Birribi celebrates 30 years of service
Rockhampton's Birribi residential facility recently celebrated 30 years of service to people with a disability.
Birribi, which means 'resting place' is home to 31 residents, some of whom have lived in the centre since the day it opened.
The 30th anniversary celebrations saw about 200 carers, residents, family and friends gather at the centre and be entertained by local band, the Sidekicks, Aboriginal dancers and church singers.
Birribi Nurse Unit Manager Naomi Walker says the celebration was an opportunity to acknowledge the changes to residential care over the past 30 years.
"We're moving away from the institutionalised model of care to more of an individualised care model," she says.
"De-institutionalisation means that people with a disability are more than ever supported in the community which is a great step forward in enriching their lives."
Naomi says the service's dedicated and committed employees have also helped create a family atmosphere.
"Many former staff return to visit the residents they have become attached to and many returned to join in the birthday celebrations," she says.
"While the work can be challenging, the relationships formed between staff and the residents are also very rewarding."
Last updated November 2007