IDEAL Placements Celebrates 30 Years Of Community Impact

From a humble seed planted three decades ago, IDEAL Placements has blossomed into a community cornerstone, transforming thousands of lives through meaningful employment. This milestone was recently celebrated with heartfelt speeches, treasured memories, and an enduring message – one where people always come first.

Notable employees, supporters, and guests gathered at the Windmill Motel and Events Centre on June 14 to honour the broad and lasting impact of IDEAL Placements across the Mackay region and beyond.

Master of Ceremonies Nick Bennet opened the event by revisiting IDEAL’s origins and ethos.

“Thirty years ago, this all started with a philosophy and a belief that everybody could have the value of a whole of life experience,” he said.

Melissa Holmes, General Manager of IDEAL Placements, was recognised for her leadership and ongoing commitment to people-first practices.

“We are so proud of Melissa and her team, who continue to build on this legacy with passion, courage, and commitment.”

Diane Chataway, the organisation’s first General Manager, also received special recognition.

“Can you imagine starting this 30 years ago, and seeing it still thrive after all the changes in policy and government… and to see IDEAL still here and going strong is absolutely fabulous.”

Local dignitaries in attendance included Mayor Greg Williamson, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton, Russell Key from the RSL, and founding committee member Dan Toohey, father of the late Daniel Toohey.

IDEAL’s longstanding community ties were the focus of many remarks.

Melissa Holmes reflected on this strength, saying, “It’s not just what we do, it’s how we do it.

“Our staff, our employers, our participants – they’re all part of something bigger.”

As IDEAL embarks on a new chapter as it becomes a proud partner of the are-able Group, there was a clear sense of optimism in the room.

“This is not a farewell,” Ms Holmes said.

“It’s a step forward so we can be stronger and more capable than ever.”

Glasses were raised in celebration – not just of 30 years past, but of the next 30 to come.

One of IDEAL’s founding members, Dr. Lance Le Ray, who unfortunately could not attend in person, sent a thoughtful video message reflecting on the organisation’s legacy.

“Here we are celebrating the continued success of this very effective and resilient organisation,” he said.

“Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to be here tonight with you, and I sincerely wish you another 30 years of great success helping the community.”

A New Partnership To Strengthen Support

IDEAL Placements is set to become a proud member of the are-able Group as an established, values-driven organisation that supports inclusive employment, NDIS services, and social enterprises across regional Victoria.

Founded in 1995 by  local families, IDEAL Placements has delivered participant-first, community-based services for three decades.

“This transition allows us to continue what we do best – while gaining access to new tools, systems, and resources,” said Ms Holmes.

“Our name and presence in the community remain, but now we have the backing of a broader, values-aligned network.”

The move forward will not change day-to-day operations. As Jason Ernst, Interim CEO of are-able, confirmed, “This is about doing more, not changing what works.

“Together, we’ll continue to support individuals and employers while growing stronger as a united network.”

Mayor Greg Williamson Reflects On IDEAL’s Legacy

Mayor Greg Williamson was among the keynote speakers on the night. He acknowledged the organisation’s wide-reaching influence.

“It has touched the lives of hundreds of people over those 30 years—not just the lives of clients, but the lives of families... What you have done makes our community very, very special.”

“You have great passion, and everybody who has been involved in delivering that passion—we as a grateful community, thank you.”

Mayor Williamson also emphasised the importance of inclusion in the Australian identity, and encouraged all involved to take pride in their role.

“As Australians, we have to embed in our culture the fact that we should leave nobody behind. And that’s what IDEAL Placements has done for 30 odd years.

“If you’ve been part of this journey – a passionate deliverer of service, a recipient, a family member, or board member – you should be feeling very proud tonight.

“From a grateful community, thank you for what you have done for us, and congratulations on the first 30 years…we’re looking forward to some tremendous years in the future.”

Commitment To Community Impact

Melissa Holmes shared more about IDEAL Placements’ work, explaining how the organisation’s reach spans ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

“We’re very entrenched in our community and have lots of community connections to support all our participants.

“It ranges in ages from 15 right up to 65, so it’s very exciting. It’s a really good cross-section of different people within our community where we can help.”

Ms Holmes outlined the life-changing nature of employment placement services.

“Placing people into employment… sometimes for our youth it’s their very first job. It may not be their career choice, but it’s definitely giving them a landing page for the rest of their life.

“Watching our mature age actually value their skills and re-enter the workforce is absolutely awesome. And with disability… even just doing more awareness activities with us, being out in the community, is really important.”

