The NDIS Commission has updated the information on the Complaints section of our website to improve guidance for people wishing to raise concerns about the quality and safety of NDIS-funded supports and services. The most significant changes are on these pages:
The new content includes short videos and Easy Read resources to provide more clarity around what we can help with and directs users to the correct channel if their concern is out of our scope or jurisdiction. The updates follow the NDIS Commissioner’s making of amended Complaints Rules that embed our risk-based approach to regulation.
It covers fair pricing – one of 8 elements under the Code. The video shows what this element means for providers through a real-world scenario that illustrates how the Code works in practice and emphasises it is essential for providers to meet obligations under the Code of Conduct.
This program is a for people who love exploring the outdoors while staying active. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this club offers a chance to meet like-minded individuals, enjoy scenic routes, and improve your health. Walkers Club is all about embracing nature, fostering friendships, and stepping into a healthier lifestyle one stride at a time!
Line Dancing – Monday 12.00pm to 3.00pm
This program provides opportunities for participants to learn specific dance techniques to help skills, confidence, and mobility. Participants will learn different dance styles which will be show cased mid and end of year. This program was designed to support growth for self-expression and self-awareness. Yee-haw!
The Press Club- Monday 9.00am to 11.00am
The Press Club is a dynamic space where members can explore their creativity through social media, podcasting, and storytelling. By learning communication and social skills, participants gain confidence, build connections, and amplify their voices. Whether sharing personal stories, reporting on community events, or creating engaging content, this club empowers individuals to shine in the digital media landscape while fostering inclusion and collaboration.
Tuesday Programs
Brush and Bloom: Tuesday 9.00am to 12.00pm
Like all our sessions, this program is designed around participants’ goals and interests. Brush and Bloom offers a variety of art mediums, making it a fun and social way to express creativity. Participants will build diverse skills, connect with others, and stay engaged in their community. Activities include cultural exploration, sculpture, woodwork, science and nature studies, event planning, upcycling and recycling projects, material and textile creations, and more.”
Science Club – Tuesday 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Is a place for curious minds to explore, experiment, and discover the wonders of the world around us. Through hands-on activities, exciting experiments, and engaging discussions, members dive into various scientific fields while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s a fun and interactive way to learn, connect with others, and fuel a lifelong passion for science!
Wednesday Programs
Mixed Bag Fun – Wednesday 10am to 12pm
This program will have changes every 4- 6 weeks! You’ll be kept on your toes. You’ll do yoga, sewing, gardening, woodwork, volunteering/job searching and many more different activities all embracing the idea is to “create a positive and life-long impact on adult learning through the use of insightful, practical and comprehensive materials on topics that matter the most”.
Fitness / Swimming Club – Wednesday 1pm to 3pm
This program focuses on promoting physical well-being. Participants will enjoy high-quality exercises tailored to meet individual needs. Physical movement is essential for everyone, helping to build strength, improve flexibility, boost stamina, and enhance mental functioning. The program also offers the opportunity to participate in seasonal swimming. It’s a fun, social, and inclusive way to stay active and healthy!
Social Club – Wednesday 4pm to 7pm
Social Club – This program is all about building connections and having fun! It’s a welcoming space where members can meet new people, share experiences, and participate in exciting activities. From group outings to themed events, the club offers plenty of opportunities to socialise, make friends, and enjoy a sense of community.
Thursday Programs
Baking – Thursday 9am to 12pm
Participants will develop baking skills, which will include handling equipment, baking techniques and kitchen safety. Creating sweet cakes, desserts, and slices. Along with savoury pies and pastries. Participants are also encouraged to create their own desserts as part of their outcome, this helps with autonomy, decision making, creativity and self-satisfaction. Over the last years, participants completed catering opportunities, submitted entries to local shows and fundraisers. Creating delicious Christmas hamper to take home to share with the family.
Women’s Group – Thursday 1pm to 3pm
The Women’s Group will offer arrange of topics focusing on Women’s issues, health, relationship, services, and rights. The setting is a safe place where all our participants feel comfortable and connected. The Women’s group will provide support, tips and tools that will assist them in everyday life, developing social and communication skills, creating community connections, and ultimately achieving goals.
