Readers are advised that this article contains the name of an Aboriginal person who is deceased
Marian Wright Edelman once said, “Service is the rent we pay for being. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time.” These words were echoed by Dr Gerald Featherstone during Kummara’s 25th Anniversary celebration, affirming the privilege of serving others.
Since its founding in 1999, Kummara Limited has been a motivating force, providing essential services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Born from the dream of the late Sue Featherstone (1949-2009), Kummara exists to nurture resilient children, families, and communities, addressing issues at personal, social, and structural levels.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr Gerald Featherstone described this milestone best during the 25th year anniversary celebrations recently held in Brisbane: “Twenty-five years of service to the community is an extraordinary achievement and one centred on trust, belief, and
commitment.”
Kummara’s journey began with the Koolangarra Child Care Centre, established through Sue Featherstone’s vision and her tireless work along with the many volunteers she rallied in those early days. What started as a single childcare centre has grown into an organisation running 12 Kummara-led programs and 10 KICS programs in partnership with Infinity Community Solutions Ltd. From its humble beginnings, Kummara has achieved remarkable milestones:
- 1999: Held its first AGM with a small but dedicated group of volunteers.
- 2003: Launched its first family intervention services.
- 2009: Established the Highly Focused Child Protection program.
- 2012: Expanded into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Support Services.
- 2017: Partnered with Infinity Community Solutions Ltd. to broaden services under the KICS program.
- 2024: Continued expansion into early intervention, integrated family services, Connected Beginnings and Delegated Authority programs.
Reflecting on this legacy in the Chair’s speech on the night, Founding Member Aunty Leslie Clements shared: “It is an honour and a privilege to work alongside our current CEO, Gerald Featherstone. I am sure that Sue is watching over her legacy and is proud of the work that Gerald has continued with her dream of supporting families.”
The growth experienced over the 25 years of service, has been made possible by the unwavering dedication of Kummara’s board, volunteers and staff. In the CEO speech, Dr Featherstone acknowledged key board members and their years of ongoing support for Kummara. This included Rob (23 years of service), Aunty Leslie (25 years), Andy (18 years), Michelle (8 years), and Cassandra (5 years).
As part of the continued recognition of years in service, Dr Featherstone presented several long-term staff with service recognition awards. Highlights included several key KICS staff members receiving acknowledgement for years of service – Ki Tyson, KICS South East Program Manager (13 years), Angela Tyson, KICS Kinship and Foster Care Moreton Bay Team Leader (9 years), Sarah Moss, KICS Kinship and Foster Care Moreton Bay Team Leader (5 years), and Adrienne Diaz, KICS Secondary Family Support Team Leader (5 years) and Ricardo Rimando, KICS Secondary Family Support Senior Family Support Practitioner (8 years).
Dr Featherstone also acknowledged the partnership between Kummara and ICS as being instrumental in the development, growth and transformation of both organisations.
Dr Featherstone described the partnership as “an amazing journey… one of the most unique and effective partnerships in Australia.”
Together since April 2017, the partnership of Kummara and ICS has created programs encompassing Kinship and Foster Care, Secondary Family Support, Family Care Finder, Intensive Family Support and Intensive Kinship Care Support. This collaboration has significantly expanded their ability to provide early intervention and intensive responses to ensure children and young people remain connected to family.
At its core, Kummara’s success is driven by its people who embody the organisation’s values. Their commitment to serving children and families has enabled Kummara to achieve remarkable outcomes, expanding services and delivering hope.
As Dr Featherstone reflected: “We have achieved great outcomes for children and families, thanks to the dedication of our staff and the continued support of funding bodies. This journey has always been about trust and commitment to the people we serve.”
As Kummara steps into its next chapter, its mission remains steadfast: supporting children, families, and communities with compassion and excellence. With a strong foundation built on service and trust, the organisation is poised to continue its transformative work for years to come.
Here’s to 25 years of Kummara—a legacy of love, resilience, and community.