A celebration today marks construction progress at this St Albans disability housing development by Active Community Housing and annecto, with Community Sector Banking providing its first loan in Victoria for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
The 8 Browne Avenue project in St Albans will deliver four SDA dwellings to meet the growing need from NDIS participants in Melbourne’s West. The house will feature an onsite staff unit to provide 24-hour support.
It is one of the first developments being built to meet NDIS’ Supported Disability Accommodation standards – which are designed to provide people with disabilities greater independence and dignity in their living arrangements.
Gathered to celebrate the start of construction at the Browne Avenue site on 14 February was: The Hon. Martin Foley, Minister for Housing, Disability & Ageing, Chris Glennen, Active Community Housing CEO, Estelle Fyffe, annecto CEO, Bruce Argyle, Community Sector Banking Victorian State Manager.
Minister Foley said: “The NDIS rollout and the housing choices that will accompany it are about delivering the promise of an ordinary life for people with disability – and ensuring they are able to live their life, their way.”
“We welcome these new accommodation units which will go a long way to assist NDIS participants in Melbourne’s west.”
“Victoria is committed to supporting people with disability and their families, the workforce and service providers as they transition to the NDIS.”
“As one of the state’s first specialist disability housing loans, this development is a true milestone for Victoria and Community Sector Banking,” said Mr Argyle.
“Australia needs much more specialist disability housing to meet demand, and we are committed to supporting its development to ensure everyone has a safe and comfortable place to call home,” he said.
Mr Glennen said: “We’re proud to be a forward-focused part of the community housing sector delivering purpose built housing for people with complex support needs.”
“We see the introduction of the NDIS as an important step towards helping the people who rely on us to enjoy greater security and independence and to have well designed, affordable, long term housing with high quality care and support provided by partners like annecto,” he said.
Ms Fyffe said annecto was thrilled to be a partner in an innovative housing development for people with disability.
“We have been involved in the project since its conception, and have drawn upon our experience in disability housing support to help tailor the design to best suit people’s lifestyles,” she said.
“annecto will soon begin pre-planning with prospective tenants to ensure they receive the appropriate supports. We are looking forward supporting the residents to live independently.”
The housing project will be completed in August 2018. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Victorian government who provided the land and the NDIS who provided an innovations grant of $448,000.
