Bellfield, Victoria – September 2026 – The Bridge Employment, in partnership with Banyule City Council, is proud to announce the launch of The Bridge Bites & Brews, a new inclusive café creating meaningful supported employment opportunities for people with disability.

Located next door to the Banyule City Council Hub in Bellfield on Daphne Street, The Bridge Bites & Brews Café has been developed to provide participants with purpose driven hospitality experience in a supportive environment. In this hands-on workplace, participants will build skills in customer service, food preparation, coffee making, workplace communication and teamwork, while gaining valuable experience, confidence and pathways towards future employment with the support of experienced staff.

The initiative reflects a shared commitment between The Bridge Employment and Banyule City Council to increasing workforce participation and helping people with disability achieve their career aspirations

Richard Dawe, Chief Executive Officer of The Bridge Inc, said the café represents an exciting step forward for supported employment in the Banyule area.

“The Bridge Bites & Brews is a place where people can develop practical skills, gain workplace experience, build confidence and independence. Meaningful employment opportunities can have a profound impact on independence, wellbeing and community connection, and we are proud to partner with Banyule City Council to bring this vision to life.”

The café responds to the growing demand for supported pathways into work, providing participants with opportunities to apply their learning in a genuine workplace environment.

The Bridge Employment is currently seeking enthusiastic participants interested in joining the Bites & Brews team. Opportunities are available across:

  • Barista – Learning coffee making and beverage preparation while building customer service skills.
  • Front of House – Greeting customers, taking orders and creating a positive café experience.
  • Back of House – Supporting food preparation, kitchen operations and maintaining a safe, organised workspace.

The partnership demonstrates a commitment to fostering a more inclusive local community where people with disability can contribute, participate and thrive.

A Banyule City Council spokesperson said the partnership aligns with Council’s vision for an inclusive and connected community.

“The Bridge Bites & Brews is an exciting example of how community partnerships can create opportunities for people with disability to build confidence, contribute to the workplace and strengthen their connection to the wider community. We are pleased to support an initiative that contributes to a more inclusive Banyule.”

In addition to creating employment pathways, The Bridge Bites & Brews will provide a welcoming community space where residents can come together over coffee while supporting a social enterprise with a strong community purpose.

The café is expected to open mid-October, with recruitment and training already underway.

For more information about The Bridge Bites & Brews or to express interest in joining the team, contact The Bridge Employment at enquiries@thebridgeinc.org.au or visit The Bridge website.

About The Bridge Employment

The Bridge Employment is part of The Bridge Inc.; a leading disability service provider committed to empowering lives and inspiring futures through holistic support. As a registered NDIS provider and Social Traders certified Social Enterprise, we create inclusive employment pathways that help people with disability build skills, achieve their employment goals, and increase their independence.

Media Contact:
Naomi Black
Executive Manager, Marketing, Brand and Engagement
The Bridge Employment
nblack@thebridgeinc.org.au