Maryborough Woolies worker praised for ‘incredible’ act

A 22-year-old Victorian supermarket worker has been applauded for her touching act to assist two longtime customers.

A Victorian Woolies worker has been praised for her selfless act helping out two customers.

Casey is the deli assistant manager at Woolworths’ Maryborough store and began learning Auslan last year.

The 22-year-old was inspired to learn sign language so she could communicate better with a local couple who are longtime customers at the store.

Casey has been praised for learning Auslan so she could communicate with a couple that came into Woolies once a week. Picture: Dan Peled/AAP

Casey had wanted to learn Auslan since high school and decided to dedicate her time off from work to learning basic sign language.

“It started off by learning Auslan on YouTube with simple greetings,” she said.

“Late last year, I’d dedicated most of my afternoons to learning simple retail greeting signs such as hi, how are you, how may I help you, as well as learning to communicate the different weight volume measures, particular to the deli department.”

Casey said the first time she used Auslan to communicate with the female customer had been a heartwarming experience.

“I saw her eyes light up and speed up signs with her hands – it was a pretty special experience,” she said.

Casey dedicated her spare time to learning Auslan. Picture: Supplied

Casey plans to continue her Auslan study so she can communicate more with the man and woman.

“Something I’d like to do is hold a conversation with them in the future, so it’s definitely a skill I’ll continue to practice,” she said.

Maryborough Woolworths store manager Aaron Fuller has praised Casey for her kind act, presenting her with flowers and chocolate on behalf of the supermarket.

“We’re extremely proud of Casey who went the extra mile to better understand our local customers,” he said.

“She brings a little good every day to the Maryborough community and to take it upon herself to support this couple is an incredible accomplishment.”