Doughnut trailer in Nanango creates sweet work for NDIS participants

A doughnut trailer has popped up in Nanango, attracting eager crowds and offering “scrumptious” treats, but this venture is about more than just good grub.

Jade Young and Sebashian McLean serving up donuts to Lisa Colemna, Dougie O’Brian, Nate Rolley and Joseph Cranitch.

A doughnut trailer has arrived in Nanango this week, drawing enthusiastic crowds eager to taste the fresh treats with one customer describing them as “scrumptious”.

However, the venture is about more than just doughnuts; it is providing valuable opportunities for young people on the NDIS.

Between the Fitzroy Motel and the Fitzroy Hotel, 15-year-old Sebashian McLean and his support worker, 20-year-old Jade Young, were already busy handing out dozens of doughnuts on Monday.

They described the response on the first day of operating as “amazing”.

Support worker Jade Young with MyLife participant Sebashian McLean at the new doughnut trailer in Nanango.

Sebashian is a client of MyLife, a disability support service founded by Nanango resident Timothy Walsh.

Earlier this year, Mr Walsh launched a coffee trailer after noticing many of his young clients struggled to find work.

“A lot of these guys have been applying for jobs for years without success, feeling dejected,” Mr Walsh said.

“Perhaps they don’t interview well, or once an employer finds out they have a disability, it often becomes a ‘too-hard’ issue.”

Shortly after launching the coffee trailer, a resident informed Walsh about a doughnut trailer for sale that regularly attended the Nanango markets.

“We contacted them, had a look and I thought this would be great,” he said.

Leanne Johnston described the doughnuts as “scrumptious”.

He bought the trailer, which will allow him to employ even more NDIS participants.

Mr Walsh said his program stood out from others as he was paying them as employees with full award wages and superannuation.

“It’s about fair pay and real opportunities,” he said.

The Fitzroy Hotel owners generously offered space on their property without charging a site fee or for power.

Visitors like Leanna Johnston, from out of town, raved about the doughnuts calling them “scrumptious”, while locals were drawn in by the aroma from across the street.

Timothy Walsh, founder of MyLife outside his coffee business which employs young people on the NDIS.

“I’ve got a feeling this is going to be very successful,” Mr Walsh said as more customers joined the queue.

The doughnut cart operates from 6.30am to 3.30pm, Monday to Wednesday, on Fitzroy St, between the Fitzroy Hotel and Fitzroy Motel, and opposite the Nanango Discount Drug Store.