Mai-Wel’s social enterprise, Thrive Ground Maintenance, has completed a major restoration project for Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) at a rail storage yard in Denman.
The work improved the Upper Hunter site while providing supported employees with hands-on experience in a real workplace.
The project involved clearing overgrown vegetation and brush cutting around rail infrastructure, sleepers and steel structures.
The team completed the work over five site visits and travelled more than two hours each way to work across the uneven terrain.
Mai-Wel said the project was finished ahead of schedule, leaving the storage yard clean, accessible and ready for ongoing use.
ARTC also praised the team’s professionalism and the quality of the completed work.
Mai-Wel Business Development and Partnerships Specialist Louise Fernie said the partnership demonstrated the value of creating genuine employment opportunities through industry collaboration.
“This partnership highlights real inclusion in action,” she said.
“The collaboration between ARTC and Mai-Wel Enterprises has grown into practical, hands-on projects delivered in a real industry environment for our supported employees.”
Ms Fernie said projects like the Denman restoration offered more than just work experience.
“These kinds of partnerships expand opportunities, build transferrable skills, and support people to move toward more independent and sustainable employment outcomes.”
Thrive Ground Maintenance is part of Mai-Wel Enterprises, which delivers commercial services while supporting people with disability to build practical workplace skills alongside experienced job coaches.
The organisation says participants gain real-world experience that helps build confidence, resilience and pathways to long-term employment.
Ms Fernie said the partnership also reflected ARTC’s commitment to inclusive employment across the Hunter.
“The collaboration is a testament to ARTC’s commitment to our community and their ongoing investment in inclusive opportunities across the Hunter,” she said.
Mai-Wel is a Hunter-based not-for-profit organisation that provides employment, training, community and independent living supports for people with disability.
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