Good access encompasses much more than just the physical realm for Lady Marmalade Cafe owner Anup Sharma.
The Stones Corner cafe owner is a big believer in creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone, drawing on his experience as a proud Australian from Nepal.
“Our whole team focuses on being inclusive and welcoming - whenever a guest comes in either with a pram or wheelchair, we make sure they are taken care of and are seated at a table with appropriate space,” Anup said.
“We welcome everyone from any walk of life, regardless of background, age, gender or cultural identity. Our staff are from five different nationalities and cultures, from Brazil to Spain and New Zealand. They also represent the LGBTQI+ community, so everyone is different and we welcome them equally."
“We aim for an experience that is just like having a meal at a loved one’s place, surrounded by good friends and family. We are also pet friendly with water bowls for dogs, and we use lactose-free milk in our special puppucinos.”
Wide spaces for physical access
An emphasis on mindset and creating a welcoming environment has naturally led to a consideration of physical access. There are ramps to the bathroom, with enough space for wheelchairs and prams.
“The inside of our cafe features a large walkway and our tables are wide, with plenty of space between for parking a wheelchair or pram,” Anup said.
“We get lots of people with prams and wheelchairs coming into our cafe. We’re very fortunate that we’ve had great community support – we have loyal customers who come back over many years and we’re lucky to be a part of this great community.”
Accessible and inclusive play
Part of what makes Brisbane such a liveable city is its accessibility, and Council like Lady Marmalade, is committed to ensuring good access for everyone across the city.
From the 10 year Inclusive Brisbane Plan 2019-2029 to Quiet Afternoons at the Museum of Brisbane as well as accessible transport, venues and facilities, Council is committed to helping ensure everyone feels they belong, regardless of age, ability or background.
This means wheelchair and pram accessible CityCats and buses, 7 accessible aqua play facilities, wheelchair and pram accessible community halls, 40 all-abilities playgrounds, weekly English conversation groups in libraries and funding for more than 250 multicultural festivals.
Together we have achieved a lot, but there is more to do.
Do you have a story?
Tell us about your business accessibility improvements and customer responses, problems solved, or what’s on your to-do list by emailing Council.