Dale Parker Place, Reverend Charles Harris Diversionary Centre, Breaking the Cycle
Townsville Family Violence Support Service, Residential Care for Young People Program
Manager Dale Parker Place, Reverend Charles Harris Diversionary Centre, Breaking the Cycle
Co-Manager Townsville Family Violence Support Service, Residential Care for Young People Program
Anil Kaithakulath brings the flair of the seasoned globe-trotter to Yumba-Meta Limited, being born in India, and then working in both the Middle East and Ireland, before finally settling in Australia.
While Anil holds a diploma in hospitality management, he found himself in disability services, clocking up considerable experience in the sector before joining Yumba-Meta in 2012. Starting as a support worker, Anil’s skills were soon noticed by his managers, quickly propelling him up the ranks to the point of being offered the role of Case Manager in 2014, before taking on the role of Dale Parker Place Manager in 2016.
Furthering his skills and knowledge, Anil completed a Diploma in Leadership and Management from CQU in 2021.
A proud member of the Yumba-Meta Limited senior management team, Anil has said, “I’ve seen people who come to us from living in the park without having any other motivations, to address their issues, develop living skills, and go on to have a sense of self-worth and a purpose for future.”
“Seeing good things happening for a person who never had those opportunities is very rewarding. I’m proud to play a part in that.”
Manager Karingal Patient Transition Accommodation Facility
Mahima Matta joined Yumba-Meta in 2023, to manage the Karingal Patient Transition Accommodation Facility.
Mahima worked in the Northern Territory for Kakadu National Park for 5 years and then the Katherine West Health Board for 6 years and has a Master’s degree in Foods and Nutrition.
Manager Housing Services
Co-Manager Residential Care for Young People Program
Vicki Miles joined Yumba-Meta as Housing Manager in January 2021, bringing with her a strong background in public sector housing through her 20-year career with the Department of Housing.
From 2009, Vicki took a lead role in delivering the Townsville social housing component of the federal government’s $42 billion Nation Building Economic Stimulus Package, which covered social housing, education, roads and safety, and energy saving initiatives.
This project involved Vicki managing and delivering the stimulus package for close to 400 community housing and public housing properties, for the Townsville Housing Service Centre for Department of Housing.
From 2016 to 2020, Vicki was the housing representative on the multi-agency Townsville Stronger Communities Action Group, a coordinated response to the issue of youth crime in Townsville.
As Housing Manager, Vicki’s priority is ensuring people have the opportunity, knowledge and supports they need, to sustain their tenancy.
Manager Residential Care Service Program
Jody Chetty boasts a diverse heritage of South African Indian, Scottish, and English roots. While initially pursuing a Bachelor of Education for two years, Jody put her studies on hold to focus on raising her family.
Entering the workforce, Jody ventured into retail management and later transitioned to working at a school with students with special needs. In 2021, she found her true calling at Yumba-Meta Limited as a Case Worker at Dale Parker Place.
Progressing within the organisation, Jody became the Case Manager and Coordinator for Weeburra Thulgarri Tutoring and Mentoring Program in 2022. By mid-2023, she took on the role of Coordinator for the new Residential Care Service Program, focusing on young people aged 12 to 18 years. In 2024, Jody was promoted to Manager of the Residential Care Service Program.
Jody finds immense reward in overcoming challenges while working with youth. Adopting a holistic approach, she and her team support youth in reaching their goals, fostering family connections, engaging in education, building life skills, and cultivating healthy relationships.
Chief Executive Officer
Dushyanthi (Dushy) Thangiah migrated to Australia over 35 years ago from her home country Sri Lanka. Dushy completed her education in Sri Lanka and qualified as a management accountant from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (London). She holds a graduate certificate in Housing Management and Policy from Swinburne University (Melbourne) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
When Dushy joined Yumba-Meta Limited in 1995, she held a diverse range of senior corporate accounting roles in Sri Lanka and Australia. Dushy has worked in the community housing and community services sector for over 28 years and is a highly regarded advocate for vulnerable people, particularly First Nations people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Dushy is also an active volunteer:
• Committee Member of the North Queensland Hindu Community Inc since 2010
• Board Member of Unify (Formally Townsville Multicultural Support Group) since 2021
• Member of Zonta Townsville Metro Club for two years
• Volunteered at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre, Meals on Wheels, and tutored at the NRL Cowboys House.
• Board Member, Community Housing Industry Association (CHIA) 2019-2022.
• Board Member, Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) Reference Group since 2021.
Her suite of achievements and commitments have been recognised through numerous awards:
• 2019 Australian Winner of the Telstra Businesswomen’s Awards for Purpose and Social Enterprise.
• 2021 Awarded AMA (Australian Medical Association) Queensland Excellence in Health Care Medal.
• 2022 Australian Winner of the Australasian Housing Institute Executive Excellence Award.
• 2023 Order of Australia Medal in recognition of services to the community through social welfare organisations.