IDEAL also engages in a range of outreach initiatives, such as community coat racks in winter and public engagement events in Bowen, Sarina, and Cannonvale.

Describing the partnership with are-able, Ms Holmes said, “It strengthens us as a business and gives us more support to do the great things we do in the community.”

Her advice for those considering IDEAL’s services is simply to just walk in the door, pick up the phone or give the friendly team a call.

“We are always here to help.”

Daniel Toohey Memorial Award Honours Courage And Growth

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Daniel Toohey Memorial Award, created in memory of a cherished former participant.

“The Toohey family has graciously given us permission to present an award in honour of their late son and brother, Daniel Toohey.”

Daniel was remembered as “a go-getter, always kind in his nature, a real people person, and always willing to give things a go.

“He was always positive and would talk about his future aspirations… it was a real privilege to be able to support him.”

This year’s recipient, Khye Joiner, exemplified Daniel’s spirit. His journey began with significant personal challenges that initially led to disengagement from services.

Ms Holmes said, “Securing employment was always his goal, but the process getting there had lots of personal hurdles.”

With support from IDEAL staff and his workplace supervisors, he started working casually at Kmart and later added a second job at Chemist Warehouse.

“Today he is employed full-time, thriving in his role, and living independently. He credits his success to the changes he made within himself, and we couldn't be prouder of how far he has come.”

His growth, the team noted, represents “a powerful example of what can be achieved through persistence, support, and self-belief.”

He has since transitioned out of IDEAL services as a “confident, self-sufficient young man.”

About IDEAL Placements

Since 1995, IDEAL Placements has provided employment and training services across Mackay, the Whitsundays, and surrounding areas. Their participant-first approach ensures individual needs are supported with care and consistency.

IDEAL Placements’ programs include:
• Disability Employment Services (DES)
• Workforce Australia
• Transition to Work (TtW)
• Career Transition Assistance (CTA)
• Employer Recruitment Services
• Ticket to Work
• Skilling Queenslanders for Work Projects

The organisation also partners with local employers, training providers, health professionals, community groups, and government agencies to deliver effective and inclusive employment outcomes.

As IDEAL Placements marks three decades of impact, it reaffirms its purpose and prepares for the future, with a continued promise to empower people, support communities, and provide lasting opportunities for those who need it most.

For more information, visit www.idealplacements.com.au

Testimonials:

Cr Alison Jones
Mackay Regional Council

“My longstanding commitment to IDEAL Placements has stemmed from my role as an employee, as an end user for a family member, as a councillor sitting on the Mackay Training and Employment Committee, and a lengthy relationship with CEO Kathy Dine and the Mackay Drop-in Centre. IDEAL Placements has achieved so much over its 30 years, always remaining very community-focused and helping those in need through their programs in the Mackay and Whitsunday Region”

Nicolette Ffrost
The Neighbourhood Hub

“Congratulations to IDEAL Placements on reaching your incredible 30-year milestone! This achievement reflects your unwavering commitment to empowering individuals in their employment journey. Our partnership with IDEAL placements spans several years, during which we have witnessed the quality services they provide that genuinely improve lives and enhance quality of life and participation in an inclusive society. We are grateful for our strong partnership and deeply appreciate the collaborative spirit that defines our working relationship. Your team's professionalism and genuine care for the individuals you serve have made our joint efforts both meaningful and effective. Thank you for the opportunity to work alongside such a dedicated organisation. We look forward to many more years of successful collaboration as we continue creating inclusive employment opportunities together. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement.”

Rhiannon Minniecon
Executive Director / Regional Services Delivery / Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Partnerships / Department of Women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships and Multiculturalism

“I started employment with IDEAL in 2009 as a job coordinator. I had worked previously in the employment industry, but never in a place like IDEAL. It was always filled with laughter, drive, and a passion like no other to not only place people into employment but to truly value them. Kathy Dine, the former CEO of the organisation, always challenged me to think differently and step outside the box. Things that I still reflect upon in my current role. The job seekers and those in need within the community were always put first. I was the Operations Manager when I left IDEAL in 2017, taking on a management role within the Queensland Government. I will always remember fondly my time with IDEAL Placements, and I am thankful for the skills I learnt and the lifelong friends that were made through this time.”

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IDEAL Placements recently marked 30 years of empowering the Mackay and Whitsunday communities through inclusive employment services, with a heartfelt celebration honouring its legacy, community impact, and ongoing commitment to leaving no one behind. Photos supplied

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