A family-run cafe that provides employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism has opened in Joondalup, Perth's north. The Good Company & Co Cafe offers hands-on training and jobs through a Certificate II in Hospitality, helping participants build skills, confidence, and community.
The cafe, located on Regents Park Road near Joondalup Health Campus, was inspired by the Hickman family's efforts to find meaningful work for their son Ben, who has autism. After finishing school, Ben became withdrawn and his skills regressed due to a lack of social interaction. His parents, Kerry and Lee Hickman, started Divine Social, an events business for people with disabilities, which now has over 150 active participants.
Despite Divine Social's success, finding employment for Ben and others remained difficult, leading to the cafe's creation. “Ben had always dreamed of being a chef, but no one wanted to give him a chance,” Kerry Hickman said. “So we decided to create the opportunity for him and others like him.”
Team members rotate through roles such as barista, customer service, chef, and kitchen hand. The cafe is designed to be a space where participants contribute to every part of the business. “It’s all so important to people’s mental health, having routine, friendship, and meaningful activity,” Ms Hickman said. “Every coffee, every meal, and every conversation helps someone take their next step.”
Since opening in late September, the cafe has seen participants gain confidence and skills. “We’ve already been absolutely blown away by how quickly they’re learning, how keen and enthusiastic they are,” Ms Hickman said. The community response has been “phenomenal” and “heartwarming.”
Employment remains a challenge for adults with autism in Australia, with only about 42 per cent employed compared to 84.9 per cent of working-age adults without disability. The cafe is funded by the government via Disability Employment Services and provides six months of practical experience, aiming to transition participants into other jobs. Ms Hickman hopes to open more cafes and inspire others to follow suit.