Friday Programs
A Heart-full Journey – Friday 9am to 11am
A heart-full journey session is designed for individuals who would like to gain self-awareness to manage issues, achieving goals, and more. Mindfulness Matters is a safe and trusting space where one can open up and share their inner most thoughts toother participants. It is a supportive way of confronting your issues and gaining strategies to becoming a better version of you. This program is delivered to provide a more in depth understanding of oneself and capabilities, and thus being the best version of you!
Saturday Program
Social Saturday is held monthly (9am – 3pm)
cial Saturdays have been developed to allow for more social outings and community access. Once a month we will be hosting a Social Saturday Out and About – this will allow for participants to head out of town to places such as Theresa Creek Dam, Capella Cultural Centre, Springsure Mountains. This will generally be a 9am – 3pm day, to allow for maximum enjoyment!
Short Term Accommodation has been renamed Short Term Respite (STR) following participant and carer feedback. The new 16-page guideline provides clearer eligibility rules and a stronger focus on supporting unpaid carers who provide significant daily care.
Key changes: – Focus on sustaining unpaid carer relationships (6+ hours/day of care). – Stricter eligibility – excludes participants in SIL, ILO, or living alone with paid supports. – Requires evidence of carer fatigue, health issues, or inability to continue care. – Meals, transport, and activities not claimable in individual settings. – New detail for children: distinguishes ordinary parenting from disability-related care and includes Working with Children Check requirements. – Aligns with 2024 Getting the NDIS Back on Track transitional rules.
The newly launched NDIS Engage website is where participants, families, and carers can share their views and help shape the future of the NDIS. You’ll find current consultations, co-design opportunities, and Participant First, where you can register to take part in active focus groups.
PAPL updates effective 24th November
The NDIA has released quite a number of updates to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits (PAPL) and supporting documents. Changes will be live on 24 November 2025.
The Queensland Government has announced changes to disability parking permits and eligible people can now receive up to three parking permits for free.
This program is a for people who love exploring the outdoors while staying active. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just starting out, this club offers a chance to meet like-minded individuals, enjoy scenic routes, and improve your health. Walkers Club is all about embracing nature, fostering friendships, and stepping into a healthier lifestyle one stride at a time!
Line Dancing – Monday 9.00am to 12.00pm
This program provides opportunities for participants to learn specific dance techniques to help skills, confidence, and mobility. Participants will learn different dance styles which will be show cased mid and end of year. This program was designed to support growth for self-expression and self-awareness. Yee-haw! View program details here.
The Press Club- Monday 1:00pm 3:00pm
The Press Club is a dynamic space where members can explore their creativity through social media, podcasting, and storytelling. By learning communication and social skills, participants gain confidence, build connections, and amplify their voices. Whether sharing personal stories, reporting on community events, or creating engaging content, this club empowers individuals to shine in the digital media landscape while fostering inclusion and collaboration. View program details here
Tuesday Programs
Creative Minds: Tuesday 9.00am to 12.00pm
Like all our sessions, this program is designed around participants’ goals and interests. Creative Minds offers a variety of art mediums, making it a fun and social way to express creativity. Participants will build diverse skills, connect with others, and stay engaged in their community. Activities include cultural exploration, sculpture, woodwork, science and nature studies, event planning, upcycling and recycling projects, material and textile creations, and more. View program details here.
Science Club – Tuesday 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Is a place for curious minds to explore, experiment, and discover the wonders of the world around us. Through hands-on activities, exciting experiments, and engaging discussions, members dive into various scientific fields while developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. It’s a fun and interactive way to learn, connect with others, and fuel a lifelong passion for science! View program details here.
Wednesday Programs
Mixed Bag Fun – Wednesday 10am to 12pm
This program will have changes every 4- 6 weeks! You’ll be kept on your toes. You’ll do yoga, sewing, gardening, woodwork, volunteering/job searching and many more different activities all embracing the idea is to “create a positive and life-long impact on adult learning through the use of insightful, practical and comprehensive materials on topics that matter the most”. View program here.
