Distinctive Options Noweyung has a a number of different pathways for employment.
A couple of years ago Daniel, having graduated from the East Gippsland Specialist School, was keen to find employment. Daniel’s disabilities made Supported Employment pathways an ideal first step. At the Distinctive Options Social Enterprise, Brew Crew Cafe, Daniel found his perfect fit. Daniel has taken a keen interest in the financial aspects of Brew Crew Cafe following its recent rebranding and upgrades. Daniel reviews the sales figures every Monday and suggests new recipes and strategies for increasing sales.
Daniel, as well as the other Supported Employees, feels a great sense of pride in what they have accomplished.
“Enjoy our freshly made cakes and slices. They are delicious,” Daniel said,
Jodie Wood, Brew Crew and Banksia Supervisor said “Daniel was very excited to start and was keen to learn”.
“Daniel has thrived in this environment and is a valued member of our staff and is a prime example of who we help mentor at the cafe. He has a real passion for his role as a kitchen hand,” she said.
The Brew Crew Café offers a unique approach to the traditional café experience, focusing on providing purposeful employment for people with disabilities in a cafe environment. Their mission is to promote inclusiveness and diversity, believing that these elements enrich everyone’s lives.
The Brew Crew Cafe team aims to help people excel and foster long-term cultural improvement by valuing the contributions and talents of everyone involved.
Located in Bairnsdale, the Brew Crew Cafe patrons can enjoy freshly made light lunches, cakes, slices, milkshakes, coffees and more. With both dine in and takeaway options available, the cafe caters for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea. The Brew Crew Café also offers catering services featuring a wide range of savoury and sweet options.
The cafe provides a superb Function Room available free of charge, with the only requirement being that patrons need to purchase food from the Brew Crew Cafe or use their catering services. It is ideal for community groups, meetings, business training sessions and group luncheons.
BANKSIA FINE FOODS
The award-winning Banksia Fine Foods is another Distinctive Options Disability Social Enterprise which complements Brew Crew Cafe. Banksia Fine Foods is proud to have provided training and employment for locals of all abilities since 2005.
The Banksia kitchen is located at Distinctive Options’ Nicholson Street site where, using locally sourced produce, they make quality jams, sauces, infused oils, relishes and hampers for wholesale and retail. The delicious Banksia products are, of course, incorporated into the Brew Crew Menu. Banksia products and Hampers are available to purchase from the Brew Crew Cafe, as well as several local stockists throughout Gippsland.
Banksia Fine Foods was thrilled to have recently been named as a finalist of the Food and Wine Producers – Performance Success Achievement Award at the Federation University Gippsland Business Awards. This recognition highlights the dedication and hard work of the team.
Rohan is a supported employee, who started with Distinctive Options Banksia Fine Foods last year. Rohan is learning all aspects of the Banksia Fine Food production.
“I love the variety of work, support and safe work environment that Banksia Fine Foods give me,” Rohan said.
Banksia Fine Foods and the Brew Crew Cafe currently employ 14 local supported employees. Many past employees have gone on to work in open employment. By choosing to purchase gourmet products from Banksia Fine Foods and visiting the Brew Crew Cafe, customers are supporting local people with a disability gain meaningful employment, build skills and contribute to the success of the business – giving them the opportunity to continue this valuable work of improving the lives of people with a disability in East Gippsland.
