly up - I’m forever grateful for her.”
This time last year, Ms Fanning lay in a hospital bed, wondering if she would ever make a coffee for someone out of that van again.
“Since then though, I’ve had brilliant people like Zali come on board and now I have Taylor and Indi here too,” she said.
“They’ve all rallied together and are keeping the van going no matter what my body decides is happening that day.”
Ms Fanning said ever since leaving her hospitality jobs in Bendigo those few years ago, she’s always aimed to put her customers first.
“I want to go above and beyond for them because I wouldn’t be able to do this without them,” she said.
“It’s at the point now where I know what time of day it is based on who comes up to the van and I can always have their coffee there ready for them.
“I want to make sure all dietry requirements are catered for, but through the food I serve and the drinks I make them. I’ve even gone as far as to label one of my steam wands ‘Cows Milk Only’, just in case someone with a nut allergy comes along that day.
“I wouldn’t be here without everyone’s support, so it’s the least I can do.”
Ms Fanning is excited to see Charlton flourishing as her van’s birthday coincides with OK Motels coming back to town.
“It’s going to be a massive few days for the town, but it will be so much fun,” she said.
“I’m going to be opening up a bit later on the Sunday so we can all recover a little bit from the two days before.
“My hope is we will be able to soothe a few headaches with a coffee and cake and hopefully encourage people to stick around in town for a little bit longer.”
The morning will be like every great party you’ve ever been to - with cake for everyone and party bags with sunflower seeds.
“The idea came to me when I planted 12 sunflower plants along the fence near the van and only a few survived,” Ms Fanning said.
“We’ll have cake for everyone with as many dietry requirements as possible.
“You can’t have a party without them honestly.” Want to spend the day looking like a mermaid or unicorn too?
There will also be the opportunity to have your hair braided and glittered by Mermaid Threads across the OK Motels weekend.
You can find Ms Fanning and her team behind the Travellers Rest for cake at 9.30am on the morning of Sunday, February 22.
Read More: Charlton