An inclusive and accessible café that has just opened on the NSW Central Coast is a first for the region to offer employment and training opportunities for people with disability.
An initiative from Royal Rehab, Breaking Grounds café features accessible entryways with wheelchair friendly tables and benches, high-quality, locally sourced food and coffee. The café’s primary espresso machine, donated by Allpress coffee, is placed on an adjustable bench, allowing a comfortable workstation for staff including wheelchair and mobility aid users. An automatic coffee grinder and tamp adds to the accessibility for staff.
Royal Rehab CEO Matt Mackay said every element of the café is designed to be accessible for everyone in the community. “Our goal is to provide a space where people with disability can feel comfortable and included, while also showcasing the many benefits of accessible design.”
The café will provide hands-on training for people with disability, including those facing challenges such as poor mental or physical health, long-term unemployment, unmet educational goals, or homelessness. The first class of trainees is already underway, where students will complete three nationally accredited units as part of a Certificate II in Workplace Skills.
Samantha, a School Leaver Employment Support participant at breakthru, a wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Rehab, described the café, “as a very inclusive space that allows people with disability to learn new skills.”
Located on Bryant Drive, Tuggerah, the café is part of a building that includes disability support services, medical clinics, the local member’s office and the headquarters of the Central Coast Mariners.
Photo: MP for Gosford Liesl Tesch at the café opening