Manager Karingal Patient Transition Accommodation
As Manager of Karingal Patient Transition Accommodation, Jody Chetty oversees Yumba-Meta Limited’s short-term supported housing service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from remote and rural communities accessing Townsville University Hospital and Health Services.
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.
Troy Kennedy, a proud Gugu Badhun and Gudjala man, brings a wealth of community engagement experience to the Yumba-Meta Limited Board.
With qualifications in plumbing, community services, and restorative practice, Troy serves as the National Business Development Manager at REELS Manufacturing Group and has been a Business Development and Community Engagement Officer, dedicated to Indigenous causes.
His leadership at NRL Cowboys House and Clontarf Foundation highlights his commitment to youth empowerment, and he also served as a Community Engagement Officer for the Department of Children, Youth Justice, and Multicultural Affairs.
As a descendant of Yumba-Meta’s founding members, Troy’s connection and passion make him a valued Board member.
Housing Services Manager
With over 20 years of experience in public sector housing, Vicki Miles brings extensive expertise to her role as Housing Services Manager at Yumba-Meta Limited. Her career highlights include managing Townsville’s social housing component of the $42 billion Nation Building Economic Stimulus Package, overseeing nearly 400 properties.
Currently, Vicki co-manages YML’s Specialist Disability Accommodation Program and represents YML on the Housing & Homelessness Network, advocating for regional housing solutions. She was instrumental in establishing Housingwise Realty, Townsville’s first not-for profit real estate agency, while ensuring residents receive support to maintain sustainable tenancies.
Manager Women’s Shelters
Taileah Watson manages both Flora House Women’s Shelter and Elsie House Women’s Shelter at Yumba-Meta Limited, specialising in supporting women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
Her journey with the organisation began as a Case Manager at Dale Parker Place, before advancing to the women’s shelters team and subsequently to Program Coordinator.
With connections to the Gungarri people of Southwest Queensland through her mother, Taileah focuses on ensuring clients’ safe transition back to community or home life, finding fulfilment in supporting their journeys toward independence.
Genus Passi, born in Townsville with roots in the Eastern Torres Strait Islands, Lifou Island, and West Papua, brings extensive experience to Yumba-Meta’s Board.
With over 16 years in Juvenile Justice, Genus has held roles at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre, Townsville Corrective Services, and various non-profits like Murri Watch and PASS Sports Australia.
He has served in leadership positions, including Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Community Advisory Council and Assistant Director at the Office of Northern Australia. Genus is dedicated to advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Health, Housing, and Education.
Dr. Janine Gertz, a Gugu Badhun and NgadjonJi woman, is based in Townsville with strong ties to North and Far North Queensland.
A Lecturer of Indigenous Studies at UNSW and Research Fellow at the Indigenous Law Centre, her research focuses on Indigenous political representation and self-government. Janine brings extensive experience in public policy, having worked in the Australian Public Service and with Indigenous community organisations.
As the granddaughter and niece of Yumba-Meta’s founders, Flora and Ernest Hoolihan, Janine is proud to continue her family’s legacy of community service as a valued member of the Yumba-Meta Board.
The Hon. Peter Lindsay OAM joined Yumba-Meta’s Board in 2020, bringing a wealth of experience in lawmaking and governance. His career began in television and electronics before transitioning to politics.
Peter served as a Councillor for Townsville City and then as Federal Member for Herbert for five terms, including roles as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence.
His board experience spans education, IT, mining, and government committees.
Peter is an active community volunteer, a triple past president of the Rotary Club of Townsville Daybreak, and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2016.
Dr. Ernest Hoolihan OAM, fondly known as Ernie, founded Yumba-Meta Limited in 1973 under the Whitlam Government.
His achievements extend beyond this, including establishing the Townsville Aboriginal Cultural Centre and TAIHS (Townsville Aboriginal and Islanders Health Services).
Ernie has also supported Aboriginal inmates for over 30 years, worked on educational programs like Headstart Kindergarten, and contributed to the Seniors Safety Group and Leukaemia House.
His dedication has earned him numerous honors, including Queensland Senior Citizen of the Year, a Townsville Grammar Distinguished Alumni award, an Honorary Doctorate, and a Medal of the Order of Australia.
