Vision
For adults with special needs to experience meaningful employment in a commercial environment.
Mission
To create a range of innovative employment opportunities for adults with special needs
To provide quality products and service in a caring work environment
To facilitate best practice models that integrate people with special needs into a business environment
To promote community awareness of the value of adults with special needs
The Evolution of dal
Lack of employment opportunities for school leavers with disability in Geelong was the driving force behind founder, Marie Kuchenmeister OAM passion and determination to provide employment in a commercially viable business for this group of young people.
In 1989 a steering committee established to investigate employment opportunities was led by Marie with strong support by the Nelson Park School (formerly Geelong Special School). The first Committee of Management was formed in 1991, auspiced by the Barwon Disability Resource Council, until Corio Bay Innovators became incorporated in its own right in1992.
Marie, two part time supervisors and four young adults with disabilities opened a café, Dial-A-Lunch, in Little Ryrie Street in November 1991. By 2003 Dial-A-Lunch had grown to become dal Gourmet Café & Catering with two busy cafes in Little Ryrie St and Pakington St and a very successful catering business, training and employing over 50 young adults with disabilities.
In 2011 dal was recognised with the Australian Disability Enterprise Excellence Award for best practice in innovative training and employment, social inclusion and participation, followed by a visit from then Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
An unsustainable rent hike forced the closure of the Pakington St café in 2013 and prompted the consolidation of new office and training facilities adjacent to the café and kitchen in Little Ryrie St. At the same time, dal was approached by Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College to operate the school canteen, followed by Geelong High in 2014. Students at both schools enjoy dal’s wholesome food.
dal became a registered provider of the National Disability Insurance Scheme in 2013 and is well regarded for the range of vocational training and employment options available to participants.
In 2016 dal Café & Catering celebrated 25 years of service to the Geelong Community. Newly renovated premises and a contemporary rebrand sees dal ready to serve for the next 25 years.
Since September 2019 we now successfully operate from 2 great locations - Cafe/Alfresco 4 Little Ryrie Street and Catering/Cafe 241 Moorabool St, Geelong.We also continue to service Geelong High School's canteen operation.
Certifications and Awards
2021 NDIS Practice Standards Certification
2019 National Standards for Disability Services Certification
2019 Victorian Department of Health & Human Standards Certification
2013 Presentation to the 29th Pacific Rim International Conference on Disability and Diversity
2011 Winner, Australian Disability Enterprise Excellence Award
2005 Finalist, Regional Employer of the Year - Victorian Training Awards