This month marked the unveiling of Civic’s new social enterprise, Civic Burger Kitchen, affectionately known as CBK. Located in Nowra, CBK is a cafe and burger restaurant, serving students and the general public at TAFE NSW, Nowra.

As well as burgers, the kitchen is cooking up pathways to employment for people with disability in the local area.

“We have recognised for a long time that there’s a need for inclusive workplaces for people with disability looking to learn new skills before entering mainstream employment,” says Joel Grove, Senior Manager, Civic Café and Catering. “Civic now operates six cafes, canteens and kitchens that not only provide a great service to their local neighbourhoods, but which provide opportunities for people with disability looking to enter the workforce for the first time while receiving supports as they learn employable skills across hospitality.”

CBK opened its doors on Monday 22nd July, just in time for students returning to their studies after the winter break. Located at 60 Beinda Street, Bomaderry, the café is also open to the public, welcoming anyone who wants to try a delicious burger, complete with “CBK Sauce”.

CBK is Civic’s second site in Nowra, complementing the established Café on Illaroo road. Working across both sites, Head Chef Matthew supports a number of people with disability in permanent employment, including Sarah Elliott, who has just three per cent vision.

“Civic have been incredibly supportive,” Sarah says. “These guys have given me the opportunity to do what open society says is impossible. And they’ve stood by me. And that means the world.”

About Employment Opportunities at Civic

A far cry from segregated employment, today Civic offers a range of exciting, contemporary disability employment supports, ranging from work experience and SLES to supported employment across a diverse range of workplaces.

Civic’s award-winning Crew model provides hybrid opportunities to work in mainstream environments, and our cafes and kitchens offer a supportive environment to embark on career pathways across hospitality and catering. We also benefit from partnerships with national brands, including BGIS, NSW Health and Thank You, helping us to provide a suite of employment opportunities that support anyone to take their first steps in their career.

As part of the Civic team, employees will have the opportunity to work with big-name brands, learn critical skills, make friends and get ongoing coaching and training, receiving the supports they need to be successful.

If you’re interested in exploring supported employment at one of our Kitchen and Catering social enterprises, located in Nowra, Engadine, Penrith, Jannali and Caringbah, contact us today by calling 1300 692 484, emailing enquiries@civic.org.au or click here to Apply Now. You can also find out more about pathways to employment by clicking here.