In 1987 the name Karabi Community & Development Services was chosen by the local community to give greater representation of a growing organisation. Karabi is an Indigenous word from the local Darug tribe meaning Sulphar Crested Cockatoo. This name was chosen by the local community to symbolise the gatherings of many flocks of cockatoos in the local area. In 1999 Karabi successfully auspiced a newly funded project through Western Sydney Area Assistance Scheme and was located at the Toongabbie Neighbourhood Cottage – Now known as Karabi Neighbourhood Cottage (TNC) Seven Hills. An integral part of Karabi, this project was supported by the (then) Department of Community Services and now receives ongoing, renewable funding to work with the local community around the Seven Hills, Toongabbie and Wentworthville area.
In 2009 Karabi was successful in opening its third centre, Karabi Neighbourhood Cottage (KNC) Constitution Hill with the establishment of two newly funded projects namely the Community Capacity Building Project and Young Persons services. In 2010 Karabi started the Indigenous Project at Constitution Hill Centre with the Koori Idol Project and, in 2011 Karabi commenced Social Support project for seniors, frail aged and people with disabilities and their carers and, commenced to service the community in Blacktown LGA from Karabi Neighbourhood Cottage Seven Hills. Karabi’s key objectives are to reduce social isolation, build social inclusion and to enhance community participation of the residents in Wentworthville, Parramatta and Toongabbie / Seven Hills and surrounding areas. Karabi, like other non-government organisations (NGOs) in the area, has an important role to play in contributing to ensure the community’s rights and entitlements are addressed, families and individuals are supported and strengthened and community participation and harmony are enhanced. Karabi applies the community development model to engage with the community to plan, deliver and evaluate social, recreational and educational activities and other projects and activities that address community issues, needs, rights and aspirations.