Star Cafe serves up vital job skills

A NEW cafe in Torquay will officially open next week, not only marking International Day of People with Disability but also giving local residents with disability an opportunity to gain useful job skills.

Run by VMCH at its Star of the Sea Aged Care Residence, Star Café is a social enterprise aimed at helping people build skills and experience in a real-life working environment on their pathway to finding paid employment.

More than 10 trainees will be supported by hospitality and disability support workers over the next 12 months, serving Torquay locals and visitors with delicious food and great coffee.

Tomorrow (Saturday, December 3) is International Day of People with Disability, aimed to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, recent figures show working-age people with disability are twice as likely as those without disability to be unemployed, and insufficient work experience is one of the most common reasons people with disability have difficulty finding work.

Star Café co-ordinator Cathy Rundle, a former disability support worker, educator and restaurant owner, said there was a real need for this kind of learning hub on the Surf Coast.

“This café will provide a much-needed supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can feel comfortable and gain skills and knowledge that can lead to meaningful employment opportunities.”

Star Café follows the success of VMCH’s first social enterprise café Where Is My Coffee?, which opened last year in Wangaratta and has given 22 people work experience, with two going on to find paid work and six more transitioning to paid roles.

Ms Rundle’s 20 years of experience as a chef will also be invaluable to support trainees who want to build on their culinary skills, with her homemade cakes and biscuits already popular since the café’s soft opening two months ago.

She said Star Café’s intergenerational benefits were also what set it apart.

“It’s been received extremely well by visitors so far. The excellent coffee, homemade sweets and lunch options have been a hit. The aged care residents are wonderful and are excited to have this café so close to home.

“Once we welcome more trainees, the relationships between generations will be something beneficial and truly unique.”

Carlyn is one of Star Café’s first two trainees and said interacting with customers has already helped to build her confidence.

The 22-year-old is hopeful perfecting practical skills like making muffins, sandwiches, cleaning and washing up will help her secure paid employment down the track.

“I knew Cathy before because she was my trainer at Encompass (day program),” she said. “I’m enjoying my time here, especially having hot chocolates and iced chocolates, and when Cathy brings her dog Rosie to visit the café.”