Mai-Wel Unveils New Mini Woolies Site to Empower Skills Development

Source: Woolworths

The Mai-Wel Group is excited to announce the official opening of its new Mini Woolies site on Tuesday, September 3rd, at 10am at Mai-Wel Enterprises on South Street Telarah.

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“We're excited to expand our Mini Woolies program with the Mai-Wel Group, opening a brand-new site that joins a network of over 74 locations across Australia and New Zealand. We hope the site will support young people with disability, building their confidence and independence for experiences in the future," says Sheila O'Reilly, Head of Delivery, Service Operations and Infrastructure for Group Enablement at Woolworths Group.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be officiated by representatives from Woolworths, alongside Mai-Wel’s CEO, John Cleary and General Manager Employment Services Kyllie Tegg, as well as local dual Paralympian Rae Anderson. 

“We are thrilled to launch this innovative learning space, which is a key step forward in our mission to provide practical experiences that truly empower our participants," John says.

The Mini Woolies site is designed to provide participants with a hands-on, immersive learning environment, where they can develop crucial job-ready skills. It simulates a real supermarket experience, complete with Woolworths-branded baskets, shelving, signage, and working registers. Participants will have the opportunity to practice key skills such as operating a register, handling stock, and communicating with customers—all essential for building confidence and competence in a retail setting. 

As the 76th Mini Woolies location across Australia and New Zealand, this initiative underscores our commitment to providing innovative educational opportunities that empower individuals with disabilities. The skills learned in this environment will not only prepare participants for potential employment within the retail sector but also enhance their everyday life skills, boosting their independence and self-reliance. 

“This initiative not only equips our participants with essential employability skills and confidence, but also opens the doors to real opportunities with our industry partners. Together we are building a future where everyone, regardless of ability, can thrive in the workforce," explains Kyllie.

Participants who engage with the Mini Woolies site will gain practical experience that can lead to real employment opportunities, both within the Woolworths Group and other retail environments. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to create pathways to meaningful employment, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, has the chance to succeed in the workforce. 

For more information about the Mini Woolies site, please visit Woolworths Mini Woolies.