A social enterprise project developed by the Drummoyne-based Touched by Olivia Foundation and supported by the City of Canada Bay has become a blueprint for similar initiatives across Australia, says Mayor Angelo Tsirekas.
The project included a pop-up café at Timbrell Park, Five Dock, which - for the past 12 months - has offered employment opportunities for people with a disability, while raising money for the Touched by Olivia Foundation.
“Livvi’s Cafe opened at Livvi’s Place in Five Dock as a pilot project last year. Its aim was to contribute funding to the Touched by Olivia charity and towards the upkeep of Livvi’s Place playground, while also providing employment opportunities for people with a disability,” Mayor Tsirekas said.
“We’ve been thrilled with the success of this initiative and have agreed to support the Café as a permanent fixture. We are very proud to support Livvi’s Place which benefits the whole community.”
Livvi’s Café was designed to be a sustainable model of funding, offering programs and employment opportunities for people with a disability in the community. The project was made possible thanks to the donation of the café structure by Stockland, and the provision of the site rent-free during the trial period by the City of Canada Bay.
Speaking at the City of Canada Bay’s Council meeting on Tuesday, 18 August, John Perkins from Touched by Olivia said the initiative showcased what social enterprise was all about.
“We are lucky enough to have the support of Council, as well as sourcing corporate sponsorship to make this happen,” Mr Perkins said. “The seed was sown here in Canada Bay at Livvi’s Place and Livvi’s Café and has grown across Australia.
“We now have a partnership with Break Thru employment that will ensure that every year, 10 people with a disability for each playground with a social enterprise café, will achieve a certificate in hospitality and will be gainfully employed in the industry.”
The café complements Livvi’s Place, which was launched in 2009 and is the flagship inclusive play space of the Touched by Olivia Foundation. It was designed in consultation with experts in the areas of play, disability, and landscaping, along with the local community.
Livvi’s Place was built for children with all forms of disability and from all parts of Sydney. The playground’s unique design and equipment addresses the needs of children with various forms of disability including mobility, vision and hearing impairments, as well as spectrum disorders such as autism.
The Touched by Olivia Foundation was founded by Justine and John Perkins after they tragically lost their baby daughter Olivia to a rare illness at just eight months old. Following this devastating event, John and Justine devoted themselves to positively enhancing the lives of children and their families. The Touched by Olivia Foundation was a step towards realising the dream that has become Olivia’s legacy.
Livvi’s Place was the first playground the Foundation delivered and like the Café, has been a blue-print for inclusive play spaces across Australia.
Council has contributed the following to Livvi’s Café:
The benefits of Livvi’s Place and Livvi’s Café to the community include: