News: New local business, the Ability Cafe, will host Murray Bridge’s first street fete in two years
*This article was written for an assessment and does not represent real events.
Genuine Support Services Australia (GSSA) will host Murray Bridge’s first street fete in two years to celebrate the opening of their latest endeavour, the Ability Cafe, on June 11.
The Ability Cafe – located on 4 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge – is run by the local NDIS provider, GSSA. The business sets the goal of offering new opportunities to people living with disabilities by being exclusively staffed by GSSA clients and their support workers.
Ability Cafe hopes to see the town rally behind them at the upcoming street fete in support of this incredible endeavour.
The festivities will begin at 12:00pm on June 11 and stalls, staffed by GSSA clients and their support workers, will line Seventh street.
The stalls will sell wares from local businesses, produce from Murray Lands farmers, and homemade goods created by The Ability Cafe team.
Gabrielle Mackenzie, manager of Genuine Support Services Australia and The Ability Cafe, hopes this will be an event that brings the town together after a difficult year of separation. “The Ability Cafe was created to offer new learning opportunities to the GSSA clients, but we are hoping this event proves to be an opportunity for the entire town.”
“It is an opportunity to come together for a positive event, support our local businesses and farmers and show our support for the members of the community that we feel often get overlooked – people with disabilities.”
In an interview with the Murray Bridge News (2021), Ms Mackenzie explained why mental health issues, such as depression and isolation, are a very real part of living with a disability. “Social inclusion isn’t there. I wanted to give (our clients) something that helps alleviate (the) contributing factors to mental health problems.”
Laura Ashryver, a client of GSSA and team member at The Ability Cafe, said preparing for her new job and the upcoming fete has been a blast. “I love having somewhere fun and supportive to go each day. It’s a wonderful feeling, to have a positive reason to get out of bed each day and to know you’ll be surrounded by people that care about you.”
The town members are also excited to support the upcoming event and their newest local business. The Murray Bridge community has taken to social media to spread the message and encourage friends and family to show support for their community on June 11.
One Facebook user wrote, “Now this is what community is all about! Boosting each other up, creating opportunities and doing away with what is accepted in favour of what is needed. Kudos to Gabrielle Mackenzie and her team for creating a business this town needs!”
While another local wrote, “Wow! Will definitely be adding June 11 to my calendar. What an incredible way to show our community pride after a year of feeling so isolated from each other.”
The team at Ability Cafe are overwhelmed and deeply grateful for the way the town has rallied behind them. “The community,” said Ms Mackenzie, “has really taken this idea and run with it. Something that begun as a dream is snowballing into a reality that we all hope will create positive change.”
Ability Cafe will be open throughout the street fete for anyone looking for a hot beverage and a nice meal.
After June 11, the cafe will be open each weekday 8:00am to 4:00pm at 4 Seventh Street, Murray Bridge.
Please note: COVID-19 safety procedures and guidelines will be in effect at the event. The festivities are approved by the local authorities, who will be in attendance to ensure everyone’s safety. Check in QR codes and manual sign in options will be available at the fete.
