Board of Directors
Our Board brings together deep cultural knowledge, leadership experience, and a commitment to self-determination and community impact.
Genus Passi
Chairperson
Genus Passi
Chairperson
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.
Janine Gertz
Director
Janine Gertz
Director
Dr. Janine Gertz, a Gugu Badhun and NgadjonJi woman, is based in Townsville with strong ties to North and Far North Queensland.
A Lecturer of Indigenous Studies at UNSW and Research Fellow at the Indigenous Law Centre, her research focuses on Indigenous political representation and self-government. Janine brings extensive experience in public policy, having worked in the Australian Public Service and with Indigenous community organisations.
As the granddaughter and niece of Yumba-Meta’s founders, Flora and Ernest Hoolihan, Janine is proud to continue her family’s legacy of community service as a valued member of the Yumba-Meta Board.
Troy Kennedy
Director
Troy Kennedy
Director
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.
Hon. Peter Lindsay OAM
Director
Hon. Peter Lindsay OAM
Director
The Hon. Peter Lindsay OAM joined Yumba-Meta’s Board in 2020, bringing a wealth of experience in lawmaking and governance.
Peter’s career began in television and electronics before transitioning to politics.
He served as a Councillor for Townsville City and then as Federal Member for Herbert for five terms, including roles as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Defence.
His board experience spans education, IT, mining, and government committees.
Peter is an active community volunteer, a triple past president of the Rotary Club of Townsville Daybreak, and was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2016.
Michael Illin
Director
Michael Illin
Director
Michael Illin is a proud Bindal Traditional Owner of the Townsville area with more than 20 years’ experience in the health sector across government and non-government agencies.
He holds a Master of Indigenous Business and Leadership, a Diploma of Indigenous Primary Health Care, and a Diploma of Leadership and Management, and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Currently Program Manager of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing Assessment Engagement Service within the Townsville Hospital Health Service, Michael also facilitates the Cultural Practice Program to build cultural awareness across the Townsville University Hospital workforce.
A former Director of QAIHC, he has contributed to numerous committees and advisory groups. His leadership, advocacy, and commitment to supporting youth and vulnerable communities strengthen Yumba-Meta Limited’s mission and community impact.
Founder and Patron
Dr Ernest Hoolihan OAM
Founder and Patron
Dr Ernest Hoolihan OAM
Founder and Patron
Dr. Ernest Hoolihan OAM, fondly known as Ernie, founded Yumba-Meta Limited in 1973 under the Whitlam Government.
His achievements extend beyond this, including establishing the Townsville Aboriginal Cultural Centre and TAIHS (Townsville Aboriginal and Islanders Health Services).
Ernie has also supported Aboriginal inmates for over 30 years, worked on educational programs like Headstart Kindergarten, and contributed to the Seniors Safety Group and Leukaemia House.
His dedication has earned him numerous honors, including Queensland Senior Citizen of the Year, a Townsville Grammar Distinguished Alumni award, an Honorary Doctorate, and a Medal of the Order of Australia.
Senior Management Team
Our committed team at Yumba-Meta Limited is dedicated to empowering the First Nations community in Townsville for positive outcomes and improved lives.
Dushy Thangiah
Chief Executive Officer
Dushy Thangiah
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 30 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, the 2021 Australian Medical Association Queensland Excellence in Health Care Medal, 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).
Changyi Liu
Chief Finance Officer
Changyi Liu
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.
Anil Kaithakulath
Chief Operating Officer
Anil Kaithakulath
Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer of Yumba-Meta Limited, Anil Kaithakulath oversees funded programs including Dale Parker Place, the Reverend Charles Harris Diversionary Centre, Breaking the Cycle, and the Townsville Family Violence Support Service.
He also manages workplace health and safety and human resource compliance. Born in India, Anil brings international experience from the Middle East and Ireland. Joining Yumba-Meta Limited in 2012 as a Support Worker, he progressed through roles including Case Manager and Program Manager.
Anil holds a Diploma in Leadership and Management from Central Queensland University and has completed a Property Development Course for Community Housing Providers. His leadership, knowledge, and commitment ensure the effective delivery of Yumba-Meta Limited’s housing and support services.
Vicki Miles
Housing Services Manager
Vicki Miles
Housing Services Manager
With more than 20 years’ experience in public sector housing, Vicki Miles brings extensive expertise to her role as Housing Services Manager at Yumba-Meta Limited.
She previously managed Townsville’s social housing component of the $42 billion Nation Building Economic Stimulus Package, overseeing almost 400 properties.
