THE area surrounding the roundabout at the start of Airlie Beach's main street is getting a much-needed makeover thanks to Ideal Placements Disability Employment Service and Dig-it Landscaping.

The project to refurbish the section of land at the entrance to the main street is being undertaken by clients of Ideal Placements under the watchful eye of job co-ordinator Mick Malone.

"The entrance to the main street fell outside the contract for the main street upgrade, so we are doing our bit to help out. Dig-it Landscaping have donated plants and mulch and we have a number of young guys doing unpaid work experience," he said.

"There are a dozen volunteers all up and the work experience helps them to increase their skills and employability."

Ideal Placements CEO Kathy Dine approached the Whitsunday Council with an offer to run the gardening project to assist with up skilling people with barriers to employment.

"These barriers can include injury, illness and disabilities. Our clients are all unemployed and looking for work and our aim is to eventually find employment for our clients."

Mark Wilson from Dig-it Landscaping came on board, offering their support, on the job training, supervision, plants and equipment at no cost to the community.

Ideal Placements were excited to have this opportunity as their clients will benefit greatly from the project along with the Airlie community.

Anyone looking to employ one of Ideal Placement's clients should phone the Cannonvale office on 4948 2123.