A torrential downpour did not stop the enthusiasm from a big crowd attending the opening of a new Specialist Disability Housing project in Sydney.

Specialist Disability Housing provider, Good Housing, has just opened its third project on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with five modern one-bedroom villas, all on one level with discreet 24-hour on-site carer support if needed.

The new housing complex was opened by MacKellar MP Jason Falinksi, chair of an inquiry into housing affordability and a supporter of the new style of accommodation being offered to people with disability. “We need more diversity in our housing mix that is being provided with innovative developments like this,” he said.

Good Housing co-founder, Sam Graiche said the organisation is planning to build 300 homes across Australia over the next five years. This latest site delivers much needed SDA on Sydney’s Northern Beaches where demand is high, with 30 applications received for the five villas.

Smart technologies with health and design aspects have been incorporated into the villas and include voice activated blinds and doors, low volatile VOC paints, air conditioning and private courtyards. Residents also have the option of securing ergonomic furniture and appliances, chosen by an interior designer.

Graiche said Good Housing began from a family need for tailored disability housing solutions with three nephews living with special needs. “We set out to produce something better than what was available,” he said.

Co-founder Antony Anisse told F2L the strategy behind the SDA projects is “to build a home that every family will be proud of, and they are, and they will be. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that we would be up to our third home with another 10 projects planned this year in NSW and we are also expanding into Victoria,” he said. “The brand has gone from an idea we just came up with and to get this support from our partners and the disability network is a nice feeling.”

The villas are available to adults aged 18 to 64 years. Tenants pay a reasonable rent contribution, coupled with their NDIS SDA subsidy.

Image: Antony Anissse and Jason Falinski MP