Eumundi Voice Issue 113, 20 March 2025

Peace, Love and Pets

Peace, Love and Pets – to most people a perfect combination – is now available through an inspirational organisation, with one mother’s dream to help her daughter, changing the lives of around 20 young adults.

Lee Williams sought a compassionate training and support program to help transition her teenage daughter with special needs into independent life and work. Finding none that matched her ideas, she began a small program from a 2-bedroom flat in Mt Coolum, before expanding to Marcoola in mid-2024. Now Tribe Community Connect has opened in a lovely rural homestead between North Arm and Yandina Creek. Its workshops, classroom and business outlet will soon include onsite living for 4 people.

Lee provides training and work skills with the support of office manager Yasmin and former Sunshine Beach High School teacher Leanne. Programs include functional academics, interview preparation, social skills, money

management, healthy habits, household tasks, meal preparation and responsibility. Most participants receive work experience and even paid part-time work. Support workers provide one-to-one assistance at work, home, the homestead or when out learning travel, shopping, socialising and other skills.

Participants attend when they can but must do at least 8 hours a week to show commitment to the program. Much of the learning comes from practical involvement in Tribe’s major source of income – a 100% Australian-made dog food company called Peace, Love and Pets.

The totally Australian ingredients are air dried, manufactured to HACCP, FDA and Safefood Qld standards by a Brisbane family business which delivers to the centre. Tribe members learn to weigh, hand pack, create labels, attach seals, keep accounts, sales records and help distribution through local markets, online or word of mouth. Products include handmade dog toys, bow ties, bandanas and aroma beads.

Skilled sewing also produces hearts for Mater Hospital Maternity wards.

Yasmin said they have girls’ and boys’ groups, along with individual or whole group learning activities. There is a lot of fun, laughter, art, games, and even karaoke, to ensure attention doesn’t wane with the focus too long on just one activity.

Yasmin said, “Participants are from local families. They are brilliant young people who are so capable but need help to reach their full potential. Some are non-verbal but all can build the skills they need at their own pace and in their individual style.”

The only government help for Tribe is one support worker through NDIS, although some participants get funding through NDIS to take part.

“We are definitely not in this for money,” Leanne said. “We do it for a lot of love and the pride we get seeing these young people developing into amazing adults.”

There is a waiting list for participants but the costs connected with running the pet business and teaching programme mean some will be disappointed.

You can find Peace, Love and Pets through Tribe Community Connect at: peaceloveandpets.com. au or tribecommunityconnect.com.au or phone 5378 2974. Eileen Walder