A $2.2 million Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) construction project, over eighteen months in the making, is getting ready to welcome its first residents in a few short weeks.
The centrally located villas, a partnership between LiveBetter and Langford Regional, for SDA approved customers will allow residents to live a highly independent life – both at home and in the local community.
The 10-unit single storey villa complex is located on Queen St – only a short distance to local amenities such as the Dubbo Cultural Centre, train station, local shops, cafes and eateries.
All the elements have been carefully considered by property developer, Ryan Medley and his brother, Shane, from choosing a suitable location to fitting it out with elements conducive to people living with disability. Residents even have the option of who they live with, which could be a friend or a parent or guardian.
From his experiences as a young, community-minded man living with disability, Ryan specifically chose the Queen St block, primarily because the central location would give people with disability the chance to live a more independent life,
“It’s in a central location, meaning that residents can pretty much get wherever in town without necessarily needing someone to drive them around. This opens up so many options and freedoms for the people living there and makes it easier for them to do things, like get a job or get to social activities with their mates.”
Ryan became an expert in SDA requirements and took the lead in choosing elements, such as specific flooring for wheelchair traction, sensor operated doors (so no fiddling with keys or door handles) and ensuring that each master bedroom can be modified to suit individual needs,
“All tradespeople working on the project are fully aware of the purpose and impact of this housing for people living with disability, so they want to get it finished to a high standard, to help others,” Ryan and Shane add.
According to Briette Parish, Executive General Manager of Disability Services at LiveBetter, the new development presents an exciting and unique opportunity to the people of regional NSW,
“We are really excited about this partnership and the opportunities created for people with disability to live in this purpose-built accommodation setting. The property is unique because it’s the first time people with disability will have the option to choose their housemate, which could be family,” said Ms Parish.
Ryan Medley will hand over the keys to the new villas to LiveBetter in mid-August with the fortunate new residents to move in shortly after. There are very limited spaces available if you, or someone you know, is interested in moving to this highly desirable Specialist Disability Accommodation.
If you would like to enquire, please contact Roxanne Miller (nee Allan) at accommodation@livebetter.org.au
