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. 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.
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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.
Statement of Commitment
Warrina Services is committed to providing services to children and young people with a disability to facilitate their inclusion in the community and assist them to develop their skills to increase their independence and have meaningful lives.
Our organisation is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people and will endeavour to provide a safe and supportive environment by protecting their safety and rights and maintaining safeguards to ensure their continued protection.
The following values reflect the culture that we are committed to promoting within our organisation: choice, encouragement, self-direction not dependence, promoting engagement and valuing each individual. Providing opportunities for children and young people to have a voice, provide feedback and maintaining a “no retribution” system for raising of concerns. Children will be supported to disclose abuse, neglect and exploitation. Staff will be vigilant in their “duty of care” and will immediately report to their managers and the appropriate authorities any instances of suspected or actual harm.
Staff
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David Powell
Chief Executive Officer
David, first and foremost is a very proud father, (and unfortunately, one prone to dispensing bad dad jokes) who has held leadership and executive positions in State, Commonwealth and Non-Government Organisations in Toowoomba, Ipswich and Brisbane. With over 20 years’ experience, and a passionate emphasis on community inclusion and capacity building he entered the sector as a youth worker while furthering his tertiary studies and is a Fellow of the Institute of Managers and Leaders ANZ and a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. His experience in change management, building agile and resilient teams afforded opportunities in establishing and leading work groups through disability reforms and scheme transition, most recently resulting in pivoting from a public service focus to a dedication to non-government and for purpose organisations. David’s pragmatic, and perhaps at times, disruptive social justice commitment and principles of self-determination, dignity and respect combined with a focus on customer experience and empowering high performing teams with a values based/led culture culminated in his appointment as Warrina Services CEO in December 2022. He is grateful and privileged to join such a well-established and respected organisation with such a long standing and experienced Board of Directors, the formidable and professional Management Team, combined with the incredibly talented and passionate Direct Services, Support Coordination and Administrative staff.
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Fiona Thompson
Operations Manager
Fiona 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.
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Linda Harrison
Operations Manager
Linda 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.
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Robert Fernandez
Financial Officer
Robert 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.
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Glenice Fagg
Senior Administration Officer
Glenice 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.
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Sue Klumper
Administration Officer
Sue 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.
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Ashleigh McDonald
Administration Officer
Ashleigh started working as a Support Worker in January 2018. We quickly became aware of her organisational skills seconding her for Administration duties on a few mornings each week. Ashleigh now works in the Office full time and is enjoying the challenges that the work brings.
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Bree Stevens
Administration Officer
Bree is new to the Disability sector and Toowoomba after a 25 year career focused on client care and service. She enjoys connecting with clients and ensuring they have a positive experience in communicating with Warrina Services and their team. Bree is excited to be part of a team that is so focused on supporting their clients to have full and rich lives within our community.
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Maddison Flack
Administration Officer
Maddison joined Warrina Services in early 2023, being new to the disability industry. Maddison took on the role as an Administration Officer then proceeded to take on Support Work while continuing her role in Administration. Maddison is very passionate about helping people and finds it a very fulfilling role knowing she can brighten up a client’s life and help them make a positive impact.
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Lyn Corbett
Direct Services 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.
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Brendan Campbell
Direct Services 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.
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Rebecca Goldman
Direct Services Coordinator
Bec joined Warrina in 2020 as an Administration officer from a back ground of client care and client service. She is passionate about helping people and this is a big reason why she quickly fell in love with this industry. After working on Reception for around 12 months, she decided she wanted to be more involved in clients’ lives and continue to foster the relationships she had already formed so commenced working as a support worker on weekends. Having two varied roles within Warrina has recently enabled her to step into a Direct Services Coordination role. Her goal is to continually enhance positive relationships with her clients and co-workers.
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Kara McCarthy
Direct Services Coordinator
Kara McCarthy commenced her role as Coordinator in July 2021. Equipped with a Diploma of Community Services and a Cert IV in Disability, with an additional 10 years’ experience in positions including frontline client support and coordinating client programs within the public Disability Sector, Kara is well-appointed to provide quality support to the clients of Warrina Services. Kara strives to enhance positive working relationships with and on behalf of Warrina clients to enable and empower them to achieve their goals.
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Geoff Davis
Direct Services Coordinator
Geoff has worked in the sector since 2009 in various direct support and coordination roles. Geoff started working with Warrina in 2018, was a locum Team Leader in 2020 and commenced as a Direct Services Coordinator in 2021. Geoff is proud to be part of an organisation that has such a solid reputation in the local community. Geoff is a passionate advocate for the right of people with disability to have choice in how they live their lives and to direct their own supports where they are needed.
