From left: Eastern Regions Mental Health Association CEO Peter Waters, Make a Difference trainees Jenny Raby and Antoni Hemetsberger, and project manager Anthony Cheeseman are learning food preparation skills.By Shaun Inguanzo
A DANDENONG business owner is brewing up a plan that would make the city home to a one-of-a-kind cafe.
Anthony Cheeseman, owner of Cheesy’s cafe in Dandenong Plaza, is training people with psychiatric disabilities to work in the catering industry.
Mr Cheeseman is also considering selling his business to Eastern Regions Mental Health Association (ERMHA), the biggest provider of mental health services in the south east, so the trainees have a guaranteed place of employment.
Mr Cheeseman has now taken up the position as project manager and will work with ERMHA on the Make a Difference Catering Group project.
He said he was working hard to train clients in all aspects of commercial cafe and catering operations.
Mr Cheeseman said some had already found jobs within the city of Dandenong.
“I am really encouraged by the level of enthusiasm shown by the group and at how quickly they are picking up the skills needed to succeed,” he said.
“It’s incredible to watch how these people who have been essentially cast off by society can feel that they are valuable and worthwhile again, simply by being given the opportunity to participate in a real business venture with real deadlines and a real product.”
In a heartwarming twist, the trainees put their studies on hold last weekend to raise funds at the Dandenong Plaza for poverty-stricken people in Asia and Australia.
One of the Make a Difference clients raising funds, Jenny Raby, said she had a good day.
“Today was great fun. Being on the food production team has given me motivation and more confidence,” she said.
“I have so much more energy in the mornings and looked forward to the day ahead because I have a purpose.”
Mr Cheeseman said Ms Raby had been part of the program for six weeks, and he had noticed significant changes.
“Jenny is now more outgoing and looks forward to participating in ERMHA’s Life Skills program, essentially taking the first steps to employment, further education and a better quality of life,” he said.
Anyone wanting information on the Make a Difference program can contact Anthony Cheeseman on 9706 7388.
