Australian supermarket chain Woolworths has expanded its Mini Woolies programme to the Northern Territory, inaugurating a new site at Henbury School in Tiwi.  

This initiative is designed to bolster the education of students with disabilities by providing practical learning experiences in a simulated supermarket environment. 

The retailer transformed a Henbury School classroom into a space resembling a Woolworths supermarket, complete with fresh food baskets, grocery shelving, ticketing, signage and branded uniforms for an immersive learning experience. 

Woolworths Casuarina store manager Lizi Lay said: "Many of our team members know Henbury School students and staff in the local community and we were really excited to hear about the arrival of a Mini Woolies. 

"We visited the school last week to help get everyone set up on the registers. It was great to see students practising new skills such as finding items on a shopping list or greeting customers." 

Since its inception in 2018, the Mini Woolies programme has been established in more than 55 locations across Australia and New Zealand. 

The programme benefitted more than 4,000 young individuals with disabilities.  

Henbury School, which serves students aged seven to 12 years with various intellectual disabilities, is committed to preparing its students for independence and positive post-school pathways.  

Henbury School principal Sarah Corry said: "We have a strong connection with the community and are extremely grateful to have Woolworths Group support our goals through the Mini Woolies programme. The potential to change lives is real as we engage in the programme and build long-lasting relationships with our local Woolworths stores."