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.
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
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
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.
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.
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!
Glenice Fagg
Senior 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
Administration Officer
Ashleigh McDonald 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.
Rebecca Goldman
Direct Services Coordinator
Rebecca (Bec) is a new comer to the disability sector and loves being a part of the warm and welcoming team at Warrina. Bec enjoys the busyness and variety involved with the reception and talking to all the wonderful clients, support workers and staff. Being the first point of contact is something she takes seriously and thoroughly enjoys. Bec is a people person and looks forward to bringing the best service possible to our clients.
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.
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.
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.
Emily Hewitt
Supports Coordinator
Emily Hewitt joined the team at Warrina Services in 2021 as a Direct Services Coordinator. 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.
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.
Chloe Thompson
Direct Services Coordinator
Chloe started working with Warrina Services in October 2019 as a Support Worker. She has since transitioned into an administration role as well as continuing to support clients. Chloe enjoys interacting with clients and having a positive impact on their lives. Having two varied roles allows her to support the co-ordination of her clients and support them in achieving their goals.
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.
Colwyn Lewis
Administration Officer
Colwyn is new to the Disability sector, joining the team at Warrina Services in 2022 as an Administration Officer. After a lengthy career in Early Childhood Education and the Aged Care sector, Colwyn has embraced the challenge and the varied roles the Disability sector has to offer and looks forward to broadening her skill set in the future.
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