Chief Finance Officer
Born in China, Changyi Liu moved from Singapore to Townsville in 2005 in pursuit of an education at James Cook University (JCU). During his time at JCU, he completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, majoring in Human Resource Management, and if that weren’t enough, went on to gain a Master’s Degree in Professional Accounting.
As a qualified Chartered Accountant with 10 years’ experience in accounting, taxation, auditing and finance, Changyi is also a member of the Australian Institute of Chartered Accountants, boasting extensive experience with one of north’s largest accounting firms.
Changyi joined the executive team as Yumba-Meta Limited’s Finance Manager in 2015, and during that time, reveals that his personal perspective of his work in finance has taken on a whole new meaning.
“Working at Yumba-Meta, you see things you don’t see in everyday life. Yumba-Meta provides support to vulnerable people in the community with everything from general support to long-term housing. You cannot put a price on that.”
Manager Women’s Shelters
As a young child, Taileah Watson relocated to Townsville from Bundaberg where her mum’s connection to the Gungarri people of Southwest Queensland shaped her cultural background.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, majoring in English and Media, and additional postgraduate studies in Editing and Publishing, Taileah discovered her passion for aiding vulnerable communities during a semester abroad in Samoa.
Upon her return, she joined Yumba-Meta Limited, starting as a case manager at Dale Parker Place. Recognised for her excellent work with women and children, she transitioned to the YML women’s shelters team. With positive outcomes and a supportive team, Taileah advanced to Program Coordinator and now serves as Manager Women’s Shelters.
Taileah’s dedication lies in assisting vulnerable women and children in escaping domestic and family violence. The most fulfilling part of her role is being part of the clients’ journeys, witnessing their safe return to the community.
Genus Passi, born and raised in Townsville, is a descendant from the Eastern Torres Strait Islands with direct family lineage to Lifou Island in New Caledonia and West Papua (Province).
Genus has garnered diverse experience through various roles, including 16+ years in Juvenile Justice at Cleveland Youth Detention Centre, service in Townsville Corrective Services (Adult System), and contributions to non-profit organisations such as Uniting Care, Townsville/Thuringowa Justice Group, PASS Sports Australia, and the establishment of the Community Patrol program (now known as Murri Watch).
He has also been involved with Townsville Flexible Learning Centre’s Outreach Program (Edmund Rice Catholic Education), served as a Cultural Advisor with Act 4 Kids, held the position of Integrated Team Care Program Manager with NAPHL, and was a member of the Townsville City Council Community Development team.
With a three-year tenure as Chair of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Community Advisory Council (ATSICAC) and a member of the Board Allstars with Board Coaching Institute, Genus has demonstrated leadership in board roles.
Recently appointed as Assistant Director with Office of Northern Australia, Genus is recognised for his proactive and innovative thinking, consistently advocating for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people, particularly in the areas of Health, Housing, and Education. As a Cultural Educator and Community Connector, he is dedicated to fostering positive changes in the community.
Troy Kennedy, a proud Gugu Badhun and Gudjala Aboriginal man rooted in Greenvale, Charters Towers, Townsville, and Yarrabah, brings extensive experience in community engagement to the Yumba-Meta Limited Board of Directors.
Troy’s diverse skill set is showcased by his trade qualification as a plumber and certificates in community services and restorative practice training. His roles as a Business Development Officer and Community Engagement Officer underscore his commitment to both the local community and Indigenous causes.
Troy’s leadership roles, including House Parent at NRL Cowboys House and Operations Officer at Clontarf Foundation, demonstrate his dedication to empowering youth and collaborating with stakeholders.
Serving as a Community Engagement Officer with the Department of Children, Youth Justice, and Multicultural Affairs further highlights his commitment to Indigenous community support.
Navigating cultural sensitivities adeptly, Troy’s work as a Community Education Counsellor at Education Queensland and Community Engagement Officer reflects his ability to address complex issues while respecting cultural protocols. As a descendant of Yumba-Meta Limited’s founding members, Troy’s connection, combined with a passion for community welfare, makes him a valuable addition to the Yumba-Meta Board of Directors.
Troy Kennedy’s multifaceted experience, leadership acumen, and strong community ties make him a dedicated advocate for Yumba-Meta’s goals, significantly contributing to the organisation’s mission and community-driven initiatives.
Roslyn’s mother was a proud Gunggandji woman from Yarrabah in Far North Queensland, though she herself hails from the small North West Queensland town of Richmond.
On this background, Roslyn was well equipped to head to Townsville in 2006 to take-up work as a Coordinator for Indigenous Youth from Rural & Remote areas of Queensland.
Roslyn went on to join Yumba-Meta Limited in 2012 as an on-call Casual Care Worker at the Reverend Charles Harris Diversionary, before moving into a permanent Care Worker role.
Soon after, she became a Case Manager for the Breaking the Cycle Program and also the Dale Parker Place Supported Accommodation Program. It wasn’t long before Roslyn was offered the position of Coordinator of the Reverend Charles Harris Diversionary Centre in 2018, which sees her working with a diverse client group.
She feels that if she has helped one person achieve their dream through her work at Yumba-Meta, then it makes her job worthwhile.
