Access The Curated Plate differently with Cérge
The Sunshine Coast’s premier food and drink festival starts today, with a delicious menu of culinary events taking place over the next 10-days.
In the spirit of making the Sunshine Coast accessible to all, Sunshine Coast Council and a number of Industry Partners for The Curated Plate have partnered with Cérge, to improve their venue and customer service experiences.
Cérge is a local technology company dedicated to improving access and inclusion for people with disability in venues such as hotels, restaurants, and at events.
A Companion App & Disability Advocate in your Pocket (1.35mins)
Sunshine Coast Council Economy Portfolio Councillor Joe Natoli said he could see ongoing value for any local business to consider using Cérge to level up their business.
“This is a great initiative for our hospitality industry in this case, to make the Sunshine Coast accessible to all, and to really enjoy their dining experience as much as the local food and drink being served,” Cr Natoli said.
“This is also a great example of the opportunities for local businesses to become more inclusive as our region prepares for the Australian Deaf Games in 2026 and the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“I encourage more service-based businesses to make small and simple changes to help people with disability, and to help their carers.”
Business can go to the Cérge website to learn more.
What is the Cérge Companion app
Co-founded by Sunshine Coast locals, Victoria and Chris Kerrisk, Cérge addresses the lack of public information about venue accessibility and challenges in customer service perceptions.
It features a companion website for venues to display their accessibility features and an app that lets customers communicate their needs directly to staff.
Mr Kerrisk said Cérge served as a personal disability advocate. It aims to enhance community participation and confidence for people with disability, carers and support workers, promoting a more inclusive community.
Link to the Cérge Customer app
Apple - https://apps.apple.com/au/app/c%C3%A9rge/id1493280083
Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cerge&hl=en_IN
How does Cérge help local business
Fish on Parkyn owner Tracey Fitzgerald said she loved the idea of partnering with Cérge for inclusivity.
“I thought I would need to implement costly infrastructure and it would be a lengthy process with no guarantee it would make us accessible,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“In reality, we didn’t have to change everything. What we have to do is share all we have – that is share the toilets, share the sounds, the feel of the restaurant and people will choose.
“The power is in the people being able to have all the information.
“We are humbled to have our partnership with Cérge which is a collaboration that allows us to better serve our community members with disabilities.
“At both Fish on Parkyn and Sakana Mooloolaba, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy a delightful dining experience, regardless of any barrier they may face.
“After adopting Cérge and embracing a deeper conversation about disability, we connected as a team about our own personal experiences.
“We genuinely want every customer to feel welcome and included in our special community. Our goal is for you to relax and enjoy your dining experience, knowing that we sincerely respect and strive to understand your needs.
“We promise our continuous learning and improvement and above all a welcome experience.
“There is nothing nicer than knowing you are a part of a community, a village that aims to include everyone.”
Discover The Curated Plate events now offering Cérge
Canefields Distillery / Farm Tour
Flavours of the Coast at Cotton Tree Beach Bar's
Grape vs Grain, Brockenchack Wines vs 10Toes Brewing at Fish on Parkyn
Umbrellas and Bites at Kings Beach Bar
Queensland's Sunshine Pantry presented by Food and Agribusiness Network (FAN) and The Station
Kaiseki – Journey of the senses at Spice Bar Restaurant
Spicers Tamarind Retreat Maleny / Spicers Asian Food Festival
Chefs In Conversation at Altitude Nine
Hinterland producers’ lunch at Spicers Clovelly Estate
Surf & Savour: Coastal Tasting Experience at Alex Surf Club
Accessible travel
The Sunshine Coast strives to be a truly welcoming destination and offers a range of experiences that are accessible to all travellers. Our beaches offer accessible beach matting and wheelchairs and our beautiful boardwalks are wheelchair friendly. Discover more about the accessible Sunshine Coast via our Accessible Travel - Visit Sunshine Coast
In addition, during The Curated Plate, Kinetic Buses will be running free buses to the Queensland Sunshine Pantry event at The Station. Most of the fleet on their network is accessible, which includes:
- Low floor entry
- A ramp
- Allocated space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters
To find out more about bus times head to Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry | The Curated Plate and more information about accessible travel via the Accessibility | Translink site.
The Curated Plate Partners & Program
This Curated Plate Food and Drink Festival is an initiative of the Sunshine Coast Council, supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism & Events Queensland, the Food and Agribusiness Network and Visit Sunshine Coast.
While more than 13 events have sold out, there are still tickets available for many more exciting food and drinks events at thecuratedplate.com.au.