Jess, Zander and Aaron, employees at the Ucan Cafe. 78008 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
By VANESSA CHIRCOP
FOR many of the employees, working at the UCAN Café is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity.
The unique café, based at Altona North Community Library, offers opportunities to members of the community who typically struggle to find employment.
The project taps into the potential of people who are often forgotten, giving them not just training and employment, but purpose.
Last week the UCAN Café won the LGPro Award for Excellence – Service Delivery Initiative at an award ceremony at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Hobsons Bay Mayor Tony Briffa said he was thrilled by the award but also delighted that the council had been able to partner with the UCAN Café Steering Committee and Yooralla to deliver the project to the community.
“Anyone who has visited the UCAN Café would be aware of the wonderful employment and training opportunity the cafe gives people with a disability,” Cr Briffa said.
“It is such a heart-warming experience to visit the café for their friendly service and beautiful food, I am so excited that their work has been recognised with such a prestigious award.
“UCAN Café has been an exciting initiative and I know the success of such a venture will inspire other councils to look at ways they too can provide opportunities for every member of their community to feel valued and included.”
The UCAN Café is now also offering catering, for information call 93917929.