Fitness Club – Wednesday 1pm to 3pm
This program focuses on promoting physical well-being. Participants will enjoy high-quality exercises tailored to meet individual needs. Physical movement is essential for everyone, helping to build strength, improve flexibility, boost stamina, and enhance mental functioning. The program also offers the opportunity to participate in seasonal swimming. It’s a fun, social, and inclusive way to stay active and healthy! View program details here.
Social Club – Wednesday 4pm to 7pm
Social Club – This program is all about building connections and having fun! It’s a welcoming space where members can meet new people, share experiences, and participate in exciting activities. From group outings to themed events, the club offers plenty of opportunities to socialise, make friends, and enjoy a sense of community. View program details here.
Thursday Programs
Baking – Thursday 9am to 12pm
Participants will develop baking skills, which will include handling equipment, creating sweet and savoury desserts, baking techniques and kitchen safety. Participants are also encouraged to create their own desserts as part of their outcome, this helps with autonomy, decision making, creativity and self-satisfaction. Over the last year, participants completed catering opportunities, submitted entries to local shows and fundraisers. View program details here.
Women’s Group – Thursday 1pm to 3pm
The Women’s Group will offer arrange of topics focusing on Women’s issues, health, relationship, services, and rights. The setting is a safe place where all our participants feel comfortable and connected. The Women’s group will provide support, tips and tools that will assist them in everyday life, developing social and communication skills, creating community connections, and ultimately achieving goals. View program details here.
Friday Programs
Mindfulness Matters – Friday 9am to 11am
Mindfulness Matters session is designed for individuals who would like to gain self-awareness to manage issues, achieving goals, and more. Mindfulness Matters is a safe and trusting space where one can open up and share their inner most thoughts toother participants. It is a supportive way of confronting your issues and gaining strategies to becoming a better version of you. This program is delivered to provide a more in depth understanding of oneself and capabilities, and thus being the best version of you! View program detail here.
Saturday Program
Social Saturday is held monthly (9am – 3pm)
cial Saturdays have been developed to allow for more social outings and community access. Once a month we will be hosting a Social Saturday Out and About – this will allow for participants to head out of town to places such as Theresa Creek Dam, Capella Cultural Centre, Springsure Mountains. This will generally be a 9am – 3pm day, to allow for maximum enjoyment!
We’re excited to announce nominations are now open for the Living Our Values Awards 2025!
The values we display in our daily work are what allows us to be successful in achieving the YB Vision and Mission. The Yumba Bimbi’s Living our Values Award recognises the contributions of our employees and board members who have demonstrated excellence in their service which is strongly aligned with the Vision, Mission and Values of Yumba Bimbi Support Services.
To be recognised for this award, the nominated employee or board member demonstrates excellence in living and modelling work performance aligned with Yumba Bimbi’s Vision, Mission and Values. Specifically, this individual goes above and beyond to consistently exhibit one or more of Yumba Bimbi’s values and their actions have resulted in an exceptional outcome for the organisation, a Participant, colleague, or community member. The Living our Values award is available to every employee and board member of Yumba Bimbi.
Do you know someone who inspires you with the way they embody Yumba Bimbi’s values? Now’s your chance to shine a light on their contribution. Nominate them today and help us recognise their impact!
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.
Important NDIS Update: New Funding Periods Starting 19 May 2025
From Monday, 19 May 2025, all new and reassessed NDIS plans will introduce funding periods, meaning your funding will be released in smaller, scheduled amounts rather than as a full lump sum upfront.
What Are Funding Periods? • Core and Capacity Building Supports: Funds will typically be released quarterly (every 3 months). • Home & Living Supports: Funds will usually be released monthly. • Assistive Technology & Home Modifications: These may still be funded as a lump sum.
Key Points to Remember: • Unused funds from one period will roll over to the next within the same plan. • Funds do not carry over between different plans. • Claims must align with the current funding period; overspending will result in claim rejection. • Plan flexibility remains for Core supports and, generally, for Capacity Building supports unless specified otherwise.
When Do Funding Periods Start? • Funding periods commence on your plan’s start date, not the first day of the month. For example, if your plan starts on 15 June, that’s when your first funding period begins.
