By MATT NICHOLLS
KEVIN Meade’s dream to build a cafe at the Ascent Group was realised on Friday as acting CEO Diane Grey paid tribute to her late predecessor, who died in December.
In a moving speech at Friday’s official opening, Ms Gray said Mr Meade would have been thrilled with the final product – a $100,000 kitchen and dining facility inside the group’s Acacia Park premisis.
“This was Kevin Meade’s dream,” she said. “Not only will this facility enhance the lives of those employed here, but it will also enhance their skills.”
The Ascent Group employs 35 people with disabilities who work in printing and packing services, as well as confidential shredding, paper and cardboard recycling and office cleaning services.
The new facility, funded by a $95,000 grant by the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, will give Ascent employees an opportunity for hospitality training.
The cafe was an extension of the former staff canteen.
“This will be an amazing opportunity for our supported employees to learn new skills and also for our staff and others who work in the industrial estate to have a café nearby,” Ms Grey said.
“We are very grateful to Newcastle Permanent for funding this project and to all the people who have worked on making it happen.”
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall officially opened the new cafe, with support from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation chairman Mike Slater.
