celebrating 30 years

Identifying a need and creating a solution: A vision is born in Townsville

• SOLAS began in Townsville in 1995 after a local research project highlighted a clear need for better community support for people living with psychiatric disabilities.
• Starting out in a rented house in Oonoonba, a small and passionate SOLAS committee launched a pilot program that delivered practical, community-based support—and laid the foundation for the organisation’s growth and impact in the years to come

A year of growth, leadership and new beginnings. 

• SOLAS became incorporated, strengthening its governance and organisational foundation.
• Rhonda Clark appointed as the first Manager and first full-time employee of SOLAS while leading an initial team of 2 part-time and 1 casual staff supporting early service delivery and administration.
• The program focused on reducing hospital admissions by supporting people in the community and helping minimise both the frequency and duration of hospital stays.

Growing stronger: A bigger home base is needed.

Driven by growing demand for services and the organisation’s expanding role in the community, SOLAS moved to a larger premises at 256 Ross River Road, Aitkenvale.

Expanding support across the region.

• SOLAS collaborated with existing services to deliver coordinated, person-centred support for former institutional residents in Charters Towers.
• SOLAS was part of Project 300 which was established to support the 300 people across Queensland transitioning from mental health institutions into community living, providing tailored assistance and connection to local supports.

A new chapter in Mundingburra.

Due to continued growth the organisation relocated to a premise 70 Ross River Road, Mundingburra.

A five-year lease marks a new era in Hyde Park.

After another lease end it was necessary to move again and sign a 5-year lease on Cummins Street, Hyde Park.

Strategic growth and regional expansion.

• Property ownership identified as a key strategic priority in the 2008 SOLAS Strategic Plan, with dedicated funding allocated to progress this goal.
• Regional service delivery expanded through partnerships in Charters Towers, Hughenden, Ingham and the Burdekin, strengthening support across North Queensland.
• Personal Helpers and Mentors (PHaMs) program delivered directly by SOLAS to individuals in Townsville and Palm Island, enhancing access to personalised mental health support.

Planning for a purpose-built project.

With no suitable office space options available, SOLAS made the strategic decision to build a purpose?built office to support its growing services and long?term operational needs.

Major milestones towards a permanent office.

• SOLAS secured suitable land on Charles Street to progress its long-term plan for a purpose-built office.
• The first sod was turned in October 2012, marking the official start of the project.
• Formed a key partnership with Bernard Lancini (Lancini Homes), owner of the Charles Street land.
• Commenced a two-year design and construction period, led by Bernard Lancini and designer Greg Van Dinte.

A new era of SOLAS.

• Rhonda Clark retired after 17 years of leadership, and Cathy O’Toole was appointed as the new CEO, marking a significant milestone in organisational succession and direction.
• SOLAS transitioned from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee, enhancing its governance structure and aligning with future growth plans.

A new purpose-built base opens

Official opening of the new SOLAS building at 66 Charles Street, Aitkenvale, marking a major milestone in establishing a permanent, purpose-built base for services and future growth.

NDIS readiness and service expansion

• Acquired Job Train, expanding SOLAS’ scope to operate as a registered training organisation in preparation for the transition to the NDIS.
• Established a physical presence on Palm Island, including setting up an office room to support local service delivery.
• 962 people supported across SOLAS programs and services throughout the year.
• All people accessing SOLAS supports transitioned to individualised packages, aligning the organisation with NDIS principles of choice and control.

NDIS rollout.

• Townsville became the first region in Queensland to join the NDIS rollout, marking a major milestone in disability support reform.
• 196 NDIS recipients supported, reflecting strong early engagement with the new scheme.

A major merger and a new identity.

• Debra Burden commenced as CEO, finalising the merger of SOLAS with MIFNQ and leading the newly merged organisation into its next phase of growth. The organisation was then renamed selectability, marking a significant transformation in scale, identity and service reach.

Post merger footprint

• 12 sites including 3 clubhouses, significantly expanding service accessibility across North Queensland.
• Services delivered across multiple regions, including Townsville, Cairns, Ingham, Mackay, Palm Island and Mount Isa.

expanding services and new initiatives.

