A Personal Note of Gratitude
On a personal note, it has been the privilege of my professional life to serve as CEO of this remarkable organisation. Every day, I witness the transformative power of seeing potential rather than limitation, of focusing on abilities rather than disabilities, and of creating opportunities rather than accepting barriers. To everyone who has been part of the Yumba Bimbi journey – whether for all 25 years or just a short time – thank you. Your contribution, whatever its form, has helped write our story of impact and change.
As we celebrate our past and present, let us also embrace the future with the same passion, determination, and belief in human potential that has defined Yumba Bimbi Support Services for 25 remarkable years. With deepest gratitude and optimism for the journey ahead,
Dear Yumba Bimbi Community,
As we mark the significant milestone of our 25th anniversary, I find myself filled with profound gratitude and immense pride in what our organisation has accomplished. For a quarter of a century, Yumba Bimbi Support Services has worked with steadfast commitment to the provision of high quality support services and building more inclusive communities.
A Journey of Growth and Impact
In 2000, what began as a small initiative with a passionate group of dedicated individuals blossomed into a vital community organisation that now supports hundreds of participants annually across communities within the Central Qld region. Our growth reflects not just an expansion in size, but an ever-deepening commitment to our core mission: empowering people with disabilities to live independent, dignified, and fulfilling lives. The evidence of our impact is visible in the fulfillment of life opportunities and goals of the people we support. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering dedication of everyone who has been part of our journey.
Honoring Our Roots
As we celebrate this milestone, we must acknowledge the vision of the founding steering committee members who saw a critical need in our community and took bold action. Their initial determination to create an organisation truly centred on participant needs and aspirations, and family support, established the foundation upon which we continue to build. To our founding members: your legacy lives on in every life touched by Yumba Bimbi. The seed you planted 25 years ago has grown into something truly extraordinary.
The Strength of Our Current Community
To our current board members: your governance, strategic vision, and steadfast commitment to our values have guided us through challenges and opportunities alike. Your leadership ensures that we remain true to our mission while evolving to meet the changing needs of those we serve.
To our dedicated staff, past and present: you are the heart and soul of Yumba Bimbi. Your compassion, expertise, and dedication transform our mission from words into daily reality for our participants. Your willingness to go above and beyond, to see the unique potential in each person we support, makes all the difference.
Our Participants: The Centre of Everything
Most importantly, to our participants and families: you are the driving force behind everything that we do. Your stories of personal growth, and the goals you’ve accomplished are the true measure of our organisation’s success. You remind us why this work matters, and you continually show us new possibilities for what can be achieved.
Thank you for trusting Yumba Bimbi to be a small part of your journey. It is our great privilege to work with you and we are committed to continuing to provide the highest level of support, always driven by your needs and aspirations.
Community Partnerships: The Foundation of Our Success
To the broader community that has embraced and supported Yumba Bimbi throughout the years: local businesses that have created employment opportunities and stakeholders who have worked collaboratively with us to create holistic services, schools that have welcomed inclusive education initiatives, funding partners who have believed in our vision, and community members who have volunteered their time and talents – your support has been instrumental to our growth and success.
Looking Forward to the Next 25 Years
As we reflect on our journey thus far, we also look ahead with renewed purpose and vision. The landscape of disability support continues to evolve, and so must we. Our strategic plan for the coming years focuses on:
1. Innovation in Service Delivery: Embracing new technologies and approaches to enhance the quality and effectiveness of our support
2. Expanded Reach: Ensuring our services are accessible to all who need them, particularly in rural and remote communities where services are limited
3. Deeper Community Integration: Breaking down more barriers to create truly inclusive communities where every person can contribute and belong
4. Sustainability: Ensuring Yumba Bimbi is well resourced and equipped to continue to thrive for generations to come
An Invitation to Celebrate
Throughout this anniversary year, we will be hosting a series of events to celebrate our collective achievements and strengthen the bonds within our community. Our grand 25th Anniversary Gala will be held on the 16th August, we hope you will join us in marking this special milestone.
