Jimmy the Kombi rolls into Kangaroo Island

Meet Jimmy the Kombi – Kangaroo Island’s newest community hero

Kangaroo Island has a new local legend hitting the streets – Jimmy the Kombi!

Packed with heart, charm, and a whole lot of purpose, Jimmy’s mission is all about bringing people together, sparking joy, and supporting mental health across the island.

The people behind Jimmy

Kim “Kimmy” Klopotowski and his mum Sue Klopotowska are the force behind this project. Both newcomers to the island, their impact is already making waves. After navigating his own mental health journey, Kimmy founded TOGETHER 4EVER, a not-for-profit born from lived experience, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of community.

And now, with Jimmy the Kombi on the road, their vision of spreading awareness and offering support for mental health is literally kicking into overdrive.

What’s Jimmy all about?

Jimmy isn’t just a Kombi; he’s a personality. With his cheerful logo and friendly vibe, Jimmy is set to become the island’s rolling icon of positivity. Here’s a taste of what he’ll be up to:

• On the Road with Mental Health Support: Taking The Side by Side Project to the streets, Jimmy will bring conversations and resources to those who need it most.
• Pop-Up Fun: Live music sessions, gaming days, giant Jenga, and family-friendly picnics. Jimmy’s got a mini PA system, upgraded speakers, and even a gaming setup to keep the good times rolling.
• Mobile Library: Jimmy’s got a soft spot for the littlest locals. A travelling kids’ library means stories on the go, with the potential for pop-up storytime in the most unexpected places.
• Fundraising with a difference: From community sausage sizzles to collaborative events, Jimmy is all about giving back, with every dollar raised going straight into supporting Together 4ever and its mental health initiatives.

A community effort

Jimmy is entirely self-funded by Kimmy and his mum Sue, with every cent raised through the van going back into the charity. It’s this kind of hands-on dedication that’s at the heart of TOGETHER 4EVER’s mission which is to create meaningful connections and spark conversations that always end with a smile.

Join the party

For KI locals and holidaymakers, if you want to meet Jimmy, head down to Kingscote’s Rock Pool on Sunday, January 19, for his official launch party. It’s a free event with all the trimmings – live music, a sausage sizzle, zooper-doopers, plus giveaways and plenty of island hospitality to go around.

And if you’ve got ideas for how Jimmy can bring even more joy to the community, they are all ears. Whether it’s collaborating on events, using Jimmy for fundraising, or finding a new way to connect, your ideas are welcome.

Follow the journey

If you spot Jimmy cruising around KI, make sure to give him a wave and follow his adventures online as he makes this small patch of the world a much brighter place.