June 2002

Staff show a latte talent

Coffee lovers in Parkdale are being served by a new café staffed by eight young people with a disability.

Community Services Minister Bronwyn Pike opened Café Escape in Carrier Avenue, Parkdale, a first for the bayside café set.

‘The Café Escape will undoubtedly challenge some stereotypes and change some minds for the better.

‘When Central Bayside Community Health Services found a vacant shop next door, its disability division established this café as community-based work activity for the people it helps.

‘Café Escape is adding much more than a dose of caffeine to the lives of local people.

‘These young people are being given the chance to learn catering and customer service while mixing with different kinds of people.

‘As they help to prepare food and tidy up, they develop valuable skills—and as they serve food, they meet the public.

‘In everything they do, the staff will contribute to the café’s success.’

The café opens weekdays and caters to staff at Central Bayside Community Health Services, the City of Kingston, Southern Health, Parkdale Plaza retail staff and the public.

Ms Pike said feedback from trainees had been very positive with some now encouraged to cook at home for themselves.

Community feedback has also been excellent.