Andrew’s lawns: A story of pride, purpose and perfect lines
Aug 11, 2025
For a long time, someone was paid to mow the lawns at Andrew’s home. But Andrew, who has a sharp eye for detail and a love for doing things properly, couldn’t help but notice when the job wasn’t done quite right.
Andrew, a resident at our Supported Living Accommodation in Clayton has a jam-packed schedule, he enjoys going on long walks, doing the Thousand Steps and works Tuesday to Friday.
But it’s what happens once a month on Mondays that brings him the most pride.
For a long time, someone was paid to mow the lawns at Andrew’s home. But Andrew, who has a sharp eye for detail and a love for doing things properly, couldn’t help but notice when the job wasn’t done quite right.
Andrew has had experience in Supported Employment doing gardening and maintenance in the past and knows a thing or two about the right way to mow a lawn.
“I thought I could do a better job,” Andrew said. He’d watch the mowers come and go, the grass left uneven, the edges not quite tidy.
An opportunity recognised
Michelle Hall, Practice Lead, had visited Andrew and Samantha, Service Manager of Andrew’s home, earlier this year.
Michelle was the one who first asked the question “Why are we paying someone else to do the lawns when Andrew could do it himself?”. Finding ways for the people we support to be as engaged as possible in activities that they enjoy and bring meaning to their lives, is core to providing great active support.
When Michelle returned a couple of months later, she was delighted to see it had all become a reality, with staff supporting Andrew to purchase his mower.
“We went online to Bunnings and Andrew chose his mower. He then went to pick it up and brought it back to the house with all the gear. He started mowing then and hasn’t looked back!” Samantha said.
Taking pride in the process
Lawn mowing quickly became something Andrew looked forward to. It’s not just about cutting the grass, it’s about doing something well.
“I want to do it properly, in straight lines. It feels good, it’s my home,” Andrew said.
“I have a lot of fun doing it,” Andrew added.
He’s got a routine now: every month, when it’s time to mow, Andrew gets suited up with his hat, earmuffs, sunglasses, vest, gloves, and work boots. He’s also enlisted the help of Michael, who supports him at his home, to make sure the lawn is perfect.
“You’ve got to do the back first, then do the straight lines,” Andrew says.
Mowing with meaning
Andrew’s pride in the task is obvious. And his advice for others? Simple: “Do it right and do it with passion.”
Andrew’s not interested in pulling weeds or trimming bushes, mowing is his specialty. And while he’s focused on keeping his own lawn in top shape, he’s already looking to the future.
“I want to mow the neighbours’ lawns,” he said. “I can do a better job than them, too.”
Dreaming bigger
The change has made a big impact. “It gives Andrew a sense of accomplishment and independence,” Samantha said.
“He’s happy. He wants to do more to improve things around the house.”
And that might just be the beginning. With early talks of mowing his neighbours’ lawns and a growing sense of confidence in his own skills, Andrew is dreaming a little bigger. Maybe one day he will be at the helm of his own mowing business, serving homes around the neighbourhood.
For now, he’s proud. Proud of his home. Proud of his lawn. And proud of doing something he enjoys, with purpose, with care, and with passion.
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