At Yumba-Meta, Vicki co-manages the Specialist Disability Accommodation Program and represents the organisation on the Housing & Homelessness Network, advocating for regional housing solutions.
She also played a key role in establishing Housingwise Realty, Townsville’s first not-for-profit real estate agency, while ensuring residents receive the support they need to maintain sustainable tenancies.
Her leadership and housing expertise strengthen Yumba-Meta Limited’s commitment to delivering accessible and secure housing for the community.
Jody Chetty
Manager, Karingal Patient Transition Accommodation
Jody Chetty
Manager, Karingal Patient Transition Accommodation
As Manager of Karingal Patient Transition Accommodation, Jody Chetty oversees Yumba-Meta Limited’s short-term supported housing service for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from remote and rural communities accessing Townsville University Hospital and Health Services.
Karingal provides 24/7 on-site support year-round, as well as private consulting rooms for visiting health specialists and agencies.
Since joining Yumba-Meta in 2021 as a Case Worker at Dale Parker Place, she progressed through leadership roles, including Coordinator of the Weeburra Thulgarri Tutoring and Mentoring Program and Manager of the Residential Care Service.
With a strong background in youth services and community support, Jody brings compassion, leadership, and commitment to ensuring positive outcomes for patients and their families during their transition in Townsville.
Taileah Watson
Program Manager, Flora House and Elsie House
Taileah Watson
Program Manager, Flora House and Elsie House
Taileah started with Yumba-Meta as a case manager at Dale Parker Place before moving on to Flora House and Elsie House, where she is now the manager of both women’s shelters.
Open 24/7 every day of the year, Yumba-Meta’s Flora and Elsie Houses are safe havens for women fleeing domestic and family violence.
“We’re labelled as crisis accommodation, but we pride ourselves on offering whole-person care to our clients, which looks different for everyone. Some women might lean into the mental health and counselling support because that’s what they need. Others might need financial, educational, employment or GP support.”
Part of Taileah’s role as a program manager is working closely with organisations, such as the Townsville Family Violence Support Service, to ensure a continuity of support. Having worked as a case manager previously, she’s also able to step into that role when needed.
“I think being a case manager has given me a good understanding of what clients need and what I can do to support my team.”
Elsie House is also federally funded for First Nations women and children, which assists in providing a space that’s culturally safe.
“What we love about Elsie House is it’s a bit more of a quiet space to have our First Nations women and children together. And I’d say 80 per cent of our staff, including myself, are First Nations.”
The length of stay for each client varies but Taileah has seen a growing need for families to stay longer because of the housing crisis.
“A client’s stay could be anywhere from a week to six months. While they’re here, we can help them with whatever they need to set them up for a brighter future. There’s no better feeling than when you’re taking a woman to pick up a bed for her family’s new home – it’s just the best thing ever.”
“I’m just really happy to be in a space where I can help women and children thrive.”
Brenda Lucas
Manager, Weeburra Thulgarri Residential Care Program for Young People
Brenda Lucas
Manager, Weeburra Thulgarri Residential Care Program for Young People
Brenda Lucas, a proud Mitakoodi woman from Cloncurry on her mother’s side and Gangalidda from the Far North Gulf Country on her father’s side, brings more than 25 years of public service experience and five years in the non-government sector to her role as Manager of the Residential Care Program for Young People at Yumba-Meta Limited.
Holding a Diploma in Community Services, Brenda previously served as a First Nations Cultural Advisor in the High-Risk Team (HRT) and has been with YML since 2015.
At Weeburra Thulgarri Residential Care Program for Young People, she leads the team providing a safe, nurturing environment for young people.
Brenda’s leadership and cultural knowledge has been vital in supporting vulnerable youth, fostering resilience, and equipping them with the confidence and skills needed for positive futures.
Dwayne Payne
Manager, Reverend Charles Harris Diversionary Centre
Dwayne Payne
Manager, Reverend Charles Harris Diversionary Centre
Dwayne Payne began with Yumba-Meta Limited in 2023 as a Youth Worker in residential care, progressing to Case Worker at Dale Parker Place before moving into a Coordinator role.
Today, Dwayne serves as Manager of the Reverend Charles Harris Diversionary Centre, providing strong leadership in service delivery and client support.
Bringing more than 20 years of experience in the mining industry, Dwayne has worked across Queensland and spent five years in Papua New Guinea. This diverse background underpins Dwayne’s approach to managing complex community programs.
Through a focus on wellbeing and empowerment, Dwayne is dedicated to supporting YML clients on pathways to stability and continues to make a meaningful contribution to the organisation’s mission.
