Led by Community.
Guided by Purpose.

Boasting 30 years in the community housing and services sector, Dushy is a respected advocate for vulnerable communities, particularly First Nations and culturally diverse backgrounds. Beyond her leadership at Yumba-Meta, Dushy is an active volunteer committee member/board member for a number of not-for profit organisations and sits on several advisory panels.

Dushy also completed a Graduate Certificate in Housing Management and Policy from Swinburne University in Melbourne.

Dushy’s remarkable contributions have earned her prestigious awards, including the 2019 Telstra Businesswomen’s Award, the 2021 Australian Medical Association Queensland Excellence in Health Care Medal, and the 2022 Australasian Housing Institute Executive Excellence Award.

In 2023, her outstanding achievements were recognised with the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).

Stacey holds a Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Laws, Postgraduate Certificate in Employee Relations Management, and a Master of Business Administration. She is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors Course and a Nationally Accredited Mediator with the Department of Justice and Attorney-General. Stacey also serves as a member of the People and Performance Committee for the North Queensland Primary Health Network.

Recognised as one of the Australian Financial Review’s 100 Women of Influence for championing change in regional Queensland, Stacey has led diversity and inclusion initiatives, including Reconciliation Action Plans and White Ribbon Workplace Accreditation. She is committed to supporting people, strengthening culture, and delivering safe, positive outcomes for communities.

A qualified Chartered Accountant and member of the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants, he previously spent seven years with one of North Queensland’s largest accounting firms.

Born in China, Changyi holds both a Bachelor of Business majoring in Human Resource Management and a Master of Professional Accounting from James Cook University.

In 2022, he became principal of Housing Wise Realty, Townsville’s first not-for-profit real estate company and subsidiary of Yumba-Meta Limited.

Brenda is a proud Mitakoodi woman from Cloncurry on her mother’s side and Gangalidda from the Far North Gulf Country on her father’s side, brings more than 25 years of public service experience and five years in the non-government sector to her leadership roles at Yumba-Meta Limited.

Brenda’s cultural knowledge, compassion, and strong leadership ensure that every person accessing YML services is treated with dignity and supported on their journey toward safety, stability, and independence.

She previously managed Townsville’s social housing component of the $42 billion Nation Building Economic Stimulus Package, overseeing almost 400 properties.

At Yumba-Meta, Vicki co-manages the Specialist Disability Accommodation Program and represents the organisation on the Housing & Homelessness Network, advocating for regional housing solutions.

She also played a key role in establishing Housingwise Realty, Townsville’s first not-for-profit real estate agency, while ensuring residents receive the support they need to maintain sustainable tenancies.

Her leadership and housing expertise strengthen Yumba-Meta Limited’s commitment to delivering accessible and secure housing for the community.

Karingal provides 24/7 on-site support year-round, as well as private consulting rooms for visiting health specialists and agencies.

Since joining Yumba-Meta in 2021 as a Case Worker at Dale Parker Place, she progressed through leadership roles, including Coordinator of the Weeburra Thulgarri Tutoring and Mentoring Program and Manager of the Residential Care Service.

With a strong background in youth services and community support, Jody brings compassion, leadership, and commitment to ensuring positive outcomes for patients and their families during their transition in Townsville.

Open 24/7 every day of the year, Yumba-Meta’s Flora and Elsie Houses are safe havens for women fleeing domestic and family violence.

“We’re labelled as crisis accommodation, but we pride ourselves on offering whole-person care to our clients, which looks different for everyone. Some women might lean into the mental health and counselling support because that’s what they need. Others might need financial, educational, employment or GP support.”

Part of Taileah’s role as a program manager is working closely with organisations, such as the Townsville Family Violence Support Service, to ensure a continuity of support. Having worked as a case manager previously, she’s also able to step into that role when needed.

“I think being a case manager has given me a good understanding of what clients need and what I can do to support my team.”

Elsie House is also federally funded for First Nations women and children, which assists in providing a space that’s culturally safe.

“What we love about Elsie House is it’s a bit more of a quiet space to have our First Nations women and children together. And I’d say 80 per cent of our staff, including myself, are First Nations.”

The length of stay for each client varies but Taileah has seen a growing need for families to stay longer because of the housing crisis.

“A client’s stay could be anywhere from a week to six months. While they’re here, we can help them with whatever they need to set them up for a brighter future. There’s no better feeling than when you’re taking a woman to pick up a bed for her family’s new home – it’s just the best thing ever.”

“I’m just really happy to be in a space where I can help women and children thrive.”

Today, Dwayne serves as Manager of the Reverend Charles Harris Diversionary Centre, providing strong leadership in service delivery and client support.

Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the mining industry, Dwayne has worked across Queensland and spent five years in Papua New Guinea. This diverse background underpins Dwayne’s approach to managing complex community programs.

Through a focus on wellbeing and empowerment, Dwayne is dedicated to supporting YML clients on pathways to stability and continues to make a meaningful contribution to the organisation’s mission.

Since joining Yumba-Meta in 2020, Lucy has grown steadily through the organisation, working across several programs including as a Domestic and Family Violence Case Manager, a Case Worker at Dale Parker Place, and within the Weeburra Thulgarri Tutoring Program. Through these roles, she has walked alongside individuals and families navigating some of the most difficult and complex moments of their lives.

That hands-on experience continues to shape the way Lucy leads today. She understands what families need, the importance of trust and safety, and the support frontline staff need to do this work with care and steadiness.

Lucy holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science and brings thoughtful knowledge, practical know-how and genuine care to her role — helping both her team and the families they support feel safe, respected and in good hands.

Since joining Yumba-Meta in 2023, Immanuel has worked as a Case Manager, providing intake support, crisis response, advocacy and practical case management for clients navigating complex situations. He brings a calm, respectful and strengths-based approach to his work, grounded in listening, trust and the belief that people can make positive change with the right support.

With a Master of Social Work from James Cook University, Immanuel is committed to dignity, accountability and helping families move toward greater safety and stability.

Having worked in both Europe and Australia, she brings a practical understanding of diverse workplaces and the ability to adapt quickly in complex environments.

Throughout her career, Lana has coordinated large teams, supported executive decision-making, and helped streamline systems to improve communication and efficiency. She is known for her steady approach, attention to detail, and commitment to fostering a supportive and well-organised workplace.

At Yumba-Meta, Lana works closely with Yumba-Meta’s Senior Management Team,  to keep operations running smoothly, helping ensure the organisation can focus on delivering responsive, community-focused services.