Civic Disability Services was pleased to welcome the NSW Disability Minister, Ray Williams, to its Nowra café on Wednesday morning.
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Mr Williams, along South Coast MP Shelley Hancock and Kiama MP Gareth Ward came to celebrate the success of the café which provides employment for people with disability.
More than four million people in Australia have some form of disability with people aged between 15 and 64 years having higher unemployment rates (9.4%) than people without disability.
Nourish café and catering provides training, employment and community engagement opportunities for people with disability in the North Nowra area.
Various roles are offered including serving customers and food preparation in the kitchen for both the café and catering services.
“Getting my job back with Nourish has given me power in ways that I can pay my mortgage and continue living on my own to increase my health,” Nourish worker Matt Dodd said.
“Nourish staff workers take so much care of us - it’s like hanging out with my friends where I can be myself, make jokes and nobody judges.
“They even shouted me a haircut and a professional shave.
“Sometimes we hang out after work and we have a meal and a drink.”
Mr Williams praised Nourish Cafe for the role it plays in the community.
“The establishment of Nourish Café by Civic Disability Services has provided meaningful employment opportunities for local people with disability,” Mr Williams said.
“The NSW Government is committed to creating inclusive communities and is working hard to ensure both the private and public sector understand the value of employing people with disability.”