Redefining Inclusive Design in Melbourne's Inner West

Youth Projects is leading the creation of a first-of-its-kind sensory inclusive commercial kitchen is set to take shape in Melbourne’s inner west, thanks to the generous support of the Brian M. Davis Charitable Foundation. It will be brought to life with expert partners Studio Tate, The Green Boat, RMIT University and Untapped. 

The MAKE SENSE (Social Enterprise Nurturing Skills through Sensory-Inclusive Environments) Project will see the creation of a purpose-built training and employment hub that reimagines what an inclusive workplace can look like. Designed to support young people of all abilities; particularly those with sensory sensitivities, autism, and psychosocial challenges; the space will fuse design innovation, evidence-based research, and community co-design. 

Funded through the Brian M. Davis Charitable Foundation, with further investment from Youth Projects, the initiative bridges the gap between inclusive design theory and practical implementation, setting a new benchmark for how work integration social enterprises can create impactful and accessible employment pathways. 

“For many young people, this will be the first workplace they ever step into, so we’re incredibly proud to be driving something that blends design excellence with real social impact,” said Trent Miller - CEO of Youth Projects. “It takes different disciplines and collaborative partnerships to solve complex problems. MAKE SENSE brings together design, innovation and lived experience to create a training environment where young people can thrive.” 

Once complete, the sensory kitchen will be a hub for Youth Projects’ social enterprise, The Little Social's hospitality industry pre-employment programs and will strengthen our ability to train more young people, supporting growth across Melbourne’s west. It will provide hands-on training opportunities for young people facing barriers to work, while standing as a leading example of inclusive design in commercial environments. 

The co-design and development phase is currently underway with valuable input from our Advisory Group, with focus groups being held across Youth Projects’ hubs and observational studies at our current commercial kitchen. This will capture insights directly from young people to directly inform the design. The kitchen is expected to open in Q2 2026.  

For more information on this initiative, contact Carolyn Gannell (Youth Projects - Head of Growth and Partnerships) [email protected]