Warrina Services receives funding from the National Disability Insurance Agency and the Commonwealth Department of Health to provide in-home and community access supports to people who have a disability and people who have experienced mental illness to support their personal recovery. As a client directed service our model of care is to provide individualised responses to peoples’ needs that enable them to have fulfilling lives; to overcome their disability and access the community activities and services. We encourage clients to assume increasing levels of responsibility and to explore different opportunities and experiences. Our clients want services and supports that respond flexibly to their lives. To facilitate greater client choice and control we have engaged a professional and dedicated workforce that have a clear understanding of their role and a willingness to provide supports as required; be that on a weekend to watch the football, late in the evening to attend a social event or early morning to get to gym.
Warrina Services registered as a Co-operative on 1 December 1986. The organisation was founded by parents and community members who arranged social activities for people with a disability including; fishing trips, Saturday night gatherings at 143 Russell Street Toowoomba and a monthly folk club. There was also a fund raising component with raffles, quiz nights and walkathons to self-support Warrina’s activities. Since then the organisation has promoted and supported many community projects and programs for people with a disability. Notably, in 1992 Warrina Services identified a need for increased employment opportunities and established Personnel West Employment which went on to be an entity in its own right. In 1994 the service gained State Government funding to provide assistance to people with disabilities wanting to live in their own homes.
The service steadily grew and in 1997 we introduced specialist support for people with a mental illness. Under this program we witnessed the lives of people be transformed as they have moved from mental health facilities into their own homes. Initially people required intensive daily support but over time our clients have become more independent; accessing social activities, participating in training and work and forming relationships. Our mental health services have grown and we now provide, early intervention support, coordination and care during acute phases of mental illness and recovery supports.
In 2017 Warrina Services transitioned to providing services under the National Disability Services Scheme. We have a small cohort of clients accessing the Continuity of Support Program for the over 65’s who have had the opportunity to broaden their experiences, trying new activities and meeting new people in their local communities. It will be our challenge into the future to ensure our services remain fresh and responsive to our clients’ needs and our Board and Management remain wholly committed to ensuring we maintain the highest of standards whilst supporting clients, and their families and carers, to achieve choice and control in their lives.
Warrina Services supports the rights of children and young people and is committed to providing a safe and supportive service environment, directed at ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
Staff
Lyndel Bunter
Chief Executive Officer
Lyndel Bunter commenced as Warrina Services’ CEO in 2015 and is passionate about her work with people who have a disability. Lyndel has over 20 years’ experience in the Disability, Mental Health and Community sector across a variety of Government and non-government positions. Her aim for the organisation is to ensure Warrina Services continues to deliver high-quality, sustainable supports that meet personal needs and uphold individual rights.
Fiona Thompson
Operations Manager
Fiona Thompson has been working with Warrina Services since 1997 in numerous roles. Fiona has been one of the Operations Managers since 2001 and has been honoured to watch the organisation grow into a preferred employer within the disability industry. Fiona is proud to be a part of an amazing team of staff who strive to provide quality support services to the Clients of Warrina Services.
Linda Harrison
Operations Manager
Linda Harrison has been working within the disability industry since 1997. Linda commenced working at Warrina Service in 2001 and has been employed as an Operations Manager since 2011. Linda prides herself in assisting her clients to become valued members within their community. Linda is looking forward to Warrina growing and embracing the many changes to come within the disability sector.
Robert Fernandez
Financial Officer
Robert Fernandez is the Warrina Services’ Financial Officer. Robert has been working within the disability industry since the 1980’s. Robert first became involved with Warrina Services as a Board member in 1998. Robert is committed to promoting and upholding the rights of people with a disability and he also volunteers each month with the Toowoomba and District Down Syndrome Support Group.
Lyn Corbett
Coordinator
Lyn Corbett has been employed by Warrina Services since 1999. Lyn commenced working as a Lifestyle Support Worker in 1999 until 2007 when she progressed to locum – Coordinator and then into a fulltime position. Lyn undertakes many roles: Coordinator of direct support services, WPH&S Officer and Fire Warden. Lyn loves being part of a great team who work collaboratively to support our clients and their families.
Bradley Rankin
Coordinator
Bradley Rankin started work with Warrina Services in June 2001 as a Support Worker. He also worked as a Team Leader before being appointed to the position of Coordinator in 2018. Bradley has a background in nursing and community work and is studying a degree in Social Science/Social Welfare. Bradley is focused on providing personalised quality support services tailored to the individual needs that enable people with disabilities and their families to achieve their life goals.
