2 September 2026: The first Far North Queensland Mini Woolies sites have opened today 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 marks a major expansion for the Mini Woolies program, bringing 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 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 is so much more than a simulated Woolworths supermarket.
“It is an opportunity for our 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 out of their Edmonton site.
Natasha Rivett, ARC Disability Deputy CEO, said: "We are incredibly 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.”
Sarah Corey, General Manager of Mini Woolies and Domain Enablement Group, said: “Bringing Mini Woolies to the top of the Sunshine State is an exciting moment for our 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.”
Carl Marx Head of Industry, Commercial and Industry Fujitsu Oceania said: “Fujitsu is excited to collaborate with Woolworths on the Mini Woolies program. We are incredibly proud of the impact our technology and support is making on young lives as well as their parents, carers, and educators.”
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