The Central Coast’s first fully inclusive and accessible café at Tuggerah will open to the public on Wednesday, March 1.
A new initiative by for-purpose organisation Royal Rehab, known for its innovative approach to disability inclusion, the aim of the café is to provide a truly sustainable and inclusive space for everyone in the region while also offering employment and training opportunities for people with disability.
Breaking Grounds café is set to be a great example of accessible design and will feature a range of facilities aimed at accommodating people with disability.
The café features accessible entryways with wheelchair friendly tables and benches, all of which are seamlessly integrated into the design to create an environment that is welcoming to all.
It offers high-quality, locally sourced food, great coffee and a warm and inviting atmosphere.
The café’s primary espresso machine –donated by Allpress coffee – has been placed on and adjustable bench, allowing a comfortable workstation for staff of any stature, including wheelchair and mobility aid users.
An automatic coffee grinder and tamp also add to the accessibility for staff.
Royal Rehab CEO Matt Mackay said Breaking Grounds café is designed to look like any other mainstream café, but with accessible and inclusive features seamlessly integrated to demonstrate what organisations should strive to achieve in the future.
“Every element of this café is designed to be accessible for everyone in our community – both as customers and employees,” he said.
“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 launch of Breaking Grounds café comes as the Central Coast Disability Action Plan reveals alarmingly high rates of disability discrimination in the community.
Member for Wyong and Shadow Minister for Jobs, Investment & Tourism David Harris said the new café would be important in tackling the barriers placed around people with disability.
“As the Shadow Minister for Jobs, I understand the importance and opportunities presented by inclusive employment practices and skills development,” he said.
“I commend Breaking Grounds for their innovation and commitment to both the Central Coast Disability Action Plan and providing important employment opportunities.”
In addition to providing employment and training opportunities for people with disability, Breaking Grounds café is also set to play a role in resolving the issue of hospitality staff shortages on the Central Coast.
Despite the huge labour shortage across the country, people with disability still face high levels of unemployment.
“We really encourage local businesses to open their minds to employing someone with a disability,” Mackay said.
“People living with disability are a hugely untapped group that research shows are eager to work and are incredibly loyal.
“A diverse workforce is a strong workforce.”
Breaking Grounds café will provide hands-on training in the hospitality industry 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.
Located on the ground floor at 1 Bryant Dr, Tuggerah, the café is part of a building which includes disability support services, medical clinics and the headquarters of the Central Coast Mariners.
Source: Media release, Feb 21, 2023, Lanham Media