Opportunity opens the door to employment for Barmera's Tashara

What began as an eight-week work experience placement has become a life-changing employment opportunity for Barmera local Tashara.

Barmera local Tashara has become a highly valued member of the Renmark Woolworths team.

Today, Tashara is a valued member of the bakery team at Renmark Woolworths, where she has now been employed for eight months after turning her work experience placement into ongoing paid employment.

It's an achievement that reflects months of hard work, determination and the support of those who believed in her potential.

Supported by Riverland and Mallee Enterprises through NDIS Employment Assistance, Tashara first joined the bakery team to gain practical workplace experience. With support, she developed the confidence, skills and routines needed to succeed in a busy retail environment.

During her placement, Tashara learnt every aspect of the bakery's daily operations — from preparing and packing bakery products and labelling cookies, to replenishing stock, maintaining cleanliness and learning the systems that keep the department running efficiently.

Her willingness to learn and positive attitude quickly caught the attention of the Woolworths team.

Those qualities ultimately led to Tashara being offered ongoing paid employment last November as a bakery team member.

Eight months on, her responsibilities continue to grow.

Alongside her bakery duties, Tashara now assists with grocery packing at the checkouts, and supports customers using the self-service area, demonstrating the confidence and capability she has developed since her first day on the job.

Employment Mentor, Phoebe said watching Tashara's journey had been incredibly rewarding.

"From the beginning, Tashara approached every opportunity with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to learn," Phoebe said.

"Her confidence has grown enormously, and she's become a valued member of the Woolworths team."

"Seeing someone progress from work experience into ongoing employment is exactly the outcome we strive for."

Tashara enjoying every aspect of the Renmark Woolworth's Bakery.

Riverland and Mallee Enterprises continues to provide workplace support and transport assistance, helping Tashara build on her skills while creating opportunities to gain experience across different areas of the supermarket.

For Tashara, employment has delivered much more than a pay packet.

Tashara with fellow work colleague at the busy checkout.

It has provided independence, confidence, new friendships and the satisfaction that comes from contributing to her workplace and local community.

Her story is a reminder of what can be achieved with the right support.

To learn more about Employment Assistance and how Riverland and Mallee Enterprises supports people to find and keep a job - visit our Employment page.