Three more Specialist Disability Accommodation homes open in Geraldton to relieve pressure

Three NDIS-compliant homes purpose-built for people with fully accessible support needs have opened as part of Geraldton’s Dampier Street Project.

The Beachlands homes are next to the West End Villas project on Burges Street and comprise two fully accessible and one high physical support standard home.

WAI Group director Paul Stanley said the West End Villas, which opened mid-last year, were originally meant to be the only set of inclusive homes delivered but a strong community response prompted project partners to build more.

“In partnership with Campbell Homes, West End Villas was Geraldton’s first modern set of SDA (Specialist Disability Accommodation) homes, giving local and Mid West residents with disability a safe, comfortable and supportive place to live,” he said.

“We received a very positive response to that project, so we started planning the Dampier Street Project.

“We are excited to announce that the three new homes are now completed and will be ready to welcome participants in February.”

Activ Foundation head of strategic operations Brooke Draper said there could still be more to come from the Dampier Street site.

“The stock through Geraldton and most regional areas is not at the level it should be,” she said.

“Given the current market, people with disabilities are often left behind but the uniqueness of SDA is it brings several community groups together to get the support they need.

“There is a vacant block next to the completed units and we are in discussion with WAI Group over what that should be, though at this stage it is likely to become affordable housing rather than SDA housing.”

Activ Foundation CEO Michael Heath said the homes were designed to maximise quality of life and included a variety of supportive features, such as adjustable height benchtops, a video intercom system and motorised door openers.

“This is another fantastic opportunity for Activ clients living with disability in Geraldton and the Mid West to live their life to the fullest in purpose-built homes designed for independent living,” he said.

“We are very proud of our continuing relationship with WAI Group and Community Housing Ltd to provide supported accommodation that improves the lives of Western Australians living with disability.”

Community Housing Limited State manager Sean Kelly reiterated the importance of servicing regional areas with accessible and affordable housing.

“Regional areas can often be left behind when it comes to access and inclusion, so it’s great to see Geraldton at the forefront of contemporary SDA homes in WA,” he said.