BRENDAN Wiseman works shifts at Cafe W in Seaford and Sages Café in Baxter as part of a hospitality career the 23-year-old has built over the past year.
Wiseman, who lives with an intellectual disability, joined disability employment provider Wallara Australia after finishing school to explore different job paths. He has since gained experience in coffee-making, customer service and food safety.
“It’s good for your mental health to interact with people. You don’t want to be isolated,” said Wiseman.
“I’ve progressed in choosing what to say around people and increased my social network. It’s really good.”
Wiseman has gained his Responsible Service of Alcohol certificate and an accredited food safety certificate, and now also volunteers behind the bar at his local football club.
His mother, Trudy De Vries, said the change in her son had been significant.
“Before Wallara, we had no idea what the future would look like,” said De Vries.
“Now he has confidence, social skills, and is part of the community.”
Nationally, people with disability face an unemployment rate more than double that of the general population – 7.5% compared with 3.1% in 2022, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Just 23% of NDIS participants in the labour force were in full-award-wage open employment as at late 2023–24, AIHW data shows.
Wallara’s hospitality employees have served more than 43,000 coffees over the past 12 months across five venues on the peninsula and in Melbourne’s east, including the two Wiseman works at.
More than 40 supported employees currently work across Wallara’s hospitality venues, according to senior manager of hospitality Mary Hannett.
“For clients transitioning from Wallara’s hospitality day programs into supported employment, the journey is designed to build hospitality skills, confidence and experience while supporting employment goals,” said Hannett.
“Guided by qualified chefs and baristas, clients develop practical skills in a supportive environment while connecting with customers, colleagues and the wider community.”
Wallara’s hospitality pathway begins in its Learning and Lifestyle day programs, which run across eight locations. General manager of Learning and Lifestyle Romaine Kakoulilis said Wiseman’s progress reflected what the program aims to achieve.
“It’s where Brendan started, exploring what he was good at and what he enjoyed,” said Kakoulilis.
“The pathway into supported and open employment takes time, the right opportunities and great coaching. Brendan’s journey shows what is possible when all those pieces come together.”
First published in the Mornington News – 14 July 2026
