The first Far North Queensland Mini Woolies sites opened last week 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 brings the total number of sites across Australia and New Zealand to 135.

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 rep to Year 12 students, focusing on independence, communication, literacy, numeracy, and future pathways for students with disabilities.

Cairns State Special School Principal Alicia Smith says this is so much more than a simulated Woolworths supermarket. 

“It’s an opportunity for our students to practise real-life skills in a safe, engaging and meaningful environment, whether that’s 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,” she says.  

“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, promoted as Cairns’ largest independent disability service provider, the new space will be integrated into community programs operating out of their Edmonton site.

ARC Disability Deputy CEO Natasha Rivett says the organisation isincredibly excited to officially open Mini Woolies ARC Disability.

“This partnership with Woolworths creates a fun, hands-on learning environment where people with disabilities can develop practical skills, build confidence and experience opportunities that reflect everyday life in our community,” she says.

Sarah Corey, General Manager of Mini Woolies and Domain Enablement Group, says bringing Mini Woolies to the top of the Sunshine State is 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,” she says.