A supported pathway into real workplace experience for people with disability, delivered in a working commercial kitchen and community café.
Many people with disability have the skills and the desire to work, but limited access to meaningful workplace experience. The Community Kitchen Pathways Program is a 16-week pilot that bridges that gap, giving participants practical skills, confidence and industry experience while contributing to something bigger than themselves.
Henry’s story is a wonderful reminder of what can happen when someone is given the opportunity to learn, contribute and show what they can do.
His enthusiasm, determination and pride have inspired everyone around him. Watching Henry receive this recognition captures something very special about the Community Kitchen Pathways Program: it’s not just about learning workplace skills, but building confidence, connection and a real sense of belonging.
of supported workplace learning
in each program cycle
internships
Participants work alongside our staff and volunteers in a live commercial kitchen and community café. They contribute to meals that go out to older Australians across our community, and they build experience they can take to a future employer.
What participants take part in
Food safety, kitchen skills and hospitality.
Confidence, independence and teamwork.
Staff, volunteers, customers and mentors.
Real workplace, a paid internship & genuine employment pathway.
Induction, workplace orientation and the foundations of working in a commercial kitchen.
Hands-on experience across food packing, kitchen and café operations, with a credible reference at the end.
Paid internship opportunities for participants ready to take the next step.
A practical bridge from supported participation into ongoing work.
The program is delivered by The Village Chef by Meals on Wheels and Hidden Garden Community Café, a social enterprise of Gordon-Pymble Uniting Church.
Hidden Garden brings experience supporting people with disability in a café setting.
The Village Chef brings a commercial kitchen, experienced staff, a strong volunteer network and a large community service reach. Together we can offer something neither organisation could deliver alone.
Your support directly funds the people, training and supervision that make this program work.
What your support covers
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Local Business Awards 2026. Recognised for excellence in strengthening communities through food, connection and innovation.
To learn. To contribute. To belong. What they need is someone who believes in them enough to open the door.
One program. Two community partners. A pathway from potential to possibility.
