January 21, 2026

Flexi Queensland Celebrates Award-Winning Year & 30 Years of Community Care

By Chelsea Ravizza

Flexi Queensland has wrapped up a landmark year, marked by milestone celebrations and the honour of receiving its second consecutive Enablement Award for The Most Exceptional Disability Support Service Team in Australia.

“Flexi Queensland has had a massive 2025! We are so thankful for all the opportunities and adventures 2025 has brought us,” said Flexi Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Teneill Ready.

In 2025, the organisation celebrated its 30th anniversary, commemorating three decades of community support with a special gathering and the official renaming of one of its facilities.

“We held a community celebration where we renamed the Petersen Hangout (formerly the Therapy and Activity Centre) after our founding board member, Maryann Peterse, which was also partially funded by Burdekin Shire Council’s Community Grant Program,” Teneill explained.

Throughout the year, Flexi Queensland installed an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) at Petersen Hangout with funding from the North Queensland Gas Pipeline Grant and completed a range of building improvements thanks to generous support from local businesses and grants, including the Gambling Community Benefit Fund Super Round. The organisation also secured funding through the ANZ Seeds of Renewal Grant, which will be used to install solar power at one of Flexi’s Supported Independent Living houses.

“Flexi Queensland’s always looking to support local businesses, and last year, we connected with so many, and received many donations for fundraising raffles, which we were able to contribute towards new upgrades at Petersen Hangout,” Teneill added.

Keeping clients active and connected remained a strong focus, with Flexi Queensland organising group outings to local events such as Morning Melodies, Canefield ASHES, Sweet Days Hot Nights, the Burdekin Show and the Burdekin Water Festival.

The organisation also celebrated several personal achievements among clients and carers, including sailing experiences with Sailability in Townsville and continued support toward individual goals, both big and small.

Reinstating the Junior Group program was another standout achievement, with the team looking forward to supporting children and teenagers working toward greater independence.

“We are proud to support connections within the disability community, and with our social initiatives, we have been able to keep our community connected to each other and support our clients to maintain their friendships, hobbies, and social interactions amongst themselves, and with the wider community.”

Teneill also encouraged locals to consider getting involved with Flexi Queensland.
“Flexi Queensland is proudly guided by a Board of Directors, which are made up of local community members who generously give their time, skills and lived experiences to support our organisation,” she enthused.

“Becoming a volunteer director is a meaningful way to give back to your community, grow your leadership skills, and help strengthen local supports for those who need them most.”

For more information or to express interest, contact Flexi Queensland at management@flexiqld.com or phone (07) 4783 5866.

Flexi Queensland are looking forward to everything 2026 will bring! Photo supplied