Cookery Nook has long been a part of Mercy Community, having supported people with disabilities since the 1970’s. With the rollout of the NDIS across Brisbane in 2019, Cookery Nook has grown to become one of Brisbane’s best kept catering secrets.
Cookery Nook provides meaningful employment and training to people living with disabilities, supporting them to achieve their goals and build their capacity in a work environment. They operate the same as other businesses, however their employees are supported at work to build their skills and capacity. By providing a supported and safe work environment, employees have an opportunity to learn new skills, earn income and participate in a wider social network.
For the past three years, Cookery Nook’s business has grown only through word of mouth providing business, event, and party catering across the greater Brisbane area, including the Sunshine and Gold Coasts. Now with their new look website and online ordering system they are looking forward to growing their client base even more.
Through this social enterprise located at Mercy Community’s Nudgee campus on Brisbane’s Northside, our head chef and team leader, Andrew Carroll has created a safe and respectful work environment for Cookery Nook’s team who are all NDIS participants. From the high staff morale it is evident that the staff enjoy their working environment which allows them to build friendships, learn new skills and gain experience at the same time.
“Their work in the kitchen gives them a sense of purpose and pride, and offers opportunities for socialising they may not have at home. The team are supported through their training to build their skills within the kitchen,” says Carroll.
From their employment at Cookery Nook, members of the team are now looking forward to what could be next for them in their hospitality careers including team members Daniel, who really enjoys the work and the opportunity to build his skills as a caterer and Nathan, who aspires to become a baker.
Culinary creative, Nathan says, “I appreciate Cookery Nook as it gives me an opportunity to work on my kitchen skills, as well as create and practice new menu items.”
The menu items cater for all meals and include fresh baked pastries, wraps, rolls, crudité, and sweets platters. Their doughnut platter and handmade Belgian chocolates are very popular with many of their clients. Ingredients are sourced from local suppliers and the menu includes a variety of gluten free, vegetarian, vegan, and other special dietary selections.
Through Cookery Nook’s website you can order food for your next event or meeting and enjoy free delivery within a 5km radius of Brisbane’s CBD.
