How this Monash disability support org is connecting locals to jobs and training
Waverley Helpmates currently supports 32 individuals by providing training and employment opportunities.
Matthew Sims
October 22, 2025
If you’re ever driving through the side streets of Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, you might see Andy Ramage with his protective glasses and ear guards on, hard at work with a whipper snipper or a blower.
The 25-year-old Box Hill South local has been receiving regular work and other social support four days a week for four years, thanks to local not-for-profit and NDIS-accredited employment program Waverley Helpmates.
😃A long history of support: Launched in 1986, Waverley Helpmates supports 32 locals with intellectual disabilities by providing training and employment opportunities in mowing and other gardening services, cleaning and laundry across more than 600 customers.
🧑🌾The great outdoors: Ramage said he loved being outside and working on gardening the most.
🗣️“I do like mowing just to be out in the world,” he told the Eastern Melburnian. “I really enjoy it.”
On top of NDIS payments, each Helpmate receives weekly and monthly goals they must achieve on each job to receive a free soft drink or a chocolate bar and other rewards.
🤝Regular customers: Ramage said he goes back to his customers to help with their gardening on a two-week roster and enjoyed chatting with them before he gets to work.
🗣️“A few of them even tipped me a few times,” he said.
🫂Boosting social skills: The program also supports clients by organising social events and trips for them to catch up and have fun.
A group of Helpmates enjoying working out in the sun. Image Credit: Supplied
♥️A family environment: Support worker and events/special program co-ordinator Marian Jacobs said working with the organisation for the past six years had been “super rewarding” after working in the corporate sector.
🗣️“We make a really good difference to the group,” Jacobs told the Eastern Melburnian. “It gives our Helpmates routine, purpose, friendships, social skills and a place to belong.”
🌅Broadening horizons: Jacobs said the program helped locals with conditions like autism get out and about in the community.
🗣️“All what would happen is [they would] watch TV all day, [leading to] social isolation, depression and anxiety,” said Jacobs.
To donate to the organisation or for more information about how to support the group, click here.