About Monkami 

Monkami was first established in 1956 as a Day Training Centre for people with an intellectual disability by a small number of parents who were concerned about their disabled children’s welfare.

Monkami started out in a small church hall with two parents as volunteer teachers caring for eight children. Within a twenty year period of the centre opening over 100 children and adults were attending Monkami either as a resident within the hostel at the Dorset Rd site, as a baby or child, or as an adult in the training and workshop environment. 

In about June 1961 the Secretary raised that there was a need for a residential space for the children, particularly in the area of respite care in the cases of children with illnesses and to provide families much needed breaks form daily caring. There was also a commitment to look at furthering transport options and an extension of services to include a centre for trainees which would later develop into a ‘sheltered workshop’.

Today, Monkami is a contemporary not for profit community organisation, which is dedicated to providing support and opportunities for adults with disabilities across flexible day programs and residential services within the eastern metropolitan area. Monkami has a strong and cemented commitment to the protection and defence of human rights for people with disabilities so that all may live their lives free from abuse and neglect.

[Picture - Historical 1960's Image]

Monkami helps to support approximately 130 people with disability to succeed in reaching their potential and to reach their individual goals within their personal lives as well as engaging in their broader community to develop valued relationships.

Monkami thrives on the ability to work alongside other community organisations, to ensure our people can access unique and valued opportunities, tools and activities, to aid in the development and use of their skills.

Within these programs, people are provided with opportunities to create meaningful connections to the wider community, gain employment and build friendships to last a life time.

We are authentically committed to our Organisational Values of Integrity, Respect, Knowledge, Compassion and Fairness. These Values permeate everything we do. We will always act responsibly, openly and honestly, with transparency fundamental to the way we conduct all of our business.

2020 celebrated the 64th year of service to the community for Monkami. With our life members, progressive Board, participants and fabulous staff, Monkami is paving the way for innovative support services for and with, our people.