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Chloe Thompson
Direct Services Coordinator
Chloe joined Warrina in 2019 as a support worker and developed a strong interest in the disability industry. Seeking to broaden her understanding of the organisation, she transitioned to the administration team before completing her Diploma in Community Services. In 2022, Chloe took on the role of Direct Services Coordinator, driven by her desire to assist clients in achieving their goals and advocating for those who cannot express their needs. With a deep commitment to community involvement, Chloe is dedicated to witnessing the growth and success of all clients while fostering lasting relationships with the community, clients, and fellow staff members.
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Roxanne Cauley
Supports Coordinator
Roxanne Cauley commenced work with Warrina Services in January 2017. Having worked in the disability sector for over 6 years and completed an Honours degree in Psychology she is well equipped to provide quality service to Warrina clients. She has experience working in community access, respite, supported living, mobile support and day services within disability and mental health. Roxanne is committed to fostering and maintaining strong relationships with clients and support workers to achieve rewarding and fulfilling support outcomes. She prides herself in supporting our clients to live their best life!
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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.
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Kate Fitton
Supports 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 for NDIS and then as a Coordinator. In September 2020 Kate commenced working in her current Supports Coordination role. Kate is dedicated to assisting clients to experience a fulfilling life and help them to be contributing and valued members of their communities. Kate established the Garden Project at 172 Bridge Street for all to enjoy.
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Emily Hewitt
Supports Coordinator
Emily Hewitt joined the team at Warrina Services in 2021 as a Direct Services Coordinator and commenced her current role as a Supports Coordinator in 2022. Emily was previously working in the Health Sector as an Exercise Physiologist and is passionate about helping individuals with disabilities reach their goals and improve their quality of life. Emily wants to work together with her clients to deliver quality services and to ensure a client centred approach is upheld.
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.
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Dr Aaron Osmachenko
Chairperson
Aaron was originally a Support Worker and a Coordinator with Warrina Services for over 10 years. Since then he has completed a Doctorate of Psychology (Clinical), and now is the Director of Houston House, a clinical psychology practice. Aaron joined the Board of Management of Warrina Services some 7 years ago and this year is now in the Chairperson’s role. Aaron has lived is Toowoomba for coming up to 30 years and more recently has taken ownership of two French Bulldogs, named Enzo and Edwina. Aaron is approachable and if contact is required, please do not hesitate to contact the Warrina Office to leave a message.
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Ian Zerner
Vice Chairperson and Secretary
Ian joined the Board in 2015. He was also a board member of the Toowoomba Friendlies Society Pharmacy for approximately 18 years where he served as deputy chair and chairman, retiring in 2021. Ian spent approximately 50 years in the motor industry, the majority of this time as a fleet sales manager, as well as owning his own business for nearly 15 years. He grew up on the Darling Downs, moving to Toowoomba in 1962. Ian has also served as a Justice of the Peace (QUAL) since 1983.
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Ray Anderson
Treasurer
Ray has been a Board member since January 2008 and held the position of Chairperson from November 2009 to November 2022. Ray and his family came to Toowoomba from Rockhampton at the end of 1992. In Rockhampton, Ray spent many years as a partner in public accountancy and then as a partner of R & D Accountants in Toowoomba until his retirement in 2014. Ray has a keen interest in the thoroughbred horse industry and was a member of the Toowoomba Turf Club board for almost 10 years and held the position of Deputy Chairman.
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Robert Fernandez
Treasurer’s Assistant
Robert has a background in management and banking and has over 40 years’ experience in the disability sector. He became a Board Member in 1998 and in the following year commenced as a Support Worker providing direct care to clients. Robert first became involved with Warrina Services as a volunteer, working with individuals and families, providing supports and living skills assistance. Robert, who has a disability himself, is committed to promoting and upholding the rights of people with a disability. Robert has an interest in early model Australian cars, football and cricket.
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Wendy Cook
Director
Wendy has a strong passion for the disability sector and has extensive experience working within the industry for 12 years, firstly in various State Government positions before moving onto the NDIS when it commenced in Toowoomba in 2016. She has particular interest in mental health and supported living issues. Prior to joining the disability sector Wendy worked at USQ for 10 years and has had several small businesses herself with her husband. Two years ago, Wendy retired from real work and now runs an online business which allows her the time and freedom to persue volunteering activities such as joining the Warrina family. Wendy and her husband have lived in the Highfields area for over 30 years, they have 2 wonderful children, Daniel and Sally who both live in Brisbane, and earlier this year they became very proud grandparents.
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Ben O’Neil
Director
Ben O’Neill is the managing partner of an award winning family law firm in Toowoomba. Prior to specialising in family law, Ben was an established commercial lawyer. Ben has a longstanding association with Toowoomba, having completed his schooling in the town. He is passionate about the region. He enjoys spending time with his family in his spare time in the Toowoomba Region.
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Fiona Thompson
Director
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Linda Harrison
Director
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David Powell
Director