• Mackay Wellbeing Practice officially opened, strengthening selectability’s regional mental health and wellbeing support.
• Job Train rebranded to selectability Training, aligning the training arm with the organisation’s broader identity and service vision.
• selectwellbeing launched, expanding proactive wellbeing initiatives and early-intervention support across the region.

Expanding services and supporting communities through COVID 19.

• Three new Mental Health Hubs opened in Townsville, Mackay and Cairns, increasing access to mental health support across the region.
• Carer Gateway program launched in April 2020, providing dedicated support for unpaid carers.
• Five new Bike Sheds established in Townsville, Mackay, Palm Island, Charters Towers and Mount Isa, created in response to the COVID-19 loneliness epidemic and to promote community connection and wellbeing.
• First General Manager for Mackay appointed, supporting the organisation’s regional expansion framework.
• selectability named Queensland’s 2020 Medium Employer of the Year, recognising excellence in workforce development and training.

Expanding regional leadership and service delivery.

• First General Manager for Townsville appointed, strengthening leadership as part of selectability’s regional expansion framework.
• selectability invited to begin delivering child and family care services, expanding the organisation’s scope of community support.
• Ingham Mental Health Hub officially opened, improving access to local mental health services.
• Rockhampton’s first Mental Health Hub opened, extending selectability’s footprint into Central Queensland.
• Mount Isa team relocated to a new site, establishing the region’s first dedicated Mental Health Hub.
• selectability won the Large Not-for-Profit Award at the 2021 Queensland Mental Health Week Awards, recognising excellence in mental health service delivery.

New hubs, new partnerships and board leadership transition.

• Bowen Mental Health Hub officially opened, expanding selectability’s service footprint along the North Queensland coast.
• selectability Corner officially opened by Queensland Mental Health Commissioner, Ivan Frkovic, creating a dedicated space for community connection and wellbeing in Townsville City.
• Partnership established between TUH and selectability to create a Crisis Support Space, enhancing support options for people experiencing acute distress.
• Tom Ryan resigned as Chair after 29 years of service, with Danielle Hornsby appointed as the new Chair, marking a significant leadership transition.

Expanding our footprint and diversifying into remote aged care services.

• Head office relocated to Townsville City, enhancing organisational presence and centralising operations.
• Moranbah Mental Health Hub officially opened, increasing access to mental health support in the Isaac region.
• New Charters Towers Mental Health Hub opened on the main street, improving visibility and accessibility for the local community.
• BikeSheds officially opened in Mount Isa, Cairns and Rockhampton, further expanding selectability’s community wellbeing initiatives.
• Sarina Mental Health Hub destroyed by fire just weeks before opening, representing a significant setback for planned service expansion in the region.
• Assumed responsibility for three First Nations residential aged care homes in the Lower Gulf, strengthening culturally appropriate aged care support in remote communities.

Building regional presence and expanding service assets.

• Signed lease for the Sarina Mental Health Hub, progressing plans to re-establish services in the region following the 2023 setback.
• Purchased the Gulfland Motel and Caravan Park, expanding selectability’s asset base and supporting future service delivery in the Lower Gulf.
• Burdekin Mental Health Hub officially opened, increasing access to mental health and wellbeing support for the Burdekin community.

New hubs, expanded services and national recognition.

• Rockhampton Mental Health Hub relocated to a new purpose-built building and officially opened in February 2025, strengthening service capacity in Central Queensland.
• Richmond Wellbeing Hub officially opened in June 2025, expanding access to mental health and wellbeing support in the region.
• Services expanded into Aurukun, including assuming responsibility for an aged care day facility to support local Elders and community members.
• selectability received a national aged care award, recognising excellence in delivering culturally appropriate and person-centred aged care services in the rural and remote category.
• 18 communities supported across Queensland and the Lower Gulf.
• 3,000+ recipients accessed selectability services in 2025.
• 950+ employees delivering services and supporting the organisation across Queensland.