30 July 2024
A new partnership is set to transform housing for individuals with disabilities in the Hunter Region, marking a significant leap forward in the provision of specialised accommodations.
ConnectAbility Australia, a leading NSW-based not-for-profit organisation, has joined forces with Inclusive Housing Australia (IHA) and Lighthouse Infrastructure to co-design and deliver twelve state-of-the-art Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA) homes, setting a new standard in inclusive living.
David Carey, CEO of ConnectAbility Australia, emphasised the transformative impact of this initiative: “The landscape of disability housing is changing for the better. Today, we understand housing needs more deeply through co-design with those who have lived experience. This partnership ensures we build the homes of the future, today, offering peace of mind for participants and their families.”
With over 30 years of experience, ConnectAbility Australia supports more than 1000 customers in the Hunter and Central Coast communities through a variety of programs, including Supported Independent Living, Community and Centre-based programs, Support Coordination, Capacity Building, Youth services, and Allied Health. The new partnership aims to expand these efforts by incorporating the expertise of IHA and the long-term investment commitment of Lighthouse Infrastructure.
James Hooper, Managing Director of Lighthouse Infrastructure, echoed this enthusiasm: “Our recent partnership with Inclusive Housing Australia positions us to deliver more purpose-built SDA in inclusive communities. Jointly, we are excited to collaborate with ConnectAbility, to improve lives through exceptional housing solutions.”
Inclusive Housing Australia is an established SDA provider with a significant operational footprint in Sydney, regional NSW, and Brisbane. Lighthouse Infrastructure, a leading institutional investor in SDA, has been committed to the sector since its initial large-scale investment in 2018. In 2022, Lighthouse established a dedicated SDA investment strategy, investing in 180 SDA homes across 73 locations throughout Australia, providing homes for 400 people.
This partnership leverages the strengths of each organisation to ensure the success of the project. ConnectAbility brings a wealth of experience in providing support services to people with disabilities. IHA contributes its extensive knowledge and established reputation in offering high-quality SDA options. Lighthouse Infrastructure provides the necessary capital and investment commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of the housing projects.
Mr Carey added: “ConnectAbility is proud to be part of this innovative collaboration. By working closely with IHA and Lighthouse Infrastructure, we can ensure that the new SDA homes meet the highest standards of quality and accessibility, tailored to the unique needs of our participants.”
Together, these organisations aim to foster a sense of community, innovation in housing, independence, and empowerment for people with disabilities in the NSW Hunter Region. The twelve new SDA homes will be co-designed with participants, their families, staff, and key stakeholders to ensure they meet the diverse needs and preferences of the individuals who will live in them.
This groundbreaking initiative not only addresses the immediate housing needs of people with disabilities but also demonstrates the power of collaboration and innovation in creating inclusive and supportive communities. As the project progresses, ConnectAbility, IHA, and Lighthouse Infrastructure will continue to engage with the community and other stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery and long-term impact of the new SDA homes.
For more information, contact Natalie Butler:
Phone: 0435 387 475 Email: natalie.butler@caaus.org.au
ConnectAbility Australia: connectability.org.au
Lighthouse Infrastructure: lighthouseinfrastructure.com
Inclusive Housing Australia: inclusivehousing.com.au
