Empowering Lives: New Café Creates Job Opportunities for People with Disabilities

A Café with a Purpose

A new social enterprise café, The Plant Room, has launched at HammondCare’s flagship aged care home in Hammondville, Sydney, providing supported employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Operated by The Disability Trust, this café builds on the success of its first location at HammondCare’s Horsley dementia care village, the first of its kind co-located within a dementia care community.

Under the guidance of hatted chef Lorenzo Pagnan, The Plant Room offers barista-made coffee and fresh, high-quality food for residents, their loved ones, staff, and the wider Hammondville community. This initiative not only enhances the café experience but also empowers supported employees with real-life hospitality experience.

HammondCare CEO Andrew Thorburn, who officially opened the café with The Disability Trust’s Acting CEO Tarryn Bracken, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "We are delighted that a wonderful venture like this that can change the lives of supported employees will be part of our Hammondville community."

The new café strengthens the relationship between HammondCare and The Disability Trust, both committed to creating inclusive spaces that foster skills development and independence for people with disabilities.

Building Skills for Employment

Mathew McIntyre, The Disability Trust’s Chief Operating Officer – Employment & Enterprises, emphasized the importance of providing meaningful employment pathways. He stated, "Our goal with this venture is to develop the skills and experience of our supported employees so they can pursue open employment in the hospitality industry."

Each supported employee at The Plant Room sets personal goals before joining the team and receives training on how to engage with people living with dementia. One employee, 27-year-old Oliver, is excited about his role, stating, "I have many jobs to do including taking orders, serving food, washing dishes, and cleaning up."

A Culinary Experience for the Community

With a menu similar to the Horsley café, Hammondville’s Plant Room serves a variety of fresh dishes, including its signature chicken schnitzel wrap. Chef Lorenzo Pagnan describes it as having a real crunch and an Asian flavor. Two supported employees and two café coordinators will be on-site at any time, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.

The Plant Room Café at Hammondville is now open to the public Monday to Saturday from 8am to 3pm, inviting everyone to enjoy great coffee and food while supporting a truly inclusive initiative.