Who Can View Your Funding Periods? • You can view your funding periods in your NDIS portal. • If you are Plan Managed or have a My Approved Support Coordinator, they will also have access to this information. Other providers will not see these details.
What Should You Do? 1 Discuss Needs at Planning Meetings: If you require more funding upfront (e.g., for equipment or intensive supports), communicate this during your planning meeting and provide supporting documentation. 2 Review Service Agreements: Ensure they align with your funding periods to avoid out-of-pocket expenses. 3 Seek Assistance Promptly: If your circumstances change, contact the NDIA or request a plan reassessment without delay. 4 Stay Informed: Consider joining one of the fantastic workshops offered by https://www.thegrowingspace.com.au/events/ to gain clarity on these changes and get your questions answered.
We are here to support you through these changes. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our team.
INVITATION TO QUOTE – YBBP_01 PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES – YUMBA BIMBI BUILDING PROJECT Issued by: Yumba Bimbi Support Services Closing Date: Tuesday 3rd June 2025 (by 2pm)
Submission attention to: Rachel Freeman, Chief Executive Officer Yumba Bimbi 65 Anakie Street Emerald Qld 4720 Please email to: alarna.donlan@yumbabimbi.com.au
Yumba Bimbi Support Services is a respected not-for-profit organisation based in Emerald, Queensland. Since its establishment in 2000 by a group of dedicated local families, Yumba Bimbi has been committed to enriching the lives of people with disability throughout the Central Highlands and Western Queensland.
A registered NDIS provider, Yumba Bimbi offers a wide range of services including Supported Independent Living, Individual and Group Supports, Plan Management, and Support Coordination. The organisation is deeply embedded in its community, driven by a vision of inclusion, empowerment, and opportunity for all.
To support the continued growth and sustainability of its services, Yumba Bimbi is undertaking an exciting building project to develop a new, purpose-built headquarters in Emerald. This project represents a significant investment in the future of the organisation.
Invitation to Quote – Project Management Services Yumba Bimbi is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Project Manager to lead the development of a costed, council approved, funding-ready concept design for its new headquarters. This role will guide the project from initial asset review through development approval to tender readiness, with responsibility for coordination of stakeholders, compliance, and project documentation.
Project Scope The Project Manager will be expected to respond to the following core elements within their quotation:
Project Management Plan and Monitoring Prepare a project management plan that establishes a clear timeline for project delivery with defined milestones, including stakeholder consultation, design finalisation, and submission of approvals. Consider the use of an appropriate software system that manages, track and display progress.
Asset Review Conduct a review of existing building assets and provide recommendations for their treatment or staged disposal, ensuring alignment with the overall development strategy for the new headquarters.
Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Plan and Management Develop a structured communication plan to ensure clear, regular communication between all stakeholders, including the Yumba Bimbi Executive Team and Board, required project team and the approving authorities. The communication plan should also consider any community consultation.
Approvals Coordination Develop and seek quotes and liaison with required consultant team to prepare a concept design and then facilitate the lodgement of a well-made development application including any formal public notification that would be required. Liaison with Central Highlands Regional Council will be required.
Finance and Funding Identify opportunities for grant funding and other avenues to support the build cost. Determine eligibility and if supported by Executive Leadership Team and the Board lodge applications and carry out any necessary advocacy required on behalf of organisation.
Documentation and Reporting Ensure detailed documentation of all meetings, stakeholder input, design changes, and key decisions, with timely reports shared with Yumba Bimbi’s executive leadership team and Board as required.
Project Management Expectations Background and Experience including relevant to the project, understanding of the organisation and the Central Highlands region
Budgeting and Financial Oversight
Project and Risk Management
Quality Assurance
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
Project Timeline Initial Concept Design and DA Lodgement Target: 30 November 2025 Expected Overall Duration: through to June 2026, however this timeline may shift depending on project development, stakeholder input, and approval processes.
Quotation Requirements
Please include the following in your quotation:
Estimated hours across the life of the project
Budget and nomination of hourly rates
Response to proposed scope and your approach
Relevant background, qualifications and experience with similar building projects
