Manager Corporate Support
As Manager of Corporate Support at Yumba-Meta Limited, Jodie Zahra provides strategic leadership for corporate services, implementing initiatives that drive organisational growth and stability.
She brings valuable experience from a decade in HR management and six years in Townsville real estate.
A networking specialist, Jodie successfully managed the implementation of Palm Island’s Telstra call centre, creating employment opportunities for local residents.
Her extensive work with North Queensland communities and elders enhances her current executive role, where she focuses on strengthening Yumba-Meta Limited’s capacity to improve outcomes for First Nations people and vulnerable groups.
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.
Manager People & Culture
As Manager of People & Culture at Yumba-Meta Limited, Amanda Warry oversees all Human Resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, and organisational development.
She brings extensive experience in workforce planning, governance, and strategic leadership to her role.
A James Cook University alumna, Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Laws. This educational background, combined with her previous experience as an HR manager and consultant, strengthens her ability to implement effective HR policies and ensure employment law compliance while fostering a positive workplace culture aligned with Yumba-Meta Limited’s mission.
Manager Residential Care Service
Jody Chetty manages Yumba-Meta Limited’s Residential Care Service Program, bringing diverse experience in youth services and special needs education to her leadership role.
After joining Yumba-Meta Limited in 2021 as a Case Worker at Dale Parker Place, she advanced to Coordinator of the Weeburra Thulgarri Tutoring and Mentoring Program in 2022.
By mid-2023, she led the establishment of the residential care program for young people aged 12 to 17 years. Jody’s holistic approach focuses on supporting youth to achieve their goals through education engagement, life skills development, family connection, and healthy relationship building.
Acting Chief Operating Officer
As Acting Chief Operating Officer, Anil Kaithakulath oversees all funded programs at Yumba- Meta Limited, including Dale Parker Place, Reverend Charles Harris Diversionary Centre, Breaking the Cycle, and Townsville Family Violence Support Service. He also manages YML’s Workplace Health and Safety requirements and Human Resource compliance.
Born in India, Anil brings international experience from the Middle East and Ireland to his role. Joining Yumba-Meta Limited in 2012 as a Support Worker, Anil’s exceptional skills led to rapid career progression through roles including Case Manager and Program Manager.
Anil has a Diploma in Leadership and Management from Central Queensland University and a Property Development Course for Community Housing Providers.
Chief Finance Officer
As Chief Finance Officer of Yumba-Meta Limited since 2020, Changyi Liu brings 16 years’ experience in accounting, taxation, auditing, and finance to his role.
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.
Chief Executive Officer
As the dedicated CEO of Yumba-Meta Limited since 1995, Dushy Thangiah brings her expertise as a seasoned management accountant and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Boasting 29 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 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).
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.
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.
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.
