Community Inclusion Award 2026
Pictured: some of the Tori’s Place Café team
L-R: Savannah, Liam, Belinda, Zac, Christopher and Georgia.
Describe the cafe and what you regard as your most important achievements?
All Aboard DisABILITY Services co-founder Kate Marshall: Our café is an inclusive, community-focused space run by adults with disability, supported by our team. It’s a place where people can build skills, confidence, and genuine connection. Our most important achievement is seeing participants grow in independence and self-belief, while also creating a welcoming space that brings the broader community together.
Café team leader Georgia Siddall: It was a big spectacle when we opened last August.
Kate came up with the idea and I thought it was a fabulous way to bring in the community and for everyone to get some real world experience.
When I stop and look out, I see the constant joy and smiles and laughter. It's fabulous to see all the positivity we all bring.
How many people are involved and what does it mean to everyone to be acknowledged as Surf Coast Shire Local Legends?
Kate: We support six participants each week through the café, alongside a dedicated team of staff. Being recognised as Surf Coast Shire Local Legends means a great deal to everyone – it acknowledges the hard work, courage, and growth of our participants, and reinforces that they are valued and important members of the community.
Georgia: We were so surprised to receive the award. Everyone was very excited.
What motivates your group members?
Kate: Our participants are motivated by connection, a sense of purpose, and the pride that comes from contributing. Whether it’s making a coffee, serving a customer, or being part of a team, those moments of success and belonging are incredibly powerful.
Georgia: Everyone is feeling so confident here. I've found that the longer we've been open, the less I need to help the staff. They all know what they’re doing and they just love being here.
We have our regulars which is fabulous. It's good for the staff to see those familiar faces and you see how much more at ease they are.
What would you say to people who might be considering contributing to a community group such as you?
Kate: Get involved – you’ll get far more than you give. Being part of an inclusive community is incredibly rewarding, and it’s a chance to make a genuine difference while also learning from some truly amazing people.
Tori’s Place Café is open every Thursday at 35 Boston Road in Torquay, from 9.30am to 11.30am.
At its heart, Tori’s Place is about something bigger than coffee.
It’s about community building. It’s about breaking down barriers. It’s about reshaping perceptions of disability.