Empowering through skills – our Clarke Road disability hub launches innovative new programs

April 14, 2025

CatholicCare’s Clarke Road Disability Hub has undergone a vibrant transformation, driven by a clear vision – to build confidence, independence, and real-world skills for individuals with disabilities. At the heart of this shift is Community Programs Manager Menatalla, whose background in disability employment services and passion for skill development are reshaping what support programs can look like. 

“We’re not just filling time – we’re building futures,” says Menatalla. In just five months at Clarke Road, she’s revamped and launched several new programs, each one focused on learning, independence, and empowerment. 

FlavourAble: Cooking Up Confidence 

Held every Thursday, FlavourAble is more than a cooking class, it’s a full-day, hands-on culinary journey that gives participants a taste of independence. The program has quickly gained popularity, with growing attendance prompting consideration of expanding to two days a week. 

Led by a qualified chef, participants begin the day by choosing a recipe from one of three custom cookbooks designed by Menatalla. These are simple, accessible meals with limited ingredients. From there, participants create a shopping list, budget the cost of ingredients, and travel together to the local shopping centre to make their purchases. 

Back in the Hub’s kitchen, the group suits up in aprons and chef hats before prepping, cooking, and ultimately sharing the meal in a communal garden setting. Whether it’s chopping veggies or kneading dough, every participant plays a vital role. 

“It’s a full experience – from planning and shopping to cooking and cleaning,” Menatalla explains. “And the joy on their faces when they eat what they made—it’s something special.” 

With a structured progress evaluation checklist, staff can track individual development and tailor support to each participant’s needs. The program has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from families, support workers, and even occupational therapists. 

“We’ve had participants go home and cook for their families. One told me, ‘It took longer than it did at Waitara, but I got there.’ That’s what it’s all about,” Menatalla says. 

Green Thumbs Gardening Program  

On Tuesdays, the Hub comes alive with another hands-on initiative: Green Thumbs, a 26 week gardening program that immerses participants in the full cycle of plant care – from planting seeds to harvesting fresh produce. The revamped program moves away from passive observation and puts participants in the driver’s seat. It’s rich in sensory experiences and physical activity, helping build both gross and fine motor skills. 

“We’ve worked hard to make it truly interactive,” Menatalla says. “They’re not just watching anymore – they’re doing.” 

The gardening program also connects to the broader Clarke Road ecosystem. Vegetables grown in Green Thumbs are used in FlavourAble recipes, linking the two programs in a beautiful cycle of growth, learning, and nourishment. Support also comes from local council representatives who teach horticultural skills and help demystify gardening terminology. 

“It’s a space where participants learn, collaborate, and see the fruits of their labour, literally,” Menatalla adds. 

Click & Connect Computer Program 

Also on Tuesdays is Click & Connect, a 40 week computer literacy course that’s already making waves. Tailored to individual learning styles, it covers essential digital skills like internet safety, social media use, online banking, and even smartphone navigation. The structured curriculum allows participants to build skills progressively. By the end of the program, participants prepare a digital presentation showcasing what they’ve learned – an event attended by families, therapists, and coordinators. 

“They’re so proud of what they achieve,” says Menatalla. “The other day, someone asked me if I knew why the ‘F’ and ‘J’ keys on the keyboard have grooves. They were so excited to sit me down and explain why. That’s the magic of it.” 

This program is already drawing attention from local schools interested in post-Year 12 options for students passionate about technology. 

A vision for the future 

Beyond these core programs, Clarke Road is buzzing with plans for the future. Menatalla has plans to transform the back of the facility into a café, offering participants the chance to gain hospitality and customer service experience. She’s also exploring partnerships with aged care homes for volunteer placements and envisions expanding into structured work experience opportunities. 

“My goal is for participants to wake up each day with purpose, knowing they’re learning, contributing, and growing,” she says. “Clarke Road should be a place that focuses on what people can do. The potential here is incredible.” 

From the kitchen to the garden to the digital world, the hub is quickly becoming a model for inclusive, skills-focused disability support. Under Menatalla leadership, it’s a launchpad for empowerment, pride, and personal growth.