By NATALIE GALLENTI-BREKALO
A WILLIAMSTOWN mother has been recognised for her tireless efforts to make a difference in the lives of young people living with disability.
Michelle Whittingham was presented with a 2014 Hobsons Bay City Council Inspirational Women Award for her role in establishing and growing Yooralla social enterprise, UCAN Café.
UCAN Café aims to address the substantial barriers that people with disability face in Australia by providing employment and training at award wages to young people interested in the hospitality industry.
The humble single mum told Star her first reaction upon hearing about the award was “do I deserve it?”
“It was a real surprise because I didn’t even know I had been nominated but it’s really nice to have worked so hard and it’s nice to be recognised,” Ms Whittingham said.
The first UCAN Café was set up in August 2011 at Hobsons Bay Library and a second café and catering kitchen have recently opened in Williamstown and Windsor.
“When we were setting up the first UCAN Café I didn’t really know what to expect or what the staff would be capable of.
“What I discovered was that people with disability are just the same as the rest of us – they just have more challenges to deal with.”
Ms Whittingham described her job as “her guilty pleasure” and said she gets paid to do what she loves.
“I get to see the staff grow in confidence and their hopes have grown.
“Having a disability can be very confining… now they know their life is not just about getting a disability pension, they’re getting up in the morning, they have a future.
“As a mum I would want to know that there would be opportunities for my son… society needs to change. We’re a little café making a big difference.”
Anthony Putt, Yooralla’s general manager of social enterprises, said Michelle has been a driving force behind UCAN Café’s success.
“UCAN Café has employed 25 amazing staff and generated 25,000 hours of employment for young people with disability,” Mr Putt said.
“Michelle has worked her heart out to create an environment where people with disability can achieve and build their skills and confidence – for this she deserves to be recognised. She truly is inspirational.”
The Hobsons Bay City Council Inspirational Women awards will be presented by Mayor Sandra Wilson at a special ceremony later this year.
