AUSTRALIA | The first Far North Queensland Mini Woolies sites have opened across Cairns, with two sites opening to support students and young people with disabilities through hands-on learning experiences.
The dual opening at Cairns State Special School and ARC Disability Services has marked a major expansion for the Mini Woolies program, bringing the total number of sites across Australia and New Zealand to 135.
Sarah Corey, General Manager of Mini Woolies and Domain Enablement Group, said bringing Mini Woolies to the top of the Sunshine State was an exciting moment for the Cairns community.
“We can't wait to see how both sites bring their new spaces to life to help their students and participants grow and thrive.”
Simulating an actual Woolworths Supermarket, the Mini Woolies sites feature baskets for fresh food, shelving for groceries, ticketing, signage and Woolworths-branded uniforms students and participants can wear to create an immersive educational experience. Using the registers, students can also learn to scan grocery items when they process sales.
As Far North Queensland’s only special school, Cairns State Special School provides specialised education for Prep to Year 12 students, focusing on independence, communication, literacy, numeracy, and future pathways for students with disabilities.
Alicia Smith, Cairns State Special School Principal, said this was an opportunity for students to practise real-life skills in a safe, engaging and meaningful environment, whether that is learning to shop independently, handling money, scanning items, following a shopping list, communicating with others or exploring what it might be like to work in a retail environment.
“For our students, having access to a space that looks and feels like a real Woolworths store makes the learning incredibly authentic.”
At ARC Disability Services, Cairns’ largest independent disability service provider, the new space will be integrated into community programs operating from its Edmonton site.
Natasha Rivett, ARC Disability Deputy CEO, added that this partnership with Woolworths has created a fun, hands-on learning environment where people with disabilities can develop practical skills, build confidence, and gain experience that reflects everyday life in the community.
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