Kate Fitton
Coordinator
Kate Fitton commenced with Warrina Services in 2007 as a Support Worker. Since 2016 Kate has been part of the Direct Services team at Bridge Street; initially as a Project Officer assisting our clients to prepare for their access requests into the NDIS and then into her current Coordination role. Kate is dedicated to assisting clients to experience a fulfilling life and established the Garden Project for all to enjoy.
Brendan Campbell
Coordinator
Brendan Campbell joined Warrina in 2013 and is working as a Coordinator. Brendan is a former registered nurse with qualifications in psychiatry and intensive care nursing. Brendan’s passion is mental health, particularly providing education to Support Workers to enable them to deliver top quality support to Warrina Services’ clients.
Noel Woolard
Coordinator
Noel Woolard commenced in his role as Coordinator in November 2019. Noel comes to Warrina Services with a personal and professional experience working in the Disability Sector across the private and public sector. Noel has managed Client Programs and Service Outlets for a large National Provider. Noel has extensive experience and qualifications in Financial Management.
Joe Scott
Team Leader
Joe Scott worked as a Support Worker after joining the organisation in 2008 taking an active role in mentoring newer Support Workers. Joe joined the Direct Service team in 2018 as a Team Leader and enjoys assisting with Support Worker inductions. Joe special areas of interest are mental health and Acquired Brain Injury.
Russell Smith
Team Leader
Russell Smith has a long history working in Community Services, Aged Care and Disability and Youth Services. Most recently Russell worked in a Mental Health Recovery Unit setting. Russell strives to foster strong working relationships, promoting safety, optimal health and well-being for all. Russell is proud to be a part of the Warrina Services’ Direct Services Team.
Glenice Fagg
Administration Officer
Glenice Fagg has worked in the disability sector since 2000 commencing with a Brisbane support agency. Glenice moved to Toowoomba in 2009 to work for Disability Services before starting with Warrina Services as a Support Worker. In 2011 Glenice took up a position in our Reception. Glenice enjoys the day to day contact with the many people she talks with and is passionate about providing the best service possible to make everyone’s experience positive.
Sue Klumper
Administration Officer
Sue Klumper has been our Assistant Administration Officer since March 2013 after 25 years in the banking industry. Sue enjoys interacting with clients and staff and works with the office staff to ensure the smooth running of the Warrina Services administration.
Ashleigh McDonald
Projects and Administration Officer
Ashleigh McDonald has worked as a Support Worker at Warrina Services, in a permanent part-time capacity, since January 2018. We quickly became aware of Ashleigh’s organisational skills seconding her into the office for a few mornings each week. Ashleigh enjoys the challenges that this work brings.
Jenny Keys
Supports Coordinator
Jenny Keys commenced with Warrina Services as a Support Coordinator in 2017 having previously worked in the disability sector, in Government and non-government roles, since 1992. Jenny’s commitment to people with a disability having a good life and receiving high quality services aligns well with the values and mission of Warrina Services. Jenny enjoys taking on the challenges and changes within the sector as part of the team at Warrina Services.
Carolyn Brown
Supports Coordinator
Carolyn Brown joined the team at Warrina Services in 2018, working part time as a Support Coordinator. Carolyn has over 25 years’ experience working in government departments, including the Department of Disability Services and the Department of Justice. Carolyn is the founder Time Made, a local Toowoomba business. Carolyn loves working in a collaborative environment and assisting clients to link in with services/activities so they can live their best lives.
David Arrowsmith
Supports Coordinator
David Arrowsmith commenced work with Warrina Services as a Support Coordinator in 2019. He brings to the position his broad experience having worked as a Transition Case Manager in Residential Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation. Prior to this, he worked for many years as a Disability Employment Consultant; assisting people with a disability to secure and sustain mainstream employment. David draws job satisfaction through helping people to better their situation and having a positive influence on their lives.
Board Members
We are fortunate and grateful to our dedicated Board Members who volunteer their time and skills to support the work of and provide governance to Warrina Community Cooperative Ltd. The Board meet monthly to oversee our legal and financial accountability; monitor the achievement of planned objectives in line with our strategic vision, scrutinise expenditure. Board Members also represent the interests of the organisation to the broader community.
Ray Anderson
Chairperson
Graham Bretz
Vice Chairperson
Ian Zerner
Treasurer
Dr Aaron Osmachenko
Secretary
Robert Fernandez
Treasurer’s Assistant
Fiona Thompson
Independent Director
Linda Harrison
Independent Director
Lyndel Bunter
Independent Director