Multimedia Producer
Kai’Mia Community Marks 50‑Year Milestone
with Fresh Identity
The long‑standing Gymea Community Aid and Information Service is now known by a new name that reaches back to the land it serves.
From this week onward, the organisation operates as Kai’Mia Community, a Dharawal term for the iconic Gymea Lily where the service has been a lifeline for half a century.
A name rooted in country
“We are looking back at our roots where we have come from but also looking forward to the next 50 years . ” explained General Manager Renee Hall, who oversaw the re‑branding process alongside local elders, staff and volunteers. "We have a greater reach now and we worked very hard in consultation with local elders, community and our stakeholders."
Pronounced kye‑mee‑ah, Kai’Mia evokes the native Gymea Lily— strong, grounded and known for standing tall.
From Gymea to Kai’Mia – why the change now?
The community centre will continue its popular programs including migrant children homework help sessions, gardening workshops, seniors fitness, computer literacy classes, Spanish speaking group and English classes.
However, Hall says the shift in name reflects the organisation’s evolution beyond its original suburb‑centric identity. “Our programs, and reach now stretch far beyond Gymea,” she noted. “We cover the Sydney basin, from Wollongong, Newcastle, the Shire."
The rebrand aligns with a period of a broader geographic footprint and rising demand for community‑based support.
Humble beginnings
"The first volunteer was called Meredith Taylor", Hall recalls, "her and a few other volunteers got together in her living room to help out young mums with babies who were disconnected from community, to help make appointments and to help with the children." Since then the centre has only grown bigger in scope and coverage.
Challenges
The centre has not been without its challenges. Chairperson Kaye Herald noted they have gone through some difficult times especially during covid, but that they worked hard through the period because they didn't want their clients to have nothing. "We did online sessions, we were ducks paddling madly underwater but calm on the surface". Herald thanks the team staff, and dedicated volunteers who came through "in leaps and bounds". The centre has gone from 300 clients during that time to over 3000.
September celebrations – a community festivity
From 22–25 September, the organisation hosted a four‑day festival to mark both the 50‑year anniversary and the new branding. Highlights included live entertainment, line-dancing and belly dancing, a herbal tea workshop, and a series of free classes. Kai'Mia also run programs such as a driver mentor program for refugees and migrants across Western Sydney, Wollongong, and Newcastle.
Looking ahead
As Kai’Mia Community steps into its next chapter, its guiding mottos— getting settled, ageing well, belonging and enjoyment, building futures,—remain unchanged. The fresh name signals a renewed commitment to inclusive, place‑based support while honouring five decades of trust, partnership and shared purpose.
"I'm excited about our programs this year, such as the seniors fitness classes which include gym, weights, pilates, for those over 65s but also the drivers licence program which we will celebrate in November." The program helps those who need assistance receiving their P1 plates.
Residents are encouraged to join the celebrations, share their own snapshots on social media with the hashtag #kaimiacommunity.
