Gardening project is growing skills
16 April 2026
A new social enterprise has sprouted in Woodridge, offering locals living with a disability the chance to learn new skills, earn an income, and grow their independence.
The Adeptly lawn and garden maintenance service is an initiative of Lutheran Services’ not-for-profit Keystone Centre – a skill-building hub for around 30 NDIS participants.
The supported employment project is seeking new clients in the Woodridge area who need mowing, edging, weeding, pruning and hedge-trimming services, or green waste removal.
Regional Manager for Lutheran Services Disability Services, Jules De Wit, says Adeptly is planting the seeds of opportunity for those finding it difficult to enter the job market, and also pays workers a living wage.
‘Our clients want to work – they’re motivated, capable and have so much to contribute,’ Jules says.
‘But the employment landscape doesn’t always accommodate people with a disability – particularly with higher support needs.
‘Adeptly changes that. It supports participants living with a disability to become adept, skilful and proficient through meaningful work, while responding to the Disability Royal Commission’s recommendation that a fair wage is a core human right.’
The project launched with a small team of support workers partnering closely with up to 2 workers to guide and mentor them to build skills. Participants use their NDIS funding to cover intensive on-the-job training and hands-on support.
‘Our Adeptly gardeners are already doing a cracking job. It’s great to see them shine, take pride in their work and gain confidence every week,’ Jules says.
‘We want to deliver a reliable service to the community while creating real employment opportunities for our clients, nurture social inclusion, and set new standards for fair pay and skills development.’
Participant Denis says he is excited to earn his own money.
‘I feel happy for the future because I get to earn money which will help me get new opportunities,’ Denis says.
‘What work means to me is experience, money and working with my friends.’
Adeptly continues the Keystone Centre’s tradition of helping people living with a disability to reach their goals through initiatives such as The Shed, launched in 2025 to teach woodwork and furniture restoration.
Adeptly services the Logan area within 10 km of Woodridge. To book a garden service or find out more about joining the program as a NDIS participant, call 07 3858 3084, or email adeptly@lutheranservices.org.au.
To book garden services online, visit Adeptly.
PHOTO AT TOP: Denis and Andre are happy to be on the Adeptly team.