Wollongong office workers who like a coffee in the morning can help create an opportunity for someone with an intellectual disability by sending a text order to Carly's Coffee Couriers.
An SMS to 0401 458 738 will result in the coffee being delivered a short time later by Carly Bishop or one of her employees.
Ms Bishop launched her coffee delivery business at Stockland Shellharbour in 2018 and is now expanding its operation to Wollongong.
"I have a lot of loyal customers in Shellharbour where the business has become very popular," she said.
"It is open every day Monday to Friday and customers tell me they are grateful for my business.
"We started delivering coffee in Wollongong on March 5. We take orders from 9am to 11.30am."
Ms Bishop lives with a moderate intellectual disability.
She had a unique idea one day while returning to the Illawarra from Canberra.
It wasn't long before a three day a week trial of her concept in late 2017 went so well it provided the Ms Bishop the opportunity to start her own business.
She initially took orders in Shellharbour and picked up the coffee from local coffee shops at Stockland shopping centre before delivering them to customers in that area.
Carly's Coffee Couriers started by employing one other person with an intellectual disability.
But now she employing four young people who really value their new role.
"I love being involved in my community," Ms Bishop said.
"And I like being busy."
Mum Leonie Bishop said it was so good to watch her daughter's confidence and skills grow as the delivery service increases in popularity.
Mrs Bishop said it gives her and her employees meaning and purpose.
Carly Bishop said she felt very proud to now be able to launch the business in Wollongong.
It all started as her own unique idea four years ago, followed by a referral to the Ignite Ability Program which provided advice and support. Settlement Services International was also involved.
Then the positive and friendly reaction from customers in Shellharbour was all the motivation Ms Bishop needed to push forward with expansion plans.
She said she loves meeting new people and seeing the smiles on people's faces as she hands them their morning coffee.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery attended the Wollongong launch and said he expected the new business would attract plenty of interest.
"This is what it should be about," Cr Bradbery said.
"You are making everyone feel included. It is an opportunity where everybody can participate and feel they can contribute.
"You are making a great contribution to the disability sector and social capital in our city and region."
The Coffee Club on the corner of Corrimal and Crown Street makes the coffees to order before they are picked up for delivery by the Carly's Coffee Couriers team.
Sophie Wilson said she has been working in the job since February and delivers in Shellharbour on Tuesday and Wednesday where she has many regular customers.
"They are always very nice," she said.
Ms Wilson is also expecting to deliveries in Wollongong as more people find out about the service.
Samantha Chailim said she is really enjoying having the opportunity to work for Carly's Coffee Couriers.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
