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History repeats Waminda is again keenly researching, just as it was back in the 1970s, the changing needs of the community. In some ways those needs have changed over the years - they are certainly more complex - but the mission is unchanged in its intent. We are still here to care for people and families wherever there is a disability. |
Our history
In the mid 1970s a committee appointed by St Marks Lutheran Church in Dalby investigated the need for a centre to help people with an intellectual disability in the town and surrounds. This need was established and the centre opened on the 14th February 1978 with six clients in a small house owned by the church in Archibald Street. The aim was to provide people with a disability the opportunity to develop skills in daily living, in employment and independent living. In turn, it supported parents and carers. A one-off amount of $1000 was provided by the State Government. The name WAMINDA, an Aboriginal word meaning 'friend' was chosen as the popular short name for 'St Marks Further Education Centre'. St Marks Church established this service as an expression of their Christian faith. Waminda was not eligible for Federal Government funding until 1982/83 when the centre at 19 Patrick Street was built. The organisation existed up till then with church, community and individual support. |
One gentleman donated $50,000 towards a new building and 10 acres of land. Another lent $150,000 free of interest and in the high interest years of the 1980s it earned a good income. This wellwisher bequeathed the money and more to Waminda upon his death. Annual fairs and street stalls were some of ways the committee earned money until State Government funding became available to build accommodation units and provide lifestyle support. Initially Waminda was registered as an Activity Therapy Centre (ATC) and funded largely by the Federal Government. When this legislation was changed to the Disability Services Act (DSA) in 1986, Activity Therapy Centres were no longer eligible for funding and were to be phased out. The Waminda committee (now Board of a community based Public Company) always believed that there were some disabled people who would never be able to live on their own or gain employment and therefore maintained the ATC and group home without government funding or approval. Max Schultz – Founding Chairman |
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