General News
26 May, 2024
Beloved cafe officially in new hands
A ceremonial handover of the YarriYak Cafe from Woodbine Inc. to the management of Rural Northwest Health (RNH) took place early last week, with Woodbine representatives joining RNH staff to mark the transition.
![RNH Project Officer Bernie O'Connor (former Woodbine CEO), Woodbine Corporate Services Manager Sharon Brown, Woodbine Client Services Manager Cathy Milne, YarriYak Cafe assistants Amber O'Connor and Jarod Wilson, RNH Executive Manager Environmental Services David Siddall and YarriYak Cafe assistant Leanne Stewart. Photo: RURAL NORTHWEST HEALTH](https://wmnnews-4634.kxcdn.com/img/containers/assets/news/image-1716679539.jpg/73cc13e46c82121d4169dfa4a67a1a85.jpg)
Situated on the RNH Warracknabeal campus, the YarriYak Cafe opened in February 2016 under the management of Woodbine with the aim of employing those with disabilities to learn vital customer services skills, as well as cash handling and barista skills.
The cafe transitioned into RNH management on April 30.
RNH chief executive Jenni Masters said the new management would continue to offer the same opportunities for people with disabilities to gain those skills.
She said as they are still in the "settling in" phase, but that a group would soon be formed to discuss future plans for the cafe.
"We'll be thinking about how we can offer opportunities to people with a disability, and opportunities for our staff to expand their skillsets," Ms Masters said.
"It's all about engaging with the community and residents."
She said the group will discuss using the YarriYak Cafe to create more opportunity for expansion by building connections between other areas of the RNH campus .
Ms Masters explained during the official handover that there had previously been plans to expand the YarriYak Cafe, but once the Covid pandemic hit, those plans were brought to a stand still.
"There's a small food prep space in the cafe, and we have a fully functioning kitchen space that we can utilise," Ms Masters said.
Cafe staff Leanne and Jarod have stayed on with RNH management.
YarriYak Cafe is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 3pm serving dietitian-approved food and drinks.