HAPPY NEWS: A new business that offers culinary delights and employs people with a disability is about to open.
In just a few weeks you’ll be able to indulge in gourmet sandwiches and enjoy a selection of cheese and smallgoods when The Deli opens to the public.
Renovations to the old Petro’s Chicken and Carvery on Targo Street are creating a new deli-styled eatery, takeaway and delivery service.
What's on the menu
On the menu will be a selection of gourmet sandwiches, including the Reuben, club and Havana, along with a variety of ever-changing toasties.
Or perhaps you’d like a cheese platter with the option to choose three cheeses and two meats of your choice.
And if you’re still looking for something else, you could try one of the fondues, cob loafs or a sweet or savoury muffin.
But Bundaberg’s newest food cove will also be something a little different.
Supporting people with disabilities
The Deli will be operated by Integrated Disability Support Service and will have a focus on helping people with a disability gain open employment.
IDSS chief executive Michelle McPhee said the aim was to build an environment for people with disabilities to grow both personally and professionally in a way that enhances diversity, socialisation and a sense of self worth.
Michelle said the not-for-profit organisation’s hope was to make a difference in the community.
With a background in disability support, Michelle knows first-hand how hard it can be for a person with a disability to be given the chance to gain open employment.
Michelle said open employment meant the person with a disability would be given the same wage as everyone else, and not under the supported wage scheme.
“It’s really hard to get people with a disability in to employment,” she said.
“It’s actually next to near impossible.
“There will be an option for the employee to have a support worker by their side until they learn the ropes and are comfortable and confident.”
More micro-businesses on the way
The idea came about as a micro-business, which has been driven by participation in the disability area.
“We hold cooking classes and 20 to 30 people came each week – there was a lot of expressed interest from our NDIS participants,” Michelle said.
“And instead of opening another café, we thought a deli would be perfect.
“I mean who doesn’t love a good cheese platter?”
Michelle said The Deli would give customers a unique opportunity to indulge in the culinary delights of Australian sourced meats, cheeses and would be fully licensed with a selection of wines.
“We are really hoping to capitalise on Bundaberg’s love for food,” she said.
“It’s not just eat in, people can stop in and grab a platter on the way to the beach on the weekend, or we can deliver to businesses around the area.”
Other IDSS micro-businesses, that will be up and running in the near future, include a mobile dog wash, and a juice van.
Check out The Deli’s Facebook for updates and an official opening date.
Earlier this month Carinbundi also announced it was set to build a small complex of two four-bedroom homes for people with a disability after a large bequest was left to the local organisation. Read about this story here.
